Assistant Project Manager - Federal Health (CMS)

At Commence, we’re the start of a new age of data-centric transformation, elevating health outcomes and powering better, more efficient process to program and patient health. We combine quality data-driven solutions that fuel answers, technology that advances performance, and clinical expertise that builds trust to create a more efficient path to quality care. 

With human-centered, healthcare-relevant, and value-based solutions, we create new possibilities with data. We provide proof beyond the concept and performance beyond the scope with a focus on efficiencies that transform the lives of those we serve. With a culture driven by purpose, straightforward communication and clinical domain expertise, Commence cuts straight to better care.

The Assistant Project Manager (APM) supports the Project Manager in day-to-day contract execution, serves as the designated PM backup during absences or unavailability, and independently owns specific operational workstreams including regulatory reporting, Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) coordination with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), meeting management, and compliance tracking. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Support the Project Manager in all aspects of day-to-day contract execution; serve as the designated PM backup and assume full PM responsibilities during absences or unavailability without interruption to program operations or CMS deliverables.
• Own the regulatory reporting workstream end-to-end, including the preparation, review, quality control, and on-time submission of all required CMS reports, monthly status updates, and contractual deliverables.
• Lead coordination of Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), including scheduling, agenda development, documentation, follow-up action tracking, and compliance with CMS JOA requirements.
• Manage the program meeting structure, including CMS status calls, internal leadership meetings, and cross-functional operational reviews; prepare agendas, capture minutes, and track decisions and action items to resolution.
• Own compliance tracking across program workstreams, maintaining visibility into contractual performance standards, deliverable deadlines, corrective action plans, and COR/CO correspondence; escalate issues to the PM with recommended courses of action.
• Manage complex systems and medical review workflow operations, ensuring staffing levels, review throughput, and operational processes remain aligned with contractual performance standards and CMS expectations.
• Interface with CMS on day-to-day operational matters within the APM’s assigned workstreams; maintain professional, responsive relationships with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO) as directed by the PM.
• Support contract transition activities, onboarding of new personnel, and special projects as assigned by the PM; contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across program operations.

Qualifications 

• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in healthcare program management, federal contracting, or a closely related operational field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing complex systems and medical review workflow operations, including demonstrated ability to track performance across multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) program operations, with working knowledge of Medicare coverage, payment policy, and claims processing.
• Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. In lieu of a Master’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 3 additional years of directly relevant experience may be substituted.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as an operations manager, deputy director, or senior program administrator at a CMS medical review contractor.
• Working knowledge of federal contracting reporting requirements, Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO) relationship dynamics, and monthly status reporting cycles in a CMS contract environment.
• Direct experience coordinating Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) with Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), including an understanding of data sharing protocols, referral workflows, and contractor coordination obligations under CMS policy.

*Commence' headquarters are in Virginia Beach, VA, however we are open to remote candidates in the following states:   AZ, AR, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NC, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, DC, WI, and WV* 

Work Environment/Physical Demands 

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This is a remote position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a climate-controlled environment. Candidates must be able to sit, read, work on a computer, and watch a computer screen for extended periods of time. Occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, kneel or crouch. 

Commence is an equal employment opportunity for employer. All personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military and veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  

Commence.AI is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process due to a disability, please contact Human Resources at (757) 306-4920 or [email protected]. 

Please note that unless you are requesting an accommodation, all applications must be submitted through our online application system.