AHEAD Manager

AHEAD Manager

Durational Project Manager

Recruitment # 260611-0415VR-001

Location Hartford, CT

Date Opened 6/11/2026 3:45:00 PM

Salary $101,163 to $137,940

Job Type Open to the Public

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

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• Introduction

Are you 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 Manager/(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 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.)

• 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.

• Monday - Friday 

• 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

The Role:

The AHEAD Manager ( performs a wide range of tasks in planning, monitoring, and evaluating programs related to the implementation of the AHEAD Model (Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design), a multi-year federal initiative supported by the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Working under the direction of the Assistant Director of AHEAD (Durational Project Manager), this position supports statewide implementation of the model through program planning, policy analysis, research, stakeholder engagement, and interagency coordination. The Manager of AHEAD assists in development and implementation of the Population Health Accountability Plan, coordinates stakeholder engagement and advisory committee activities, supports external communications, and assists with program monitoring and reporting required under the federal cooperative agreement.

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, the AHEAD Manager ( will be responsible for performing a full range of planning, policy analysis, program monitoring, and coordination activities; duties include but are not limited to:

Program Planning and Policy Analysis

• Conducts research and analysis related to healthcare policy, value-based care models, population health strategies, and healthcare affordability initiatives.

• Assists in the development and implementation of the Population Health Accountability Plan, including identifying priority population health goals, strategies, and performance metrics.

• Monitors and evaluates program initiatives related to population health improvement efforts and healthcare quality.

• Prepares analytical reports, policy briefs, presentations, and program recommendations for program leadership.

• Reviews legislation, regulations, and federal guidance as needed.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation

• Assists in the development of performance measures and evaluation frameworks to monitor implementation of the AHEAD Model.

• Compiles and analyzes program data to assess progress toward program goals and compliance with federal cooperative agreement requirements.

• Prepares reports, summaries, and briefing materials documenting program activities and outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advisory Committee Support

• Assists in coordinating stakeholder engagement activities involving hospitals, health systems, primary care providers, payers, and community organizations.

• Supports management of the AHEAD Advisory Committee including meeting planning, preparation of briefing materials, and tracking of action items.

• Facilitates communication between advisory committee members, stakeholders, and agency leadership.

Program Communications

• Develops and implements external communications strategies to support statewide awareness and engagement in the AHEAD Model, including preparation of stakeholder presentations, program updates, reports, and briefing materials.

• Drafts and disseminates program communications through multiple channels, including email distribution platforms (e.g., Campaign Monitor), newsletters, stakeholder updates, and web content.

• Prepares required program updates, federal reports, and grant documentation related to program communications and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Monitors communication effectiveness and stakeholder engagement to inform ongoing communication strategies and program outreach efforts.

Project Coordination

• Tracks project timelines, milestones, and deliverables associated with program implementation in coordination with the project manager.

• Coordinates activities with consultants, vendors, and project partners supporting the model.

• Maintains program documentation and assists with development of planning tools and resources.

• Performs related duties as required.

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

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 supporting population health initiatives or statewide health system improvement strategies.

• Experience coordinating stakeholder engagement processes or advisory committees.

• Experience working within local, state, or federal government or coordinating interagency initiatives.

• Familiarity with healthcare quality benchmarks or 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.

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