CONTRACTUAL WORKER Data Strategy Advisor

Position Overview

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Office of the Director, is seeking a high‑energy professional with strong strategic planning experience to serve as a Data Strategy Advisor. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support agency leadership in developing and promoting a forward‑looking data strategy that strengthens the agency’s ability to make informed and impactful decisions. This position will also provide critical support to the HHSi2 project, helping to advance its transformation and ensure alignment with agency priorities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, the ability to operate with independent initiative, and the capacity to achieve organizational goals in a dynamic environment. Exceptional data analysis and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.

HFS values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.

Essential Functions

• Develop an overall data strategy plan and roadmap for increasing maturity for the Agency working closely with the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning and other Agency leadership along with other critical and closely aligned agencies.
• Collaborate closely with the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning to provide data-driven insights that guide strategic initiatives and program improvements.
• Analyze Medicaid program data, including utilization, costs, outcomes, and population health metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Help define performance measures and track progress against strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
• Support forecasting, modeling, and scenario analysis to evaluate potential impacts of policy changes and resource allocation decisions.
• Maintain an understanding of federal and state Medicaid regulations, funding, and reporting requirements to contextualize data findings.
• Aid in preparing presentations and briefing materials for internal and external audiences, including government officials, partners, and the public.
• To contribute in various capacities and as requested by project leadership to specific work efforts, e.g., data sharing use cases.  Contributions could include, but are not limited to, technical assistance, experience-based counsel, facilitation, documentation, project management and/or direction.
• To provide historical perspective and to contribute generally to the operation and strategic management of the HHSi2 project through initiation and/or participation in team meetings, outreach to (potential) project partners, and the initiation and facilitation of internal project team communications and operations, as needed.  

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires the knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college
• Requires a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience working with Medicaid programs and/or other social service programs in State Government
• Minimum of four (4) years of extensive experience developing and implementing strategic planning processes
• Minimum of four (4) years of extensive experience with strategic direction of a large organization
• Minimum of four (4) years of extensive knowledge of the steps necessary to achieve Executive Staff cooperation and implementation of the major policies to improve service delivery and policy change
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience communicating to high level personnel, preferably in the context of government and strategic planning processes.  Must be able to write well and present comfortably in public
• Possess a Master’s degree

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
• Requires ability to utilize and maintain state issued equipment such as a laptop
• Ability to work normal working hours
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

About the Agency

At the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), we work in a spirit of teamwork to help millions of people in Illinois lead healthier and more successful lives.  We provide healthcare coverage for children and adults through Medicaid and other medical programs, and we help ensure that children receive financial resources from both their parents through Child Support Services.  HFS is an equal opportunity employer.

HFS is committed to promoting and preserving a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.  We welcome and value employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.  It is the collective sum of our individual differences that provides a broad perspective, leading to greater innovation and achievement.  In recruiting for our team, we recognize the unique contributions of each applicant regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. 

Benefits Statement

Employees receive a robust benefit package including:

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible Hybrid work schedules are available in many program areas.
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually.
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually.
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually.
• (13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)

If you are seeking a new opportunity, and this position appeals to you, please apply today!