BUREAU CHIEF (PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR)

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona. DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona. DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. BUREAU CHIEF (PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR) Job Location: Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) Quality Management Administration (QMA) 8620 North 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85021 Posting Details: Salary: $50.7693 / Hourly ($105,600.14 / Annually) Grade: 25 Closing Date: June 5, 2026 Job Summary: Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view the ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team! The Department of Economic Security, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) - Quality Management Administration (QMA), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Bureau Chief. This position will report to the Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) Assistant Director's office and is assigned responsibilities such as, but not limited to: maintaining a direct, confidential working relationship with department executives on issues of high visibility; plan and direct special projects to implement operational improvements and changes, particularly related to the Family Assistance Administration. The Bureau Chief is responsible for coordination and senior level decision making related to policy, community outreach, workload operations, and legislative implementation. The position meets with other state agency executives, federal agency representatives, vendor staff, and intra-department executives on a continuous and regular basis to ensure programmatic issues are addressed and implemented appropriately in accordance with required regulations. This position ensures cooperation and coordination of services between departments and develops recommendations for the Division's senior leadership. This position collaborates with DBME senior executives on operational and strategic issues as they arise. This position also builds coalitions internally and with Federal and State agencies, non-profit, and private sector organizations to achieve goals. This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona, unless an exception is properly authorized in advance. Job Duties: Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Meets with Division leadership and external partners on a continuous/regular basis to ensure programmatic quality issues are addressed and implemented appropriately in accordance with required regulations. Responsible for coordination and senior level decision making related to program quality compliance, methods of operation and makes recommendations for corrective actions. The position will provide policy direction and oversight. Develops and recommends to the DBME Assistant Director operational plans designed to enhance the delivery of services of FAA programs including identification and coordination with other Divisions, other agencies, conformity with federal and state laws and regulations, and all other operational planning. Directs and participates with federal and state agencies and community organizations to provide a joint cooperative effort to facilitate delivery of services to the public. Works closely with FAA Program Administrator and Regional Program Managers on quality issues and data to ensure local offices and call centers are operating effectively. Conducts meetings to resolve quality issues, provide progress reports and guides priorities within the administration. Ensures uniform interpretations, practices and procedures. Attends meetings, seminars, and trainings as required and acts/speaks on behalf of the DBME Assistant Director. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge in: Considerable knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and the principles and practices of public administration. Comprehensive knowledge in FAA programs administered. Comprehensive knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Skills in: Skill in reading, understanding, and interpreting complex federal, state, department, and legislative rules, laws, policies and procedures. Skill in managing and balancing various management and administrative functions and presenting information on complex issues and ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Skill in planning, analyzing, and coordinating activities. Skill in performing a full range of complex administrative, managerial and supervisory functions in a responsible, professional and confidential manner. Ability to: Ability to create, maintain, and complete special projects and reports with accuracy and timeliness. Ability to identify and analyze organizational and/or procedural problems and determine effective solutions. Selective Preference(s): The ideal candidate for this position will have: Five years of managerial experience in the programmatic operations of a social service agency OR a Bachelor's degree in Business or Public Administration, Management of Social Sciences. Additional experience may substitute for the degree on a year to year basis. Pre-Employment Requirements: If this position may require driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements. Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions. All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). Benefits: The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans 10 paid holidays per year Paid vacation and sick time Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child. Deferred compensation plan Wellness plans Tuition Reimbursement Stipend Opportunities Infant at Work Program Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion. Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page. Retirement: State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments. On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates. Contact Us: For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Meracle Cothron at [email protected]. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting (928) 469-9234 or [email protected]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Apply To This Job