Shaping National Healthcare: Director, Hospital and Ambulatory Policy Group (HAPG) at CMS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a career-defining opportunity for a visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Hospital and Ambulatory Policy Group (HAPG). This Senior Executive Service (SES) role is pivotal to the future of the Medicare fee-for-service program, involving the strategic design of policies that impact millions of Americans.

Job Responsibilities

The Director of HAPG provides executive oversight for a comprehensive program that defines the scope of Medicare benefits. Key duties include:

Developing and maintaining complex payment methodologies for inpatient and outpatient care.
Evaluating payment amounts for ambulatory surgical centers, physician services, and rural health clinics.
Managing high-stakes relationships with medical associations, patient advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders.
Providing technical interpretation and guidance to regional offices and congressional entities.

Requirements

Success in this role requires a candidate who can balance high-level strategy with regulatory precision. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the following:

Technical Qualifications: Experience in complex payment strategy and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Executive Core Qualifications: Commitment to the Rule of Law, Driving Efficiency, Leading People, Merit and Competence, and Achieving Results.

Comparison Table: Qualifications Structure

Category	Focus Area	Requirement Type
Technical	Payment/Pricing Strategy	Must show in 2-page resume
Technical	Multidisciplinary Leadership	Must show in 2-page resume
Executive	Organizational Results	Must show in 2-page resume
Executive	Culture & People Leadership	Must show in 2-page resume

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with executive leadership duties. The salary range for this role is $151,661 to $228,000 per year, with potential for performance-based adjustments and bonuses.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of federal benefits including:

Health and life insurance options.
Retirement and pension programs.
Generous leave and professional development opportunities.
A supportive culture dedicated to work-life balance.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success, ensure your resume is concise and targeted. Since there is a two-page limit, every bullet point must demonstrate your impact. Focus on outcomes rather than just responsibilities—use metrics to show how you saved money or improved service delivery.

Serving as the Director of the Hospital and Ambulatory Policy Group is more than a job; it is an opportunity to leave a legacy within the federal healthcare system. If you possess the leadership capacity to drive results and the technical acumen to shape national policy, we encourage you to apply.

Why This Director, Hospital And Ambulatory Policy Group (Hapg) Job Matters

Shape the future of Medicare by spearheading national policy for hospital and ambulatory payment systems in this prestigious Senior Executive Service role.

Director, Hospital And Ambulatory Policy Group (Hapg) Job Overview

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking an accomplished leader to serve as the Director of the Hospital and Ambulatory Policy Group (HAPG). This high-impact Senior Executive Service position involves directing critical initiatives that define payment methodologies, benefit scopes, and regulatory frameworks for acute care under the Medicare fee-for-service program.

Requirements for Director, Hospital And Ambulatory Policy Group (Hapg)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Submission of a concise resume, strictly limited to two pages.
Demonstrated evidence of all five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume.
Demonstrated evidence of all specified Technical Qualifications (TQs) within the resume.
Completion of the online application process via the USAJOBS portal.
Ability to satisfy security and suitability requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Director, Hospital And Ambulatory Policy Group (Hapg)

Experience in high-level leadership within large-scale public or private health insurance programs.
Proven track record in developing complex pricing or payment strategies for national healthcare systems.
Exceptional ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and influence high-profile initiatives.
Current or former status as a career Senior Executive Service member or graduate of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Performance-based pay adjustments and potential bonuses.
✓Support for professional growth and leadership development.
✓Opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling.

💡 How to Apply Director, Hospital And Ambulatory Policy Group (Hapg) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Director, Hospital And Ambulatory Policy Group (Hapg) Job

Log in or create a profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page maximum.
Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the five ECQs and TQs.
Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
Attach supporting documents, such as SF-50 forms for current federal employees.
Review all application materials for accuracy.
Submit your final application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder; upload your own custom-formatted, two-page document.
Focus your resume content on specific outcomes, using quantitative data to prove your success in driving efficiency.
There is no need to write separate narratives for ECQs; embed your experience descriptions directly into your two-page resume.
Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the deadline.
Commissioned Corps Officers should use the designated email address provided in the job announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit separate essays for the Executive Core Qualifications?

No. The agency strictly requires all ECQ and TQ evidence to be woven into your two-page resume. Separate narrative statements will not be reviewed.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

Resumes exceeding the two-page limit will not be reviewed beyond the second page and may lead to immediate disqualification.

Is veterans' preference applicable to this role?

No, veterans' preference does not apply to positions within the Senior Executive Service (SES).

What is the most common reason for disqualification?

*A: Submitting a resume that exceeds the two-page limit or failing to explicitly link professional accomplishments to the requested ECQs.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: Please refer to the official USAJOBS announcement for the latest updates on relocation benefits for this specific appointment.*

Job from Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its sub-agency, the CMS, are dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of the nation. As part of this team, you will be at the forefront of the healthcare marketplace, working in a fast-paced, highly visible environment that values excellence, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources.