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.

• 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…