Director, Client Management & Strategy, Behavioral Health

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best.

Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale.

Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

This position is responsible for managing and strengthening relationships with internal customers and cross-functional partners to support Medicare membership growth, retention, and service excellence through direct partnership with provider clients.

The Associate Director serves as the primary point of accountability for day-to-day coordination across shared services teams (e. g., clinical operations, finance, growth, network, provider relations, member services, claims, and reporting) to ensure consistent member experience, contract and regulatory compliance, and performance against Medicare membership goals.

This role directly impacts financial performance, member satisfaction, and achievement of overall market objectives and the objectives of our client partners.

We’re looking for a strategic leader with a proven ability to think innovatively and collaboratively, to drive business growth and retain current clients through management of already deployed programs. The ideal candidate will bring:

• A solid background in account management, business growth, and/or primary/behavioral care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Financial acumen
• Understanding of health plan operations and go-get attitude to enhance operations
• Excellent innovation and collaboration skills
• An ability to lead through influence
• Understanding of behavioral health strategy and market drivers

Ability to ideate with clients on program design that falls within the scope of services that can be delivered effectively, efficiently and at an appropriate cost

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop strategic relationships across internal business units with a focus on growth and retention

Lead Operational Improvement and Implementation Processes

• Collaborate with internal business unit partners to ideate, build and launch integrated programs and effectively priced solutions
• Develop and execute strategic plans to drive business growth
• Translate strategic business objectives into initiatives that drive growth opportunities
• Work collaboratively with channel partners to support the development and launch of new programs including implementation support as needed
• Ensure consistent achievement of KPIs and implement mitigation strategies when not met.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement as you work with teammates both within and outside of the primary assigned team
• Oversee budget and resource allocation—ensuring alignment to expectations
• Prepare and present materials to stakeholders to ensure understanding of core offerings and demonstration of potential shared value and in accordance with required regulations and contractual requirements
• Serve as senior point of contact for all provider clients and partners, ensuring client needs are addressed
• Present information to key stakeholders and participate in meetings as required to secure business opportunities
• Manage technology capital and projects as needed to support development and implementation of programs
• Ensure reporting deliverables are accurate and delivered timely
• Support escalations from clients ensuring resolution and closed loop feedback is provided
• Ensure operations support through cross matrix partners is aligned to program design and that KPIs are being met or issues mitigated
• Support the development of interventions to mitigate identified issues with the way a program is operating

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in client management (w/ preferred medical behavioral health integration)
• 5+ strategy, financial, operational management experience in matrixed organization
• Experience calling on and presenting to executive leadership
• Proficient use of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Proven track record of success
• Ability to travel, up to 5%25 as needed

Preferred Qualification

Optum Care business understanding and experience - direct or indirect

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).

No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.