Project Director

Overview Are you ready to help lead one of Vermont's most ambitious and people-centered modernization efforts? The Agency of Human Services (AHS) is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking Deputy Director to support the transformation of our Integrated Eligibility & Enrollment (IE&E) system. This is a high-impact leadership role at the center of a multi-year initiative to modernize how Vermonters access health & human services through smarter technology, inclusive design, and sustainable operational change. As Deputy Director, you'll be a key member of the IE&E Program Leadership Team, partnering closely with the Program Director and cross-agency stakeholders to shape strategy, guide implementation, and ensure alignment with policy and organizational goals. You'll support a portfolio of complex projects, contribute to procurement and vendor management activities, and help strengthen governance, communication, and coordination across business and technical teams. Where You'll Work:This is a hybrid position based in Waterbury, Vermont. The role requires a minimum of three days per week in the Waterbury office, with up to two days of remote work, depending on program needs and team coordination. What You'll Do: Lead collaborative planning and execution of IE&E modernization projects across AHS and the Agency of Digital Services (ADS) Support vision-setting, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications Guide project teams in risk management, performance tracking, and resource coordination Contribute to procurement work streams and promote best practices in vendor management Facilitate program governance and ensure consistency of messaging, expectations, and decision-making What You Bring: Experience supporting or leading large-scale system, program, or operational transformation Strong skills in project oversight, stakeholder alignment, and change management Experience with procurement, budgeting, or cross-functional coordination Ability to translate complex technical or operational concepts for diverse audiences Commitment to inclusive service delivery, continuous improvement, and public-sector mission Why Join Us:You'll join a dedicated, mission-driven team that values transparency, collaboration, and growth. You'll work in an environment that supports your development, respects your expertise, and empowers you to lead. And you'll help shape a future where Vermonters experience more seamless, equitable access to the services they need. Mission The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)'s mission is to improve Vermonters' health and well-being by providing access to high-quality, cost-effective health care. We have identified three priorities that support our mission: Advancing value-based payments, modernizing information technology infrastructure, and operational performance improvement. Our department commits to executing our responsibilities and priorities while adhering to three core values: Transparency, Integrity and Service. Diversity, Equity, and InclusionAs part of our values of transparency, integrity, and service, we are committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as part of our person-centered culture. We actively celebrate our colleagues' and future colleagues' different abilities, racial identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported here. Our StateVermont is a "small but mighty" state. We are ranked as one of the top 10 states to raise a family in 2022. We are nationwide leaders for progressive social and educational policies. We are in Northern New England, 1.5 hours from Montreal and 3.5 hours from Boston. We have beautiful Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and year-round outdoor activities. For an outline of the job specification details, please visit https://humanresources.vermont.gov/classification-position-management/classification/job-specifications/detail/008900?nojs=ajax Who May Apply This position, Project Director (Job Requisition #53660), is open to all State employees and external applicants.If you would like more information about this position, please contact garth.walker@vermont.govResumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting. AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights. Environmental Factors Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some travel may be required for which private means of transportation should be available. Work outside of regular work schedule may be anticipated. Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in business administration, public administration, or related field AND two (2) years or more in public administration, tax administration, or managing complex projects in a public setting.ORBachelor's degree in business administration, mathematics, accounting, or related field AND six (6) years or more in public administration, tax administration, or managing complex projects in a public setting.OREight (8) years or more in public administration, tax administration, or managing complex projects in a public setting. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree.Experience with organizational change management. Total Compensation As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including: 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan Tuition Reimbursement Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts Low cost group life insurance Incentive-based Wellness Program Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.