Sr. Executive Director, West Region (Behavioral Health)...

OverviewOptum 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 to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.Leadership position dedicated to California Health Plans responsible for Optum behavioral health operations, contract management and relationships with customers, including state/regulatory agencies, providers, advocacy organizations and other key stakeholders. The Executive Director must coordinate with all functional areas of shared services partners, including but not limited to clinical operations, quality management, provider relations, member outreach, education and member services, contract compliance, and data reporting. This position directly impacts financial performance and achievement of overall external health plan goals.If you are located in California, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.ResponsibilitiesCoordinate day to day operations (including clinical, regulatory, call, etc.) to achieve goals and ensure compliance of all functional areas supporting behavioral health in the marketEnsure overall successful end-to end contract implementation in partnership with key stakeholdersLead and direct teams to ensure compliance with contract deliverables related to Behavioral HealthGuide stakeholders and matrix partners in the effective delivery of services, achievement of metrics, and avoidance of all contract penaltiesParticipate in Payer Executive/Senior Leadership meetingsLead and direct collaboration and coordination with other areas/matrix partners across the organizationLead the development of action plans to remedy any findings from internal or external audits, utilization reports, as well as provider, member, HealthPlan or state concerns by engaging with shared services leadership, identifying linkages with other Health Plan CAPs, and formulating go-forward strategies with Health PlanDevelop strategic plans incorporating affordability initiatives (HVO) and clinical innovation leveraging broader OBH strategy and including local State and Health Plan issuesIdentify and capitalize on opportunities to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, internal and external through presentations, written materials, and direct interactionsProvide thought leadership to Payer Health Plan leadership and state agency around behavioral health for any regulatory actionsProvide leadership and direction in the development of appropriate risk management strategies. Work closely with the customer, Optum team members, providers, and stakeholders to ensure timely and appropriate implementation of these strategiesAssist with savings opportunities associated with product development initiativesLead the definition and development of local market performance against contractual, clinical, and fiscal targetsDrive innovation across teams to ensure aligned, cohesive progress across technology, marketing, and service operationsProvide leadership by identifying and analyzing local market trends, service gaps and developing mitigation strategies aligned with strategic prioritiesProvide leadership and opportunity to sales and business development staff around market priorities and strategies to foster growth and account retentionRepresent Optum at relevant Health Plan, Regulator, and other stakeholder meetingsEngage with Optum Behavioral Health and Enterprise Clinical Services Clinical leadership and Operations team on all clinical activities and initiatives; provide thought leadership to External Health Plan and the State around clinical innovationQualificationsRequired QualificationsIndependent, current, and unrestricted California License in the field of behavioral health with a minimum of 5+ years of experienceExperience with and understanding of California's overall behavioral health system that includes mental health, alcohol and drug addictions, and developmental disabilities servicesExperience with managed care principles, models, and financingExperience in the public sector mental health or non-profit community mental health, with knowledge of Medicare Advantage populationsDemonstrated proficient data analytic skills; ability to identify gaps, trends, and mitigation strategiesDemonstrated proficiency with computers, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams at a minimum along with an understanding of web-based applicationsExperience building solid and effective teams, facilitate staff working together collaboratively, and grow and retain top talentWillingness and ability to travel up to 25%Reside in CaliforniaDriver's License and access to reliable transportationPreferred Qualifications5+ years of work experience in managed healthcare insurance industryProven solid strategic thinking and business acumen with the ability to align clinical related strategies and recommendations with business objectivesProven solid customer service orientationAbility to be highly self-directed with insight into when and how to engage others, able to drive results with disciplined follow-thoughDemonstrated high integrity with a reputation of a trusted confidential advisor and partnerExperience in working directly with customers to assess requirements and understand needsExperience in a regulatory environment and compliance to contractual requirementsDemonstrated ability to work collaboratively and influence othersDemonstrated leadership effectiveness and project management experienceDemonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skillsProven solid planning, organizational and monitoring skillsDemonstrated ability to operate and navigate in a highly-complex matrix environmentExperience leading large, complex projects to achieve key business objectivesDemonstrated mature data analysis and PC proficiency*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 will find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $132,200 to $226,600 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.UnitedHealth Group is 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 is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17