Associate Director Planning & Strategy - Remote

Optum; Eden Prairie (MN); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Equity stock purchase

401k contribution

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Optum, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, seeks an Associate Director of Strategy & Operations in Minnesota. You will partner with senior leaders to translate priorities into action, lead cross-functional initiatives, and drive executive reporting and dashboards in a fast-paced environment.

The role supports planning, coordination, and change management while enabling continuous improvement. Remote work is available nationwide with in-office requirements for certain locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, management, communications, public policy, or related field.
• 5+ years in strategy, operations, executive support, consulting, project management, or related leadership role.
• Proven project management skills for multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-support capabilities.
• Ability to work with senior leaders and influence across teams.
• Discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment; proficiency with MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted advisor to the leader on strategic priorities and planning.
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution.
• Prepare briefings, reports, presentations, agendas and follow-up materials for executive meetings.
• Facilitate cross-department communication to improve alignment and execution.
• Monitor projects, identify risks, and recommend solutions.
• Manage executive office operating rhythm and priority tracking.
• Support goal setting and performance measurement via dashboards and KPIs.
• Handle confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Represent the executive in meetings and special projects as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and decision-making.
• Manage timelines, resources and cross-functional collaboration.
• Lead strategic planning and support change management in response to regulatory trends.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional influence

Discretion

Leadership support

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Management, Communications, Public Policy, or related field

Master's degree or MBA

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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 to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The associate Director, Strategy & Operations serves as a strategic partner to the senior director National FFS, helping translate organizational priorities into action. This role supports executive decision-making, drives cross-functional initiatives, improves communication across leadership teams, and ensures follow-through on critical business goals. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, discreet, and able to manage complex priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the leader on strategic priorities, operational decisions, and organizational planning
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met
• Prepare briefings, reports, presentations, agendas, and follow-up materials for executive meetings, board meetings, and leadership sessions
• Facilitate communication across departments to improve alignment, accountability, and execution of company objectives
• Monitor key projects, identify risks or bottlenecks, and recommend solutions to maintain progress
• Manage the executive office operating rhythm, including leadership meetings, strategic planning cycles, and priority tracking
• Support organizational goal setting and performance measurement through dashboards, KPIs, or similar reporting tools
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment
• Represent the executive in meetings and special projects as needed
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, decision-making, and internal coordination
• Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational objectives
• Lead strategic planning efforts and support change management in response to regulatory updates and industry trends

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

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Management, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in strategy, operations, executive support, consulting, project management, or a related leadership role
• Proven solid project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven solid analytical, problem-solving, and decision-support capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to work with senior leaders and influence across teams
• Proven high level of discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration or project management tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or MBA
• Experience supporting C-suite executives or senior leadership teams
• Background in organizational strategy, change management, or business operations
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and adapt quickly to shifting priorities
• Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across the organization
• 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.