Health Policy and Projects Manager

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 68,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Holidays

Leave accrual

Retirement benefits

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Medical Services, is seeking two policy, projects, and reimbursement specialists in Pierre. You will lead strategic initiatives, manage grants, and refine reimbursement methods while coordinating with internal divisions and stakeholders.

The role emphasizes policy development and data-informed decision making. The ideal candidate brings project management skills, Medicaid knowledge, and strong communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Experience with grant management, fiscal analysis, contract management, and healthcare reimbursement methodologies.
• Knowledge of medical coding and Home and Community Based Services waivers preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy and strategic project initiatives including federal grants management.
• Manage policy projects and timelines ensuring quality and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate Medicaid programs for effectiveness and improvement opportunities.
• Lead efforts to update provider reimbursement methodologies.
• Manage contracts and draft RFPs; support policy implementation through training and communications.
• Coordinate with internal/external partners to align policy; monitor CMS guidance and trends.
• Develop and maintain Medicaid policies, procedures, and provider manuals.
• Use data to monitor performance and inform decisions; prepare briefs and recommendations.
• Prepare leadership correspondence and presentations; oversee Home and Community Based waiver oversight.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder coordination

Communication

Data analysis

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

PowerBI

Job description

Job ID: 37255

Agency: Department of Social Services/Division of Medical Services

Location: Pierre, SD - Other locations may be considered for candidates currently working in the Division of Medical Services.

Salary: $68,000 to $73,500 Annual Salary, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: K

Closing Date: 09/14/2026

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services. For more information on the Department of Social Services, please visit https://dss.sd.gov/.

The South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Medical Services, also known as South Dakota Medicaid, plays a vital role in the healthcare of many South Dakotans. The program is one of the largest healthcare insurers in South Dakota, covering approximately 142,000 individuals on a monthly basis. The program primarily covers children of low-income families including approximately 50 percent of children in South Dakota under age one. Other individuals covered by South Dakota Medicaid include low-income pregnant women, parents, and other caretaker relatives, seniors in nursing homes, individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, and other individuals who meet eligibility criteria.

South Dakota Medicaid is seeking two highly qualified individuals to join our policy, projects, and reimbursement team. Duties may include:

• Leading policy and strategic project initiatives including federal grants management.
• Manage policy projects and timelines, ensuring deliverables meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate existing Medicaid programs and policies for effectiveness, compliance, and opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate and help lead efforts to update healthcare provider reimbursement methodologies.
• Manage contracts and draft requests for proposals.
• Support implementation of new policies through training, communication plans, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate with internal divisions, external partners, and stakeholders to gather input and ensure policy alignment.
• Monitor federal CMS communications and regulatory guidance, emerging trends, and best practices in Medicaid policy.
• Develop, revise, and maintain Medicaid policies, procedures, and provider manuals.
• Leverage data to inform decisions, monitor the program's performance, and measure outcomes.
• Conduct research and prepare policy briefs, issue papers, and recommendations for leadership.
• Providing support to leadership by writing correspondence and preparing presentations/speaking points.
• Assist with oversight of Medicaid Home and Community Based waiver services.

Experience related to grant management, fiscal analysis, contract management, healthcare reimbursement methodologies, medical coding, PowerBI, or Home and Community Based Services waivers is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• project management and leadership skills;
• experience coordinating stakeholder meetings and developing presentations;
• experience managing projects and/or staff;
• experience in health policy, public administration or Medicaid;
• effective communication skills;
• knowledge of data analysis and data visualization;
• knowledge of Medicaid and public assistance programs;
• knowledge of healthcare provider reimbursement methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• demonstrate strong project management and organizational skills;
• maintain exceptional attention to detail;
• communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally;
• work cohesively in a team environment;
• lead organizational change, develop successful teams, and inspire high performance;
• develop and implement policies for statewide implementation;
• establish, implement, and communicate goals, objectives, policies, and procedures with internal and external stakeholders;
• identify, recommend, and implement process improvements and efficiencies;
• apply analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills;
• perform policy focused research;
• prepare, review, and analyze reports;
• conduct strategic planning and problem solving;
• develop relationships with stakeholders.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'