Vice President/Executive Director, Federal Medicaid Practice

Mathematica, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP ownership

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Mathematica, Inc. seeks a nationally influential leader to direct its Federal Medicaid Department at the Executive Director or Vice President level. You will drive advisory services for CMS, MACPAC, and other federal offices, expanding digital capabilities and policy impact.

The role requires deep Medicaid policy experience, strategic leadership, and the ability to expand a large, multidisciplinary team while maintaining strong client relationships and innovative delivery models.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of health sector work experience, with preferred Medicaid policy/ programs leadership at federal or state level.
• Experience with federal/state proposals, budgeting, and teaming with other orgs.
• Strategic thinker with strong data analysis, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to lead through influence in a matrixed environment and build trusted client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Advance Medicaid data analytics leadership across the Federal government and CMCS.
• Manage a 130+ person advisory services practice, define business development priorities and staffing.
• Oversee budgets, project revenue, and growth targets for the department and division.
• Expand digital services with evolving CMCS and federal agency technology capabilities.
• Lead implementation of trend integration like value-based care and equity into Medicaid programs.

Skills

Medicaid policy

Health policy

Data analytics

Executive leadership

Business development

Client relationships

Strategy development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

MPH or MBA

PhD/JD/MD

Job description

Vice President/Executive Director, Federal Medicaid Practice

About Mathematica:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well‑being around the world. We collaborate closely with public‑and private‑sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide‑ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee‑owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Asa national leader in evidence‑based decision‑making, Mathematica builds on itsextensive knowledge of programs and policies to design and implement solutionsbuilt on high quality data, supported by deep understanding of programs andpolicies, and customized for clients’ needs. Driven by its mission, Mathematicafinds ways to improve the quality, efficiency, affordability, and financing ofhealth care, and to promote sound decision‑making in care delivery andfinancing, quality measures and health systems change. Mathematica also worksto address longstanding issues in health care, such as measuring and improvinghealth care quality, controlling health care costs, and designing efficient andeffective delivery systems to meet diverse needs. Weseek a department director for our Federal Medicaid Department (either at theExecutive Director or Vice President level), a mature market, providingadvisory services to the Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) at theCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Medicaid and CHIPPayment Advisory Commission (MACPAC) and numerous other U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services offices and agencies. The department leader willdrive results and deepen relationships with CMS and other Federal agenciesworking with the Medicaid program, as well as provide support and guidance toour State Medicaid group. The positionreports to the Senior Vice President of our Federal Payors and DeliveryTransformation (FPDT) division. Mathematica’scurrent Federal Medicaid practice is approximately 180 people supportingprograms such as 1115 waiver technical assistance, Medicaid data quality and analytics,and technical assistance to states on a variety of policy and operational issues. Within other agencies, we also provide supporton evaluation of Medicaid program effectiveness, substance use policy and useof Medicaid data for analytic purposes. Theexecutive should have substantial Medicaid policy and strategy experience, andsignificant consulting experience at either the Federal or state levels. The executive should have a track record anddemonstrated ability to build a consulting practice and lead groups ofprofessionals in a dynamic, ever‑changing environment. Mathematica is seekingsomeone who can continue to expand an existing and well‑respectful practice, andbe a business leader in both policy and digital services as Medicaid data andsystems evolve. The ideal candidate will provide strategy and operational oversightto help Mathematica win and execute complex, high profile engagements, servingas a partner to CMS and other Federal agencies. In addition, the executive willdevelop relationships with the Vice President for State Health, and statehealth business development team to provide subject matter support, collaborateon overlapping policy issues, and resolve potential conflicts of interest. Inaddition, the executive will possess a comfort level operating with other stakeholdersand executives in the healthcare environment to externally representMathematica and the FPDT Division offerings. This person will establish trustand respect with clients through their superior content knowledge across abroad range of complex issues. Mathematica’s seeking a proven leader that can:

