Director of Policy & Strategic Initiatives
Date Posted: Nov 26, 2025
Requisition ID: 468953
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA):
The Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitative Services works to support older adults and individuals with disabilities, while also connecting them with local community resources that promote independence. Help for every life at every age.
Role Overview :
This role, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for the Bureau of Better Aging, oversees policy development, provides leadership for strategic initiatives implemented by the Division, and guides Division team leaders in decisions that support these policies and initiatives to align program development. You will development and implement the Indiana administrative code, policies, and training materials to support comprehensive, consistent statewide delivery of programs and services. Your role will lead the development and implementation of Indiana's Multi-sector Plan on Aging.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Plan, organize, direct, monitor, and participate in ongoing comprehensive development and implementation of specialized programs and development within the agency.
Determine, analyze, identify and implement long-range objectives and specifying the strategies, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
Analyze operations to evaluate performance of the specific program or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.
Interpret and explain in-depth and complex policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
Develop and implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.
Prepare and present reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services to executive leadership.
Develop and oversee program financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
Develop and monitor program requirements to ensure it meets federal and state policies and grants compliance.
Develop and supervise training of employees and consultants on program requirements and usage.
Develop, coordinator, and deliver communication plans and communications.
Preside over, or serve on, boards of directors, management committees, or other governing boards.
Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either
a Master's Degree and 7+ years of experience,
or a Bachelor's Degree and 9+ years of experience, or
an Associate's Degree and 11+ years of experience, or
at least 13+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of a broad area of training and education, including texts and materials developed in the field.
Thorough knowledge of the agency or institution's functions, operations, and purpose.
Considerable knowledge of experiential learning techniques.
Practical knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing mandated training within the agency.
Ability to develop, monitor and evaluate broad training programs.
Ability to plan and conduct seminars, workshops, and training sessions.
Ability to assemble training materials, including writing comprehensive manuals and assembling texts, films, slides, and characters.
Ability to establish effective and cooperative working relationships with trainees, other instructors, and the entire agency staff.
Effective communication skills.
Ability to keep current on new trends, philosophies, and available materials regarding adult education.
Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skill sets.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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