Lead the Future of Health: Supervisory Grants Management Specialist at CMS

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and at the heart of driving positive change are dedicated professionals who manage and guide crucial funding initiatives. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is at the forefront of this effort. Currently, a significant leadership opportunity awaits a highly motivated and experienced individual to serve as a Supervisory Grants Management Specialist (GS-15) in Woodlawn, Maryland. This role is not just a job; it's a chance to shape national health policy, support vital programs, and lead a team dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Americans, particularly in underserved rural communities.

About the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CMS

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the principal agency within the U.S. government dedicated to protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. HHS's reach is vast, encompassing critical areas such as disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring access to healthcare services. Its mission is to advance the health and well-being of the American people.

Within HHS, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plays a monumental role. CMS is responsible for administering the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – programs that collectively cover more than 100 million Americans. Beyond these core programs, CMS is a key driver in healthcare innovation, quality improvement, and efficiency. The agency works collaboratively with healthcare providers, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to shape the evolving health care system and foster a more responsive, effective, and affordable healthcare marketplace. A career at CMS offers the chance to engage with complex national health care issues and contribute to a dynamic, highly visible organization.

The Office of Acquisition and Grants Management (OAGM) within CMS is vital for securing the resources and managing the contracts and grants necessary to fulfill CMS’s mission. The Acquisition and Grants Group (AGG) and its Division of Grants Management (DGM) are specifically tasked with the strategic oversight and administration of grant funding, ensuring that these funds are used effectively to achieve program goals and improve health outcomes.

The Role: Supervisory Grants Management Specialist (GS-1109-15)

This Supervisory Grants Management Specialist position is a critical leadership role within the Division of Grants Management (DGM) at CMS. As a GS-15, you will be the first-line supervisor for staff in Baltimore, Maryland, overseeing critical grant programs such as the Rural Health Transformation Program, Innovation in Basic Health (IBH), and the Navigator Grant Program. You will also be vested with full authority over all DGM staff in the absence of the Division Director.

Your responsibilities will extend beyond direct supervision. You will be instrumental in interviewing candidates, making recommendations for promotions and reassignments, identifying staff training needs, establishing performance standards, resolving employee concerns, and handling minor disciplinary actions. Furthermore, you will provide specialized guidance and expert oversight for the entire lifecycle of these key grant programs – from the initial strategy and solicitation phases through award, ongoing administration, and final closeout.

A significant part of this role involves strategic planning and resource management. You will monitor the division-wide workload, assess resource allocation, recommend corrective actions when necessary, and provide crucial updates and briefs to senior CMS and HHS leadership regarding program status, compliance, and overall effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities at a Glance:

• Supervisory Oversight: Lead and manage a team of grants management professionals.
• Program Management: Provide expert guidance and oversight for the Rural Health Transformation Program, IBH, and Navigator Grant Program.
• Staff Development: Conduct interviews, recommend personnel actions, identify training needs, and set performance expectations.
• Compliance and Guidance: Ensure adherence to grants regulations and policies, and advise on procedural matters.
• Strategic Planning: Monitor workloads, allocate resources effectively, and report on program status to leadership.

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this impactful position, candidates must meet specific qualification and experience criteria. All requirements must be fulfilled within 30 days of the announcement's closing date.

Specialized Experience: A minimum of one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal government, or an equivalent level in the private or public sector, is mandatory. This experience must demonstrate proficiency in:

1. Grant Program Monitoring: Effectively monitoring grant programs to ensure strict compliance with all applicable grants regulations and policies.
2. Policy Guidance: Providing expert guidance on grant policies and procedures, particularly concerning the implementation of grant programs and any related operational changes.
3. Work Assessment: Planning, organizing, and assessing the work activities of staff members to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Time-in-Grade Requirement: Current or former federal employees, including those applying under the VEOA eligibility, who currently hold or have held a permanent General Schedule (GS) position within the past year, must have completed at least 52 weeks (one year) at the next lower grade level (GS-14) relative to the grade level(s) to which they are applying.

Federal Employee Transition Programs: For eligible displaced federal employees, the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide selection priority. Applicants must submit the required documentation and achieve a 'well-qualified' rating.

