Director STARS Strategy & Planning

HCSC Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) is seeking a Director, Strategy & Planning to lead the Medicare Stars strategy and the Member Experience portfolio. You will drive cross-functional alignment across Medicare and HCSC, translating strategy into execution through governance and operational excellence.

This role strengthens leadership capacity and oversees Stars initiatives for MAPD and PDP, partnering with executives to ensure sustained focus on performance and delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10 years’ experience in healthcare strategy, operations, or program management.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional strategic initiatives in a matrixed organization.
• Knowledge of Medicare Advantage, CMS Stars, and member experience.

Skills

Leadership

Strategy

Cross-functional

Program management

Executive reporting

Analytical thinking

Influence executives

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

At HCSC, our employees are the cornerstone of our business and the foundation to our success. We empower employees with curated development plans that foster growth and promote rewarding, fulfilling careers. Join HCSC and be part of a purpose-driven company that will invest in your professional development.

Job Summary

The Director, Strategy & Planning is responsible for leading the execution and operational oversight of the Medicare Stars strategy while driving the Member Experience portfolio. This role ensures cross-functional alignment and accountability for strategic initiatives across the organization, partnering with leaders across Medicare and HCSC to achieve Stars performance goals for MAPD and PDP. The Director serves as a key leader in translating strategy into execution through governance, collaboration, and operational excellence. This role provides critical leadership capacity and strategic oversight for the Stars Strategy organization by strengthening execution, enhancing cross-functional coordination, and ensuring sustained focus on Member Experience and enterprise Stars initiatives. The position enables the Vice President to focus on enterprise strategy while ensuring effective delivery of initiatives that are critical to HCSC’s Medicare Advantage (MAPD) and Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) performance.

Required Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 years’ experience in healthcare strategy, operations, program management, Medicare, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives in a highly matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Medicare Advantage, CMS Stars Program, healthcare quality, member experience, or related operational functions.
• Proven ability to influence executive leaders and build partnerships across multiple business functions.
• Strong strategic thinking, project/program management, and operational execution skills.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and executive reporting capabilities.
• Experience leading teams and driving accountability through both direct and matrixed leadership models.

Preferred Job Qualifications

(Specify the preferred level of education, experience, knowledge and skill desired when filling this job.)

• Experience supporting Medicare Stars strategy, quality improvement, or member experience initiatives.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or other project/program management certification preferred.
• Experience using data and performance metrics to drive operational and business outcomes.

Pay Transparency Statement

At Health Care Service Corporation, you will be part of an organization committed to offering meaningful benefits to our employees to support their life outside of work. From health and wellness benefits, 401(k) savings plan, pension plan, paid time off, paid parental leave, disability insurance, supplemental life insurance, employee assistance program, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, plus other incentives, we offer a robust total rewards package for employees. Learn more about our benefit offerings by visiting https://careers.hcsc.com/totalrewards. The compensation offered will vary depending on your job-related skills, education, knowledge, and experience. This role aligns with an annual incentive bonus plan subject to the terms and the conditions of the plan.

• From health and wellness benefits
• 401(k) savings plan
• pension plan
• paid time off
• paid parental leave
• disability insurance
• supplemental life insurance
• employee assistance program
• paid holidays
• tuition reimbursement
• plus other incentives

Work Arrangement

Flex employees are expected to be in the office a minimum of three days a week. Management will have discretion to modify an employee's weekly schedule for exigent circumstances.

HCSC Employment Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employment employer dedicated to providing a welcoming environment where the unique differences of our employees are respected and valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are a drug-free and smoke-free workplace. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of drug screening in accordance with applicable law.

Salary

Base Pay Range $121,200.00 - $225,200.00 Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Company Mission & Culture

For more than 80 years, HCSC has been dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, cost-effective health care and equipping our members with information and tools to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families. As an industry leader, HCSC also has been helping to make the health care system work better for all Americans. To remain a leader, we offer compelling careers that encourage resourcefulness, strategic thought and empower you to make a difference in the lives of our members and their communities. Today, with the industry at an important crossroad, HCSC is reimagining health care and looking for original thinkers who aren’t afraid to make innovative contributions.

Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and need an accommodation or assistance in either using the Careers website or completing the application process, you can call us at 1-866-977-7378 to request reasonable accommodations. Please note that only requests for accommodations in the application process will be returned.