Director of Medicaid Programming

Overview

The National Association of Medicaid Directors is seeking a Director of Medicaid Programming.

The Director of Medicaid programming plays a critical role as a key member of a mission-driven, highly collaborative team within a national membership association that supports state and territory Medicaid leaders. This person is responsible for directing NAMD’s peer-to-peer programming focused on fostering connection across and within state and territory Medicaid agencies and providing states and territories with programmatic resources and supports to effectively operate their Medicaid agencies and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). This programming centers on understanding and sharing information on how states and territories operate their Medicaid programs and doing so in a representative and inclusive way that respects the diversity of the variety of state and territory perspectives, approaches and priorities.

The Director of Medicaid Programming works closely with Deputy Executive Director of Programs on philanthropic and federal grants, setting strategy for programming, surfacing key areas of risk and opportunity, and supporting efforts to deliver member-driven programming. Also, because Medicaid is a state-federal partnership, the Director of Medicaid Programming collaborates closely with the Director of Federal Policy to help shape the organization’s programming.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Executive Director of Programs, the Director of Medicaid Programming plays a key role in organizational leadership, helping to foster a positive, inclusive, and efficient work environment. The Director of Medicaid Programming supervises a dedicated team, ensuring the effective management and execution of peer-to-peer programming that supports NAMD’s mission and vision.

About the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD)

NAMD is a non-partisan professional community of all 56 Medicaid programs across 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. We support Medicaid Directors as well as over 500 senior Medicaid agency leaders responsible for key functional areas of the program, such as finance, eligibility, communications, and IT systems. Collectively, our members lead programs that provide health insurance to almost 80 million people through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). NAMD is led by a Board of Directors that is representative of Medicaid programs across the country. NAMD has trusted relationships with Medicaid leaders across the country and connects the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) to the day-to-day experience and operational expertise of states and territories in support of solving problems and ensuring that Medicaid is accountable, efficient and cost-effective.

NAMD’s work is guided by its strategic plan, and is committed to the following principles:

• Community. We are dedicated to creating a strong, connected, and inclusive community of state and territorial Medicaid and CHIP leaders.​
• Non-partisanship. We are committed to advancing the work of state and territory Medicaid and CHIP leaders and the programs they manage without bias toward one political party or ideology.​
• Independence. Our priorities and work are directed by our members.
• Partnership. We commit to working in partnership with federal officials and other leaders to advance the work of the association and state and territorial Medicaid and CHIP leaders.​
• Excellence. We strive for continuous improvement in our service to members, our operations and within the Medicaid and CHIP programs and commit to conducting ourselves and our work with the highest integrity.​
• Data-Driven. We are committed to using available evidence and identifying and eliminating disparities where they exist.​
• Representation. We aim to be grounded in the experience and perspective of people served by the program.

Principal Responsibilities

The Director of Medicaid Programming is responsible for the following:

Medicaid Programming Oversight and Leadership

• Directs Programming for Affinity Groups, NAMD’s primary engine for delivering state- and territory programming. Role-based affinity groups provide connection and resources to members, create a valuable space for group conversations to share best practices and exchange information, and offer a supportive network of like-minded leaders, including collaborating with staff leads spearheading each affinity group:
  • Collaborating with staff leads to identify and support states’ and territories’ operational challenges through monthly affinity group discussions;
  • Regularly convening an advisory group of affinity group leaders who identify and elevate upcoming operational priorities; and
  • Hosting an annual summit of affinity group members to foster inter- and intra-state and territory collaboration.
• Directs Programming for new Medicaid Directors
  • Develops and manages orientation programming for new Medicaid Directors, including:
    • Reviewing and updating welcome packets.
    • Creating agendas for semi-annual in-person orientations.
    • Managing curriculum development for monthly virtual programming, in collaboration with contractors.
• Directs Programming for NAMD Alumni (former Medicaid Directors)
  • Welcomes new alumni to the NAMD network.
  • Creates in-person programming opportunities for alumni, including events related to the NAMD Fall Conference.
  • Manages development of virtual programming for alumni, in collaboration with contractors
• Leads monthly regional calls for Medicaid Directors.

Resource and Support Development

• Identifies resources and supports (time-limited task groups, consultants, technical assistance, new affinity groups, etc.) that help Medicaid members and their operational needs.
• Collaborates with NAMD’s Deputy Executive Director of Programs to assess the ability to provide these services and potentially directs implementation of such resources and supports.

Strategic Planning and Performance Reporting

• Ensures Medicaid programming priorities are reflected in NAMD’s annual strategic plan.
• Elevates program performance and progress to NAMD leadership and board on at least a quarterly basis.

Management of Grant Programs

• Manages NAMD’s federally and philanthropically funded grant programs related to state-based and territory-based operations.
  • Serves as the point person for grant programs, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets and supporting proposal writing.
  • Reviews grant-related reports and deliverables created by the team.

Event and Content Development

• Leads the development and delivery of state- and territory-based content for NAMD’s in-person events, such as the Fall Conference, annual membership meeting, board retreats, team meetings, and special grant meetings/events.
• Represents NAMD’s state and territory programming at national events, including presenting at conferences and developing written materials (issue briefs, blogs, etc.).
• Partners with other organizations offering technical assistance to state and territory Medicaid leaders.

Team Management

• Supervises and guides the peer-to-peer programming team, including:
  • Reviewing outputs and products of the peer-to-peer programming team.
  • Conducting performance reviews bi-annually.
  • Mentoring and supporting team members’ professional development.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Collaborates with NAMD’s teams to align programming and supports to members as needed:
  • Works closely with the federal policy team to foster collaboration.
  • Ensures effective collaboration with the operations team, particularly around meetings and events.
  • Advocates for and elevates Medicaid programming at the NAMD board level.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful candidates will be committed to strengthening, supporting and elevating the operational expertise of the 56 state and territory leaders and over 500 senior members of their teams in all 50 states, D.C. and the territories who administer Medicaid and CHIP programs. Specific qualifications include:

• Master’s in health care policy or related field
• Understanding of Medicaid programs and state government functions
• Non-partisan orientation and awareness of the diversity of state and territory policies and priorities
• Minimum 5–6 years of experience overseeing and managing Medicaid-related programming, including direct supervisory experience leading and managing staff or cross-functional teams.
• Minimum 5-6 years managing grant-funded projects
• Experience in working for a non-profit organization is a plus
• Lived experience with the Medicaid program is greatly valued by NAMD