Resume Requirements: Your resume is a critical document. It must be detailed, limited to a maximum of two pages (as of September 27, 2025), and clearly articulate your experience as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this role. Generic descriptions or direct copying from the vacancy announcement without supplemental details to describe your unique experience will lead to an ineligible rating.

Additional Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System or exempt.
• You will be assessed on competencies including Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Flexibility, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, and Resilience.

Online Assessment and Evaluation

Beyond your application materials, this position requires the completion of an online assessment. This assessment is designed to measure critical general competencies essential for performing the job. Your overall evaluation will be based on your application, resume, responses to the occupational questionnaire, and the results of this online assessment. Overstating qualifications or cheating on the assessment may result in disqualification.

Salary Overview

This Supervisory Grants Management Specialist position is classified at the GS-15 grade level. The annual salary range for this position is $147,945 to $192,331. The exact salary will be determined based on the qualifications of the selected candidate and federal pay regulations.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Working for the federal government offers a robust benefits package designed to support employees and their families. While specific details may vary, typical benefits for a GS-15 position include:

Benefit Category	Description
Health Insurance	Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a choice of plans.
Retirement	Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
Savings Plan	Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
Life Insurance	Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
Paid Time Off	Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and 11 federal holidays per year.
Work Flexibility	Potential for flexible work schedules and alternative work schedules, subject to manager approval.
Other Insurance	Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).
Professional Development	Opportunities for training, education, and career advancement.

How to Apply

Applying for this federal position requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and considered:

1. Access the Announcement: Locate the vacancy announcement on USAJOBS.gov.
2. Complete the Application: Click the 'Apply' button and thoroughly answer all questions in the application questionnaire.
3. Submit Required Documents: Upload your resume (maximum two pages) and any other required documentation as specified in the 'Required Documents' section of the announcement. Ensure your resume is detailed and accurately reflects your qualifications.
4. Deadline: Submit your entire application package by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 29, 2026.
5. Online Assessments: Following submission, you will likely receive instructions via email and on the USAJOBS platform to complete online assessments through the USA Hire system. Complete these assessments by the specified deadline.
6. Track Your Application: Monitor the status of your application through your USAJOBS account.

Important Note for Commissioned Corps Officers: If you are a Commissioned Corps Officer, you must follow a separate application process by emailing your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Refer to the announcement for specific instructions.

Application Tips for Success

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description, especially the specialized experience requirements. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Be Thorough: Provide complete information for each section of the application. Incomplete applications are a common reason for disqualification.
• Proofread Everything: Before submitting, carefully review your resume, questionnaire responses, and any uploaded documents for errors in grammar, spelling, and factual accuracy.
• Understand the Assessment: Allocate sufficient time for the online assessments and utilize any provided practice resources.
• Reasonable Accommodation: If you require an accommodation for the assessments, initiate the request process well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: What is the salary range for this position? A1: The annual salary ranges from $147,945 to $192,331.

• Q2: What are the main responsibilities of a Supervisory Grants Management Specialist? A2: Responsibilities include supervising staff, overseeing grant program lifecycles (strategy to closeout), ensuring compliance, providing guidance, managing workloads, and reporting to senior leadership.

• Q3: What specific grant programs will I be overseeing? A3: You will oversee programs such as the Rural Health Transformation Program, Innovation in Basic Health (IBH), and the Navigator Grant Program.

• Q4: Is this position eligible for telework or remote work? A4: The position has a regular and recurring reporting requirement to the CMS office in Woodlawn, Maryland, indicating it is not a fully remote position. However, CMS does offer flexible working arrangements at the manager's discretion.

• Q5: What documentation is required for the application? A5: A resume is mandatory. Depending on your eligibility (e.g., CTAP/ICTAP), you may also need to submit additional documents like SF-50s or DD-214s. Refer to the 'Required Documents' section of the announcement for a complete list.

This Supervisory Grants Management Specialist role at CMS presents a compelling opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact on national health initiatives. If you possess strong leadership capabilities, extensive grants management experience, and a passion for improving healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in rural areas, this position is an excellent fit. Take the next step in your federal career and contribute to the vital mission of the Department of Health and Human Services. Apply today and help shape the future of health in America.