DHS DIVISION MANAGER

Location: Little Rock, AR (Pulaski County) • Anticipated starting salary: $103,991.06 • Posting ends September 10, 2026

About the Role

The DHS Division Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a major division/office within the Arkansas Department of Human Services. This role is responsible for managing human service programs, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating interagency collaboration, and directing initiatives that improve the well-being of Arkansans.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, policy development, and program execution.
• Manage operations including budgeting, staffing, risk management, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Supervise high-level administrative and program staff; delegate responsibilities to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Analyze performance metrics, service gaps, and emerging issues to inform upper leadership.
• Represent the division/office in executive-level meetings, legislative hearings, and public forums.
• Ensure continuous quality improvement initiatives are implemented and sustained.
• Oversee the development of training programs, workforce development initiatives, and succession planning.
• Direct crisis response and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• Coordinate with DHS executive leadership to align division/office goals with department-wide strategic objectives.
• Lead and oversee all DHS procurement activities, including contracts, grants, and purchase orders.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce procurement policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Direct vendor selection, contract evaluation, negotiations, awards, and compliance reviews.
• Coordinate procurement efforts statewide by working with divisions, support offices, and external partners.
• Serve as DHS’s primary procurement authority, ensuring accountability, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Requirements

• At least five years of experience in human services, public administration, program administration, or a related field, including two years in a leadership capacity.

Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements, upon approval of the Qualifications Review Committee.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading large, complex public sector procurement operations.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal procurement laws, human services regulations, and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume contracting, grant administration, and vendor negotiations.
• Proven leadership experience supervising diverse teams and managing cross-agency coordination.
• Advanced skills in fiscal management, internal controls, audit preparation, and risk mitigation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of personnel policies and labor laws, strategic planning, and public sector frameworks.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing human services and public administration, principles of fiscal management, and resource allocation.
• Ability to develop partnerships, lead large and diverse teams, and evaluate programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, develop and coordinate financial plans, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

Benefits

Working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Pay

Salary range: $103,991 – $153,907