Medicaid Director

Salary: $141,000.00 - $226,320.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-08746
Department: Health Care Authority
Division: EXO
Opening Date: 12/09/2025

Description
Medicaid Director (EMS5/EXO)

70005185
This job posting will remain open until filled. It is in the applicants' best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.
If you're ready to bring your expert, strategic, and advanced management principles to 2 million Washingtonians, this may be for you. In addition to being a purpose driven health care leader, we are seeking an executive with exceptional communication and presentation skills, as well as a systems thinking mind; able to grasp the depth and complexity of health care policy, operationalize initiatives and policies, institute compliance, and be the bridge of collaboration with managed care plans, providers, and state agencies.
All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the position:
The Medicaid Director has full delegated authority by the Director of the Health Care Authority (HCA) and serves as the designated Medicaid and CHIP Director for Washington State. The Medicaid Director is responsible for the administration of Medicaid services and compliance with Single State Agency requirements. The Medicaid Director represents Washington State with the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and is a member of the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). The Medicaid Director has principal responsibility for all components of Medicaid and provides executive leadership, overall direction, and strategic vision statewide.
This position works closely with the federal government, Governor's staff, tribal governments, state agencies, the health care community, citizens and other key stakeholders to develop statewide policies and programs. The Medicaid Director plays a critical role by planning, overseeing, directing, and setting policy regarding national and state health care reform. This position works closely with health care providers to purchase care through integrated care organizations.
This position is eligible to telework but is frequently required to report on-site to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA has currently suspended the ability to support out-of-state telework.

Duties

• The Medicaid Director is the key advisor to the Director of the Health Care Authority on Medicaid issues. The position leads and coordinates the state's Medicaid to ensure efficient, cost-effective, quality care that is based on the best available scientific and medical evidence and provided with exceptional customer service to enrollees.
• The Medicaid Director is responsible for the operation of the state's medical assistance program. Coordinates, supervises and approves medical services contracts with health care vendors, including managed care health plans. Oversees planning and division support system to resolve problems and maintain fiscal integrity. Works with project teams to organize and conduct initiatives and projects aimed at upholding the state's record as an innovator in healthcare and for upholding standards of accountability. Strong collaborator with other state agency partners.
• This position is responsible for meeting, negotiating with, and enlisting the support of key stakeholder groups and policymakers, including the state's chief executive and key legislators, public advocacy groups, consumer representatives, families of clients, and provider associations as well as individual providers in leadership or other influential positions.

• The Medicaid Director is responsible to position the State of Washington to become the nation's leader in delivering health care to vulnerable populations. Requires strategic and intentional efforts to respond to the evolving needs of Washingtonians and close gaps in health disparities to advance health outcomes. This position also requires a strong partnership with the federal government to acquire the flexibility needed to implement national health care reform in a way best suited to Washington State's unique needs and demands. Under federal Medicaid law, the State Medicaid Director is responsible for meeting regularly with a Title XIX Advisory Committee and ensuring the program receives regular and informed feedback on programs and plans.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in social services, public administration, health care policy, law, or closely related field; and
• Five (5) years of experience in health plan administration and/or health care policy; or equivalent experience.
  • (Additional experience may substitute year for year of education.)

Senior executive management experience

• Experience working collaboratively with all levels of government service, such as: federal, local (cities/counties), other states, tribal governments, elected officials, appointed boards and commissions.

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills with a high degree of emphasis on interactions with the Governor's Office, cabinet members and agency directors, the Legislature, the media including editorial boards, legislative stakeholders, and community organizations.

Positive Influence

• Ability to manage directly and indirectly in areas where influence may be more effective than direct control.

Health Care Purchasing

• A broad base of knowledge on issues related to health care purchasing including state and federal law related to administration of the Medicaid program created under the Title XIX of the Social Security Act.

Health Care Policy

• Knowledge of health care policy, economics, state and federal health care regulations, employee benefit programs.

Negotiation/mediation skills

• Negotiation and mediation skills necessary to garner support for Governor's initiatives with the public and the Legislature.

Leadership

• Capacity to manage, coach, inspire and motivate staff and others to accomplish the administration's mission and goals by providing clear direction and positive interpersonal influence. Ability to manage directly and indirectly in areas where influence may be more effective than direct control.

Change Management

• The ability to lead and energize staff through large scale, systemic change to reach a common goal.

Partnerships

• Ability to build effective working relationships with constituents, staff, communities, providers, labor unions, and other state agencies.

Integrity/Ethics

• Ability to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Vision

• Capacity to look ahead strategically and grasp the future, envisioning the organization's role in the future.
• Ability to elicit support from the health care community (service providers) and their associations (e.g., Hospital, Medical, Pharmacy, labor, media, and other entities outside government in support of the Governor's priorities.)

Accountability

• Responsive to direction from the Governor and the HCA Director, for providing timely, accurate information, and meeting deadlines.

Values

• Ability to adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and personal/professional standards.

Preferred qualifications:

• Specific experience in public health insurance or Medicaid programs health policy.
• Working knowledge of federal health care programs (Medicare) and requirements.
• Senior management-level experience in a complex public or private health care organization, which includes:
  • Working collaboratively with local, state, tribal, and federal government agencies and officials developing and negotiating public policy
  • Managing a diverse workforce delivering services to a complex client base

• Computer skills including, but not limited to, MMIS, RMS, Internet searching, Microsoft Office Suite.

How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information
About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• And free parking

Notes:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Rachel Tillman at 360-725-1180 or
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an . All applicants with a in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
More than Just a Paycheck
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Which of the following best describes your professional experience with health plan administration and/or health care policy?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 11 years
• More than 11 years

03

Which of the following best describes your professional experience with working collaboratively with all levels of government service, such as: federal, local (cities/counties), other states, tribal governments, elected officials, appointed boards and commissions?

• I do not have this experience
• More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 11 years
• More than 11 years

04

If you indicated you have the experience noted in the above questions, please explain how, where, and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). Do not state "see resume" or copy and paste that material. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
05

Which of the following best describes your professional experience in senior level management such as coaching, managing, and providing clear direction to staff?

• I do not have this experience
• More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 11 years
• More than 11 years

06

Which of the following best describes your professional experience with issues related to health care purchasing including state and federal law related to administration of the Medicaid program created under the Title XIX of the Social Security Act.?

• I do not have this experience
• Less than 5 years
• More than 5 years, but less than 7 years
• More than 7 years, but less than 9 years
• More than 9 years, but less than 11 years
• More than 11 years

07

Do you have working knowledge of federal health care programs (Medicare) and their requirements?

• Yes
• No

08

If hired for this position, do you currently possess required documents to allow you to legally work within the United States? The attached link lists acceptable documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• Yes
• No

09

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit?For purposes of this question "sponsorship for an immigration-related employment benefit" means "an H-1B visa petition, an O-1 visa petition, an E-3 visa petition, TN status and 'job flexibility benefits' (also known as I-140 portability or Adjustment of Status portability) for long-delayed adjustment of status applications that have been pending for 180 days or longer." (Please contact us at the email address on the bottom of this job posting if you are uncertain whether you may need immigration sponsorship or desire clarification.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question

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