Program Operations Manager (IT Manager 1)

Office of Information Services

The Office of Information Services (OIS) works to support the business functions and the delivery of health, human, and employment services through the application of information technology. OIS supports the delivery of programs to millions of recipients through the development and round-the-clock operation of automated information systems. Due to the number of end-users and technologies supported, OIS is one of the largest and most complex IT organizations within Ohio state government. Learn more about the Office by visiting the ODJFS OIS webpage.

What You Will Do

As the Program Operations Manager, you will work with many different groups that support the Ohio Benefits system. You will regularly collaborate with state partners from the Ohio Department of Medicaid, the Office of Family Assistance, and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, along with county agencies across Ohio. You will also work closely with vendor partners who help run and maintain the system, as well as internal teams such as Maintenance & Operations, Program Delivery, governance groups, and risk management. This is an office‑based role where you will often meet with executives, staff, and external partners to keep operations coordinated and running smoothly.

In this role, you will help ensure that Ohio Benefits operates efficiently, responsibly, and in compliance with state and federal rules. You will lead the work that keeps contracts organized, monitored, and updated, while also making sure the program's budget and spending stay on track. You will help vendors meet expectations, support teams that depend on timely procurement, and ensure that the program follows all required fiscal, procurement, and audit standards. Your work will help keep communication flowing across agencies, vendors, and internal teams so the program can meet its goals effectively.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Manage new scope of work requests from proposal through final signature/authorization, including coordination with stakeholders for review and approval.
• Manage, monitors, and communicates all timelines, milestones, and process steps associated with contract requests, amendments, renewals, and procurements.
• Develop, maintain, and execute policies and procedures to manage contract lifecycle activities including Statements of Work (SOWs), Change Requests (CRs), Interval Deliverable Agreement (IDAs), and amendments.
• Coordinate contractual responsibilities across Ohio Benefits workstreams (e.g., Executive Governance, Maintenance & Operations, Program Delivery, Risk Management).
• Monitor vendor partners' performance and ensure compliance with contract terms, service level agreements (SLAs), and deliverables.
• Supervise and manage staff and/or contractors responsible for contract administration, documentation, and compliance activities.
• Provide regular status reports on contract performance, milestones, risks, and issues to leadership and stakeholders.

Serve as a point of contact for vendor partners, facilitating communication, addressing issues, and ensuring contractual expectations are met

• Identify opportunities for operational, contractual, and financial process improvements

Schedule: Full-time.

Hours: Standard workdays are Monday through Friday. Hours are between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Location: Lazarus Building, 141 S High Street, 6th FL, Columbus, OH 43215.

Travel: Occasional travel within the state of Ohio.

PN(s): 20006319.

The candidate, at minimum, must have the following:

Option 1:

• Completion of undergraduate core coursework in computer science, or completion of undergraduate core coursework in any academic major which included at least one course in each of the following: advanced-level computer programming language (for example, COBOL, Delphi, Java, Powerbuilder, Visual Basic, Pl 1, SAS PCS, Pacbase, Full Visual Suite, Designer 2000, Developer 2000, C, C , Visual C, ECL, or Visual Studio), logic-based mathematics, data base concepts (for example, Oracle, Microsoft Access, Paradox, Sybase, IMS DB, DB2, Cache, DMS, or RDMS), computer systems analysis & design, & basic data processing concepts;
• AND an additional 6 1/2 years (78 mos.) exp. commensurate with job duties to be performed & knowledges & skills required as outlined in approved position description on file for position to be filled as advertised in job posting;
• AND 18 mos. exp. in performing project management functions as defined in series purpose.

Option 2:

• 8 1/2 years (102 mos.) exp. commensurate with job duties to be performed & knowledges & skills required as outlined in approved position description on file for position to be filled as advertised in job posting;
• AND 18 months exp. in performing project management functions as defined in series purpose.

Option 3:

• 12 mos. exp. as Information Technology Supervisor 3, 64119, or equivalent.

Option 4:

• In offices of statewide information technology policy & planning, positions require completion of undergraduate core coursework in computer science, or completion of undergraduate core coursework in any academic major which included at least one course in each of the following: advanced-level computer programming language (for example, COBOL, Delphi, Java, Powerbuilder, Visual Basic, Pl 1, SAS PCS, Pacbase, Full Visual Suite, Designer 2000, Developer 2000, C, C , Visual C, ECL, or Visual Studio), logic-based mathematics, data base concepts (for example, Oracle, Microsoft Access, Paradox, Sybase, IMS DB, DB2, Cache, DMS, or RDMS), computer systems analysis & design, & basic data processing concepts;
• AND 3 yrs. exp. in utilizing word processing software;
• AND 3 yrs. exp. in utilizing internet browser(s) for research;
• AND 54 mos. exp. which included following: knowledge of information technology architecture components, developing information technology strategic plans, preparing & making presentations/public speaking, writing information technology related policy & procedures, preparing & monitoring budget, providing cost & resources estimates, & contract management;
• AND 2 yrs. exp. in utilizing e-mail system;
• AND 18 mos. exp. in project management or lead role on information technology project;
• AND 12 mos. exp. in utilizing spreadsheet software;
• AND 12 mos. exp. as Information Technology Supervisor 3, 64119, or equivalent.

Option 5:

• The equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Tips For Your Application

When completing the different sections of this application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting. We cannot give you credit for your Work Experience and Education & Certifications if you do not provide that information in your online application. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered.

Pay Information

This position is in the State of Ohio's E1 Pay Schedule, Pay Range 16. Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be the minimum salary of that pay range (step 1, currently $48.93 per hour). These ranges provide a standardized pathway for pay increases. With continued employment, new hires move to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Cost of Living Adjustments increase wages in these ranges each fiscal year. The current step progression wages are in the table below.

Pay Range 16

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Hourly

$48.93

$51.65

$54.49

$57.56

$60.71

$64.18

$66.82

$69.94

Annual

$101,774

$107,432

$113,339

$119,725

$126,277

$133,494

$138,986

$145,475

Months of Employment

At Hire

6 Months

18 Months

30 Months

42 Months

54 Months

66 Months

78 Months