Systems Contracts Strategy Bureau Chief

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the “To Apply” section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of Medicaid, is seeking a Systems Contracts Strategy Bureau Chief to shape the vision, direction, and execution of Medicaid’s system modernization strategy.

This role sets the vision for system modernization, oversees major technology investments, and ensures alignment with enterprise IT, cloud, analytics, and data governance strategies.

You will drive long-term modernization, strengthen internal capability, and represent Medicaid leadership across high-level strategic forums.

• Lead the Medicaid systems strategy, setting vision, priorities, and modernization roadmaps.
• Oversee the Medicaid Technology Roadmap, annual investment planning, and modernization portfolio.
• Ensure alignment with Iowa HHS enterprise strategies, including cloud, infrastructure, analytics modernization, and data governance.

• Represent Medicaid and HHS leadership with internal/external stakeholders on system strategy and modernization.
• Oversee governance for intake, prioritization, impact analysis, testing, and implementation of system changes.

• Supervise IT contracting staff, including RFP development, negotiations, vendor oversight, and lifecycle management in collaboration with Department of Management IT (DOM-DoIT).
• Establish systems to monitor vendor performance, reporting accuracy, compliance, and operational risk.

• Ensure alignment among operational needs, data quality processes, testing strategies, and modernization objectives.
• Support emergency/disaster response activities tied to modernization and enterprise coordination.

• Proven leadership in systems strategy, modernization, or enterprise IT governance.
• Strong ability to drive strategic alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience with IT contracting, vendor management, regulatory compliance, and performance oversight.
• Skilled in high-level communication, executive briefing, and decision-support analysis.
• Ability to build internal capability, lead teams, and manage complex work portfolios.
• Strategic and agile mindset to navigate evolving modernization needs.

This role provides the opportunity to shape statewide Medicaid modernization, strengthen enterprise coordination, and lead a high-impact team driving long-term systems transformation. Your leadership will influence strategic decisions and modernization success across Iowa’s health and human services enterprise.

You will enjoy working with the Medicaid team from the beautifully remodeled Lucas Building, across from the State Capitol Building and enjoy a hybrid work schedule after completing a 6-month probationary period.

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage:Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off:Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans:Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our…