Lead Director, Program Management

Aetna Better Health of Illinois is seeking a Lead Director, Program Management who will lead strategic healthcare initiatives that advance organizational priorities, strengthen provider partnerships, and improve healthcare outcomes.

This role serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, working closely with senior leaders to drive enterprise-wide transformation efforts, execute complex cross-functional programs, and support key Medicaid and healthcare innovation initiatives.

The Lead Director, Program Management will influence decision-making, foster collaboration across stakeholders, and ensure successful delivery of high-impact strategic programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives from planning through implementation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, timelines, governance structures, and performance measures.
• Partner with executive leadership, providers, community organizations, and cross-functional teams to advance healthcare transformation, population health, health equity, and Medicaid-focused initiatives.
• Conduct complex analyses using SQL and multiple data sets to identify and drive actionable outcomes.
• Establish program governance, monitor risks and key performance indicators, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes.
• Develop executive-level presentations, recommendations, and communications that translate complex business challenges into actionable insights.
• Lead provider partnership initiatives and stakeholder engagement efforts that support value-based care, quality improvement, and organizational priorities.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in healthcare strategy, program management, business transformation, consulting, managed care, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and organizational priorities.
• Strong proficiency in SQL and data analytics.
• Strong presentation skills with proven success summarizing complex initiatives to drive decision making.
• Experience working directly with senior executives and presenting strategic recommendations to leadership audiences.
• Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and influence skills with the ability to drive results in a matrixed environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Medicaid managed care, Medicaid waiver programs, healthcare policy, or public-sector healthcare initiatives.
• Experience leading healthcare transformation, population health, health equity, provider engagement, or value-based care programs.
• Management consulting experience in healthcare or related industries.
• Experience developing executive communications, governance models, and strategic planning processes.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health or equivalent work experience.

Pay Range

The typical pay range for this role is: $100,000.00 - $231,540.00

Benefits

This full-time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.