Director Strategic Programs and Operations

Highmark Health; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Health is seeking a Director of Strategic Programs and Operations to lead a portfolio of enterprise-wide initiatives, shaping long-range goals and funding strategies. You will oversee transformation programs, develop governance, and deliver executive-grade updates.

The role requires strong leadership, 7+ years in strategy or operations, and experience in matrixed organizations. Healthcare background and certifications such as PMP/CSM are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare, Finance, or related field.
• At least 7 years in strategy, transformation, or operations.
• At least 5 years in management; 3 years in matrixed organizations.
• Healthcare experience preferred; change and operational-improvement backgrounds valued.
• PMP/CSM/PMI-ACP certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise strategic planning and governance across a matrixed organization.
• Oversee funding processes, program management, and transformation initiatives.
• Prepare executive materials and reports for steering committees.
• Align strategy with execution across business units and maintain budget oversight.
• Identify risks and resource issues; drive escalation and remediation.

Skills

Project Management

Strategic Thinking

Leadership

Communication

Executive storytelling

Agile Delivery

AI Transformation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

## Director Strategic Programs and OperationsApply: Remote: PA, Working at Home - Pennsylvania: MD, Working at Home - Maryland: WA, Working at Home - Washington: NC, Working at Home - N Carolina: LA, Working at Home - Louisiana: Full time: Posted Today: J287731## **Company :**Highmark Health## **Job Description :****JOB SUMMARY** This role leads the strategic direction, management and execution of a portfolio of enterprise-wide initiatives, focusing on strategic planning, development and oversight of funding processes, transformation program management, and the design and implementation of long-range organizational goals. The Director is responsible for overseeing the development of ambitious goals, strategic plans and funding mechanisms that lead to significant improvements in cost reduction, process efficiency, and customer experience. **ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES*** Perform management responsibilities to include, but are not limited to: involved in hiring and termination decisions, coaching and development, rewards and recognition, performance management and staff productivity. Plan, organize, staff, direct and control the day-to-day operations of the department; develop and implement policies and programs as necessary; may have budgetary responsibility and authority.* Design and manage the enterprise strategic planning process.* Define strategic objectives and long-range goals.* Align strategy and execution across business units.* Oversee funding processes, strategic portfolios, and technology-enabled transformations.* Develop and lead strategic governance, coordination, and management of processes and functions within a matrixed organization. Responsible for all executive reviews and updates (e.g., executive level materials).* Ensure that the balance of workload and assignment is correct across the team.* Shared responsibility for all strategic processes and tools. Continuously assess team based on key metrics to achieve goals. Communicate and ensure best practices and strategic tools & processes are applied to address unique situations. Review identified risks across the projects and provide input and direction regarding potential remediation. Help resolve resource issues for projects through coordination with business unit leads.* Support the resolution of any escalated issue for the project. Understand budget and resource utilization across the delivery domains.* Provide business, portfolio and project reporting and analysis to executive steering committee. Actively engage in all red projects to resolve open issues. Be prepared to accept and manage escalations for projects in their domains. Have regular meetings with the stakeholders for critical projects. Ensure that any issues for project are properly escalated to senior leadership as appropriate.* Other duties as assigned or requested. **EDUCATION****Required*** Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Healthcare Administration, Finance, Economics, Operations, Information Technology, or related discipline, or relevant experience and/or education as determined by the company in lieu of bachelor's degree. **Preferred*** Master’s degree **EXPERIENCE****Required*** 7 years of strategy, transformation, operations, or consulting experience* 5 years of management experience* 3 years of experience in matrixed organizations* Large data transformation experience that support enterprise data architecture, integrity, analytics, or member experience**Preferred*** Healthcare experience* Change management experience* Operational improvement experience* Agile Delivery Management **LICENSES or CERTIFICATIONS****Required*** None **Preferred*** PMP - Project Management Professional* CSM - Scrum Master* PMI Agile Certified Practitioner **SKILLS*** Project Management (Agile)* Strong Communication skills* Problem Management and Resolution* Strategic problem solving* Leadership and influence* Executive storytelling* Business and financial acumen* Execution management* AI/ML, GenAI, Agentic AI transformation capabilities **Language (Other than English):*** None **Travel Requirement:*** 0% - 25% **PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS****Position Type*** Office-based **Physical work site required*** Yes ***Disclaimer:** The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. **Compliance Requirement**: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.* *As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy. Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.***Pay Range Minimum:**$142,000.00**Pay Range Maximum:**$236,000.00*Base pay is determined by a variety of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expected contributions, as well as internal peer equity, market, and business considerations. The displayed salary range does not reflect any geographic differential Highmark may apply for certain locations based upon comparative markets.*