Contract Manager

Salary : $79,601.60 - $122,428.80 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-03223
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - Medicaid
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/8/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Rebecca Curtiss - View email address on click.appcast.io


Job Description
Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and Selective Requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a Contract Manager to support oversight of Iowa's Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). This role helps ensure more than 400,000 Iowans receive high-quality, reliable health services.

Position Details

• Full-time Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM with overtime as needed
• Hybrid work schedule: 3 days remote, 2 days in the Lucas Building, in Des Moines
• Mileage reimbursement : $0.50/mile
• Valid driver's license required
• Background check required
• Enjoy many of the State of Iowa benefits on day 1 - see below for details

What You'll Do

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned MCOs.
• Oversee contract performance to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Review and analyze MCO reports, policies, communications, and operations.
• Identify issues, recommend corrective actions , and track resolutions.
• Participate in MCO procurement, contract negotiations , and legislative or policy development and actuarial meetings.
• Prepare reports, provide training, and represent Medicaid in meetings and presentations.
• Conduct annual reviews and coordinate onsite and off-site compliance audits.

What You Bring

• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret complex policies and synthesize information into clear decisions.
• Comfort working with data, compliance standards, and cross-functional teams.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused mindset.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on statewide health outcomes while contributing to effective, compliant Medicaid operations.

Benefits

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits


to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Background Checks

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa View phone number on click.appcast.io TDD).
E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

Selectives


621 Service and Performance Contract Negotiations and Management
6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination. Differs from labor contract negotiation. These are contracts with various vendors or other service providers and the applicant must have demonstrated experience and/or education that allowed them to review performance and service delivery and know what to do and be able to act when performance does not meet expectations. Includes: drafting or developing contracts for provision of products and/or services and the related budget components; negotiating the terms of contracts to include: costs, timeframes and performances expectations and/or work products; monitoring and managing all aspects of the contracts: to include timely submission of financial reports, performance reports, work products and determining when appropriate benchmarks for payment of invoices are met. Specific educational courses that relate to the selective might include: contract management, business law, principles of economics, business management and similar courses.

Minimum Qualification Requirements


Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to five years of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management.

2) A total of nine years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.


3) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. Three years of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management; and b. A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and c. A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.


4) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes twelve months of full-time work as an Executive Officer 2 or two years of full-time work as an Executive Officer 1 or comparable specific management-level position
For additional information, please click on this
Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01


Do you understand that the information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?


Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree
• No

02



PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03


Have you graduated from a four-year college or university? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management?

• Not applicable
• No experience in the identified areas
• Less than one year experience in the identified areas
• One year to less than three years of experience in the identified areas
• Three years to less than five years of experience in the identified areas
• Five or more years of experience in the identified areas

04


How many years do you have of COMBINED full-time work experience (described in Number One) AND/OR undergraduate college education? 30 semester hours of undergraduate education equals one year of experience.

• No education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Less than three years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Three years to less than six years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Six years to less than nine years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Nine years or more of education and/or experience in the identified areas

05


Have you graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program? IF YES - How many years do you have of COMBINED full-time work experience (described in Number One) AND/OR undergraduate college education? 30 semester hours of undergraduate education equals one year of experience.

• Not Applicable - I have not graduated from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program
• No education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Less than three years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Three years to less than six years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Six years to less than eight years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Eight years or more of education and/or experience in the identified areas

06


How many years do you have of combined GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) AND/OR full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management? 24 semester hours equals one year of experience. Applicants can only count up to 48 semester hours (two years) of post graduate level course work and must have a minimum of three years of the required experience.

• No experience and/or post graduate level course work in the identified areas
• Three years to less than five years of education and/or experience in the identified areas
• Five years or more of education and/or experience in the identified areas

07


If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch) how many months of full-time experience in the classification of Executive Officer 2 do you have?

• Not applicable
• 12 months or less in the classification of Executive Officer 2
• 12 months or more in the classification of Executive Officer 2

08


If you are a CURRENT employee for the State of Iowa (executive branch) how many years of full-time experience in the classification of Executive Officer 1 do you have?

• Not applicable
• Six Months but less than one year in the classification of Executive Officer 1
• One year but less than two years in the classification of Executive Officer 1
• Two years or more in the identified in the classification of Executive Officer 1

09


Does your application demonstrate that you have 6 months' experience, 12 semester hours, or a combination of both in service and performance contract negotiation and management? This differs from labor contract negotiation. These are contracts with various vendors or other service providers and the applicant must have demonstrated experience and/or education that allowed them to review performance and service delivery and know what to do and be able to act when performance does not meet expectations. Includes: drafting or developing contracts for provision of products and/or services and the related budget components; negotiating the terms of contracts to include: costs, time frames and performances expectations and/or work products; monitoring and managing all aspects of the contracts: to include timely submission of financial reports, performance reports, work products and determining when appropriate benchmarks for payment of invoices are met. Specific educational courses that relate to the selective might include: contract management, business law, principles of economics, business management and similar courses.

• Yes
• No

10


If you answered "Yes" to the question above - please list exactly HOW you meet it: list exact classes and credit hours, employer, dates and hours per week and exact duties. Please do not paste or state - See application or resume. If you answered no to the question above please type in "No" in the box below.)
Required Question