State and Local Government - Human Services - Consulting Program Senior Manager

From strategy to execution, the Government & Public Sector practice of Ernst & Young LLP provides a full range of consulting and audit services to help our Federal, State, Local and Education clients implement new ideas to help achieve their mission outcomes. We deliver real change and measurable results through our diverse, high-performing teams, quality work at the highest professional standards, operational know-how from across our global organization, and creative and bold ideas that drive innovation. We enable our government clients to achieve their mission of protecting the nation and serving the people; increasing public safety; improving healthcare for our military, veterans and citizens; delivering essential public services; and helping those in need. EY is ready to help our government build a better working world. 

The opportunity 

Our Government Health and Human Services (HHS) team collaborates with state agencies across the country, helping them manage human services, Medicaid, public health, behavioral health and other essential services to achieve agency outcomes. Our HHS team is committed to empowering state agencies with tailored services that drive significant improvement. By adopting a results-driven method to project and program management, our collaborative approach leads to meaningful and lasting outcomes for the communities you serve. Our broad portfolio of services is aimed at driving relevant, tangible results. We believe that integration fosters innovation. Unprecedented challenges require support that is connected, responsive and insightful. Are you ready to join our team and help build a better working world?     

Your key responsibilities 

Your key responsibilities as a Senior Manager on the Human Services (HHS) team include serving as a key resource in managing the day-to-day activities in support of building relationships throughout the Human Services agencies and departments while driving growth and delivery activities. We anticipate up to 60% of your time involving new business development, origination activities and capture efforts, while 40% of your time will be focused on delivering on new business sold to your client.  You will contribute to project delivery by overseeing, participating in and reviewing the parameters of the consulting work under contract; participating in resource planning and development; and managing both contract and client expectations.  

Key capabilities that you should be prepared to bring to client-facing and internal teams include: 

• Experience working in and/or with various state Human Services organizations to include policy, process and platforms as a state employee, outside vendor, or both 
• Knowledge and expertise of Human Services programs within state agencies, including behavioral health, child warfare services, childcare and child support, and eligibility system strategy, integration, or support
• Demonstrated working knowledge and aptitude in some of our key capabilities (e.g., Program Management Office functions, project oversight and management, applicable industry platforms and technologies) 
• Encouragement and facilitation of collaboration among team members and promoting an inclusive environment 
• Effective organization and time management skills with the ability to multitask and adhere to project deadlines 
• Ability to lead certain engagement activities from planning through to execution 
• Contributions to business development and client pursuit activities by preparing proposals, marketing presentations for potential clients and thought leadership brochures 
• Ability to communicate issues, status and thought leadership to partners and clients 
• Ability to build impactful relationships with key influencers to effectively manage work and generate new business opportunities 
• Ability to share leading practices and insights about current industry or subject-matter topics with EY US leaders, proposal teams and clients 
• Ability to build, manage and motivate high-performing teams, including supporting people-related initiatives (e.g., recruitment, retention, training, competency development) 
• Ability to develop people through effective leadership, coaching, mentoring and performance assessment of all levels     

To qualify for the role you must have 

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis on Finance, Accounting, Business or a related field
• A minimum of eight years of relevant industry or consulting experience, with the ability to show a significant client impact and results, and experience leading teams through deliverables
• Knowledge and experience working for a state agency in the following areas of Human Services: 
  • Project or program centralization or transformation 
  • Business operating model assessment or creation 
  • Strategic alignment frameworks 
  • Resource planning and management 
  • Innovation collaboration and management 
  • Organizational change management 
  • Process improvement 
• Expertise within the following areas of Human Services; behavioral health, child welfare services, childcare and child support, and eligibility system support
• Demonstrated ability to develop long-term client relationships and a portfolio of new business
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance or higher is preferred

The GPS practice’s staffing model is to assign resources to projects aligned to the office within the metropolitan area for which you have been hired; however, in certain circumstances, travel may be required within and/or beyond your geographic region based on client and project needs. Within the SLED practice, the flexibility to travel up to approximately 40% is preferred.   

Ideally, you’ll also have 

• Portfolio management experience 
• Project management experience 
• Scrum master certification 
• Lean Six Sigma master black belt   

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.