Independent Executive Reviewer

Independent Executive Reviewer

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES), Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME), is seeking consulting support to improve the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Payment Error Rate (PER) through targeted policy review, operational improvement, and performance optimization. The selected vendor will provide advisory support across three key work streams: policy and regulatory analysis, workflow and process redesign, and workshops with metrics-driven improvement.

The engagement is milestone-based and requires strong governance, quality assurance, and delivery oversight.

Serve as an independent executive-level advisor and quality reviewer, providing oversight across all project deliverables and ensuring alignment with program objectives and stakeholder expectations. Conduct targeted reviews of key deliverables across all milestones, including policy analysis findings and recommendations, process improvement outputs (As-Is / To-Be models), workshop summaries and strategic insights. Provide executive-level feedback and challenge, ensuring recommendations are practical, implementable, and aligned with real-world operational constraints.

Support quality assurance efforts, validating that deliverables meet the standards required for acceptance by ADES. Offer strategic guidance to the Engagement Lead and team, particularly during milestone packaging, deliverable refinement cycles, response to client feedback or identified deficiencies.

Deep expertise in human services program leadership, including SNAP or similar public-benefits programs. Strong understanding of policy, operations, quality control, and program integrity within government environments. Proven ability to evaluate strategic recommendations and advisory deliverables, ensuring both compliance and practicality. Experience providing executive-level advisory support, including influencing decision-making and guiding corrective actions. Strong judgment and critical thinking skills, with ability to identify gaps, risks, and weaknesses in proposed solutions.

Familiarity with state government operations, stakeholder dynamics, and implementation constraints. Ability to work independently and provide objective, high-value input without direct involvement in daily delivery. Strong communication skills, particularly in providing concise, high-impact feedback to senior stakeholders and delivery teams.

Bachelor's degree required in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business, Social Work, Government, or a related field. Advanced degree such as MPA, MPP, MBA, or similar preferred.