State Medicaid Director

The Missouri Department of Social Services is seeking an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as the State Medicaid Director.

Job Location: This position is located at the Howerton State Office Building; 615 Howerton Court, Jefferson City, MO.

Semi-Monthly Salary: The current rate for this position is $9,708.33 . Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).

Annual Salary: $233,000.00

Why you’ll love this position:

This executive-level role is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and administration of Missouri’s Medicaid program (MO HealthNet), which serves more than one million Missourians through a network of over 81,000 providers and has an annual budget of over $15B.

The Director will work closely with state and federal partners, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as legislators, providers, advocates, and community leaders to improve health outcomes, ensure program integrity, and enhance fiscal stewardship.

• Provide strategic leadership for the MO HealthNet Division, setting vision, goals, and priorities in alignment with DSS and state leadership. The Division has more than 215 employees.
• Lead collaboration with CMS and other federal partners to maintain compliance, secure funding, and advance innovation.
• Partner closely with stakeholders, including providers, managed care organizations, legislators, and advocacy groups, in operations and planning efforts to enhance quality and access.
• Oversee the development and execution of policies, programs, and budgets that ensure effective and efficient operations.
• Champion technology modernization, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement to enhance program outcomes and integrity.
• Represent Missouri’s Medicaid program at state and national forums.

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive experience (preferably 7+ years) in leadership roles within state or federal Medicaid programs or related health policy and administration.
• Proven success in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration with CMS.
• Expertise in Medicaid policy, operations, budgeting, and program integrity.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and manage complex programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Medicaid Strategic Leadership Statement (maximum three pages) that addresses:
  • Your vision of the roadmap for Missouri’s Medicaid program considering current budgetary realities, technology needs, and the evolving federal landscape.
  • Strategies to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and partnerships.
  • Priorities for program integrity, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Approaches to leveraging technology, data, and innovation to improve health outcomes and sustainability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in technology modernization or healthcare IT systems.
• Knowledge of state and federal level health and human services landscape.
• Knowledge of and experience working with the Missouri General Assembly.
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation, customer service, and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

If you have questions about this position please contact: Dawn Plybon at Dawn.M.Plybon@dss.mo.gov . If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov .

Recruitment Area : All qualified applicants.

Application Deadline : October 30, 2025

• 

• State of Missouri

Show more