State Program Director

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Paid leave

Education Reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning access

Free Parking

Job summary

The State of Indiana’s Division of Family Resources seeks a Manager of Eligibility Systems to oversee SNAP, TANF, and Health Coverage eligibility systems. You will lead cross‑agency collaborations, align system initiatives with policy requirements, and supervise SME teams to ensure efficient benefit delivery.

This leadership role requires deep program knowledge, analytical acumen, and the ability to drive improvements across multiple state divisions and external partners.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of DFR programs, systems, and policies including SNAP, TANF, Health Coverage eligibility requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to evaluate complex system issues and policy changes.
• Ability to manage and lead subject matter experts and cross‑functional teams.
• Experience coordinating with policy, operations, training and executive staff.
• Comfort with high‑volume communication and vendor interactions.

Responsibilities

• Review system alerts and escalated issues to identify risks and functionality concerns.
• Lead meetings with SMEs, policy staff, and technical partners to discuss performance and eligibility processes.
• Represent DFR business needs in system enhancement and maintenance projects.
• Analyze policy changes to determine necessary system adjustments and workflow impacts.
• Provide direction and coaching to four Program Director 1 employees and oversee performance.

Skills

DFR programs

Systems analysis

Policy coordination

Leadership

Project governance

Job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About The Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA)

The Division of Family Resources (DFR) within the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is responsible for establishing eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. The division also manages the timely and accurate delivery of SNAP and TANF benefits. DFR also provides employment and training services to some SNAP and TANF recipients. The division’s overarching focus is the support and preservation of families by emphasizing self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.

Role Overview

• The Manager of Eligibility Systems serves as the primary leader responsible for overseeing all eligibility systems within the Division of Family Resources (DFR). This role ensures that SNAP, TANF, and Health Coverage eligibility processes operate accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with state and federal guidelines. The manager acts as the business representative for all system enhancements, maintenance initiatives, and technical alignments across DFR programs.
• This position leads system Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), partners with policy, operations, training and executive leadership teams, and collaborates closely with other FSSA divisions—such as the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning (OMPP) and the Division of Strategies and Technologies. The incumbent provides analysis, recommendations, and guidance that support operational excellence, quality improvement, and effective service delivery.
• The manager must maintain deep knowledge of federal/state regulations, DFR business processes, and multiple FSSA computer systems. This role is highly analytical, requires strong judgment, and involves leading multiple complex projects. The position supervises four Program Director 1 roles and serves as an escalation point for system‑related issues.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

DFR Manager of Eligibility Systems

The Division of Family Resources Manager of Eligibility Systems plays a critical leadership role within the Division of Family Resources, overseeing all systems that support eligibility determinations for SNAP, TANF, and Health Coverage programs. This position ensures that complex eligibility systems function accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with State and Federal regulations. This position reports to the DFR Director.

This position serves as the primary business representative for system enhancements and maintenance activities, working closely with DFR policy, operations, training and executive staff—along with other FSSA divisions and external partners. This is a highly collaborative role suited for someone who combines strong technical understanding with a deep knowledge of public assistance programs.

A Day In The Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Review system alerts, emails, and escalated issues from DFR Eligibility Systems SMEs to identify risks or functionality concerns.
• Meet with SMEs, policy staff, operations leadership, and technical partners to gather updates on system performance and eligibility processes.
• Represent DFR business needs in project meetings involving system enhancements, maintenance, and cross‑agency technology initiatives.
• Analyze policy changes and operational updates to determine necessary system adjustments or workflow impacts.
• Provide direction, guidance, and recommendations to Business System Consultants
• Serve as the central point of escalation for complex eligibility system issues, reporting risks and status updates to DFR leadership.
• Review and evaluate business processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of benefit delivery.
• Prepare findings, recommendations, and system improvement updates for the DFR Executive Team.
• Provide daily coaching and oversight to four Program Director 1 employees
• Communicate with partners across FSSA divisions, state agencies, contractors, and advocacy groups to ensure alignment and support.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You’ll Need For Success

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Deep knowledge of DFR programs, systems, and policies, including strong understanding of SNAP, TANF, and Health Coverage eligibility requirements; and extensive familiarity with multiple FSSA computer systems used in eligibility determinations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to evaluate complex system issues, interpret policy changes, and make sound, timely recommendations.
• Ability to manage and lead subject matter experts, including supervising multiple employees and providing direction, coaching, and oversight.
• Comfort with high‑volume communication, including responding to frequent requests for information, managing escalations, and maintaining clear, professional communication with internal and external partners.
• Strong project coordination skills, with the ability to participate in and represent DFR in ongoing system enhancement and maintenance efforts, multi‑agency meetings, and vendor interactions.
• Solid understanding of State and Federal rules, regulations, and procedures, and the ability to ensure system and process decisions align with compliance expectations.
• Capacity to anticipate problems and initiate corrective actions, including assessing risks, identifying gaps, and driving solutions.
• Effective collaboration skills, working with a broad range of partners: policy staff, operations teams, training teams, executives, vendors, contractors, and advocacy groups.
• Ability to evaluate business processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and operational performance.
• Strong communication (written and verbal), including the ability to clearly document findings, communicate system impacts, and present recommendations to the DFR Executive Team.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, high‑complexity environment, handling multiple projects, frequent changes, and daily technical or operational challenges
• Commitment to maintaining positive working relationships with local, state, and federal partners, as well as internal teams and service providers
• Readiness for statewide travel, as needed for meetings, collaboration, or field support.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skill sets.

A degree is not required. However, at least 5 + years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. Completion of relevant education degree(s) may substitute for equivalent years of experience.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without accommodations.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Difficulty Of Work

Your work is broad in scope involving many complex program elements which require critical and administrative analytical abilities. Your work assignments involve the development of new programs and procedures and an assessment and recommendation on whether to implement those already established. Guidelines are established but require broad interpretation and judgment in application and implementation.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully‑funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .