AHEAD Project Director

AHEAD Project Director

Durational Project Manager

Recruitment # 280608-0415VR-100

Location Hartford, CT

Date Opened 6/10/2026 4:15:00 PM

Salary $133,136.00 - $181,524.00/year

Job Type Open to the Public

Close Date 6/22/2026 11:59:00 PM

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• Introduction

Are you a health policy leader passionate about improving healthcare quality and affordability through value-based care. Do you want to play a hands-on role in implementing programs that will transform how healthcare is paid for and delivered in Connecticut? If yes, we invite you to check out this opportunity to join our team as the Project Director/(Durational Project Manager) for the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) model.

The State of Connecticut ( , Department of Social Services (DSS ( ) is currently seeking to fill an anticipated vacancy for Project Director/(Durational Project Manager) (  for the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) model. The Project Director ( serves as the lead for Connecticut’s implementation of the AHEAD Model a multi-year federal initiative supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).

Position Highlights:

• This position is durational and will terminate at the end of the AHEAD grant spending period (December 31st, 2029 unless funding for one or more of these positions ends sooner. 

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week

• Monday through Friday

• Location: Hartford, CT

• Travel (primarily in-state) may be required

• Hybrid (office/telework) may be available

• Please note that DSS takes part in the E-Verify system ( , which is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

The Role:

This position is responsible for the strategic direction, implementation, and operational management of the model across the state. The Project Director will coordinate with state agencies, healthcare providers, payers, and federal partners to advance health system transformation through value-based payment models, including hospital global budgets, primary care transformation initiatives, and population health accountability strategies. This position will report to the Chief Policy Advisor in the Department of Social Services Commissioner’s Office.

The role will oversee compliance with federal cooperative agreement and state agreement requirements, manage program implementation timelines and deliverables, and support statewide efforts to improve healthcare affordability, strengthen primary care, and advance population health outcomes.

Your role as the AHEAD Project Director

Under the direction of the Chief Policy Advisor, the AHEAD Project Director will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Lead statewide implementation of the AHEAD model consistent with federal guidance, negotiated state agreement requirements, and state policy priorities.

• Develop and oversee strategies for implementing multi-payer hospital global budgets, primary care transformation initiatives, and population health accountability frameworks.

• Ensure program milestones, reporting requirements, and deliverables are achieved across the life of the cooperative agreement.

• Oversee development of implementation plans, project timelines, and operational structures to support model implementation.

• Manage and supervise staff

• Support alignment between the AHEAD model and related Departmental initiatives including but not limited to Rural Health Transformation and primary care payment and quality initiatives.

• Coordinate implementation activities across multiple state agencies including the Office of Policy and Management, Office of the Comptroller, and other partners.

• Support alignment between the AHEAD model and related statewide initiatives focused on healthcare affordability, cost growth benchmarking, and primary care investment.

• Serve as the primary liaison with CMS and CMMI regarding program implementation, compliance, and reporting.

• Lead engagement with hospitals, health systems, payers, primary care practices, and community stakeholders participating in the model.

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including legislators

• Support project manager to organize stakeholder advisory groups and working groups to support program development and implementation.

• Oversee project management functions including development of work plans, timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Support project manager in the management of contracts and consultant relationships supporting implementation of the model.

• Support the project manager in vendor monitoring and performance and ensures deliverables align with program objectives and federal requirements.

• Provide policy analysis, recommendations, and strategic guidance to agency leadership and policymakers.

About Us:

DSS ( delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency. DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities. Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, and online and phone access options.

What’s In It For You:

Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview ( page!

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.

• A healthy work-life balance ( to all employees.

• State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service. Click here ( for more information.

Discover the opportunity to:

• Engage in a rewarding career

• Assist our employees so they can achieve success

• Make a difference in the public sector

• Work together in a collaborative team environment

Thinking Of Relocating?

Connecticut offers you a blend of professional advancement and a high-quality lifestyle. As a state we are renowned for our top-tier medical facilities and ample opportunities for career growth and development. Beyond professional prospects, Connecticut boasts a high standard of living, featuring safe communities, excellent schools, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational activities. This combination of professional excellence and a well-rounded lifestyle make Connecticut an appealing destination for those who want to thrive both in their careers and personal lives.

There are so many things to love about living, working, and playing in our state including these Key Facts and Figures:

• #4 in the U.S. for employees with advanced degrees

• #3 in the country for quality of K-12 education

• #5 for quality of life in the U.S.

• 2,000 miles of hiking/bike paths

• 618 miles of scenic coastline

• 21 world-class art museums

• Five Tony-Award winning regional theatres, and more!

• Check out CTVisit ( ; they share so much valuable information on what it's like to work, play and live in our state!

Selection Plan

Please note that DSS takes part in the E-Verify system, which is a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library ( for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.

• Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.

• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69 ( , resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.

• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.

• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io.

• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.

• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

• Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board ( and select “Update My Contact Information.”

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).

• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!

• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.

• The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to at Christopher.Lavallee (View email address on click.appcast.io.) @ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for making or conducting a special inquiry, investigation, examination or installation pursuant to Section 5-198(n) of the Connecticut General Statutes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with value-based care models such as hospital global budgets, accountable care organizations, or population-based payment systems.

• Experience managing large-scale healthcare transformation initiatives.

• Experience working with federal healthcare demonstrations, waivers, or cooperative agreements, including Medicaid and Medicare.

• Experience leading local, state, or federal government health program or policy initiatives.

• Familiarity with healthcare cost growth benchmarks and population health accountability frameworks.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online