• Continue to advance Mathematica’s industry leading position in Medicaid data analytics and related program implementation across the Federal government
• Manage a 130+ person advisory services practice, determining business development priorities, staffing needs, and investment areas
• Manage Department and Division level budgets, project revenue, and set targets for growth
• Expand Mathematica’s ability to provide digital services as CMCS and other Federal agencies evolve their technology capabilities
• Bring a solution‑minded skillset to operations of a large, diverse practice to continuously improve internal processes, manage needs into the organization, and set overhead spending priorities
• Integrate the emerging trends in healthcare such as value‑based care and equity issues, with Mathematica’s strong market capabilities to strengthen the Medicaid practice
• Provide or coordinate thought‑leadership around issues critical to Mathematica’s Medicaid clients
• Collaborate with the Vice President for State Health to share ideas, resolve conflicts, and manage staffing across the Federal and State Medicaid markets
• Collaborate across the Mathematica enterprise to bring the best solutions to clients and provide process improvements across the business unit

Required Qualifications

• MPH, MBA, or other graduate degree in a relevant area of study is preferred but not required. Added plus if the candidate is a PhD, M.D. or J.D.
• 15+ years relevant health sector work experience, strong preference given to leading Medicaid policy and programs at the Federal or State level, either for government or in private sector consulting.
• Experience in the federal or state proposal processes, positioning for proposals, leading processes, developing budgets and teaming with other organizations, or evaluating proposals.
• Visionary, strategic leader with solid understanding of Medicaid policy and operations, and broader healthcare industry trends.
• Collaborative approach and ability to lead through influence within a highly matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated abilities in the following: data analysis, healthcare strategy development, communication skills, analytical skills, tech enablement and group facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, decision making, strong strategic thinking/systems skills, and relationship management skills including the ability to communicate at all levels of the organization.
• Models and reinforces ethical behavior in self and others, emphasizing the Mathematica culture of collaboration, collegiality, and accountability to colleagues and commitment to client.
• Admits mistakes; conducts business with honesty; shows consistency in words and actions; follows through on commitments.
• Experience delivering high quality work. The executive will have had experience in setting strategy and managing seasoned professionals.

Setting Strategy

• Working with the Senior Vice President to create and articulate an inspiring vision for the organization, not only for the areas the leader is directly responsible for, but the business unit as a whole.
• The inclination to seek and analyze data from a variety of sources to support decisions and to align others with the organization’s overall strategy.

• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization and push the boundaries within the industry.

Executing for Results

• The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing the organization to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations.

• A leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought in his/her approach to making decisions; the ability to act in a transparent and consistent manner while always taking into account what is best for the organization.

Leading Teams

• The ability to attract and recruit top talent, motivate the team, delegate effectively, and manage performance; widely viewed as a strong developer of others.
• The ability to persevere in the face of challenges, and exhibit a steadfast resolve and relentless commitment to higher standards, which commands respect from followers.
• A leader who is self‑reflective and aware of his/her own limitations; leads by example and drives the organization’s performance with an attitude of continuous improvement by being open to feedback and self‑improvement.

Relationships and Influence

• Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• An ability to inspire trust in others through compelling influence, use of evidence, identification of best practices, and active drive.
• Encourages others to share the spotlight and visibly celebrates and supports the success of the team.

Executive Director Qualifications

Executive Director candidates should typically have:

• 15+ years of experience leading strategic initiatives, operational improvements, or large programs.
• Demonstrated experience reconciling staffing needs, managing recruitment targets, and supporting staff development within a growing or evolving organization.
• Experience directing complex projects or portfolios of work and ensuring successful delivery against organizational goals.

Vice President Qualifications

Vice President candidates should typically have:

• Significant senior leadership experience managing or directing large teams or multiple organizational units.
• Demonstrated comfort with enterprise‑level oversight, including P&L management, financial accountability, and operational performance.
• Experience setting organizational strategy and translating it into operational execution across multiple teams or programs

Depending on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, skillset, and the role that aligns with their profile, this position will offer an anticipated annual base salary of $190,000 - $300,000. If contacted about the opportunity, your Talent Acquisition representative will review a more specific range in more depth. Both positions are eligible for annual bonus targets based on individual and company performance.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co‑workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in/complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment. We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.