Intern (Strategic Development) - Fall 2026

CalOptima; Orange (CA); Hybrid; USD 47,840 - 64,584; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO program

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Flexible scheduling

Competitive compensation

Job summary

CalOptima is seeking an Intern in Strategic Development for Fall 2026 in Orange, CA. This role supports project plans, roadmaps and program implementation under Sr Manager II supervision, with opportunities to work closely with leadership and external partners.

The position offers hands-on experience in health policy alignment, research, and collaboration across departments, with a mix of in-office and potential telework within California.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and enrollment in a college or university two- or four-year degree program.

Responsibilities

• Assist with department assigned projects and coordinate with supervisors on status and progress.
• Support program design, development and implementation of strategic initiatives and pilots.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to meet deadlines and priorities.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Intern (Strategic Development) - Fall 2026

CalOptima

Join Us in this Amazing Opportunity

The Team You’ll Join

We are a mission driven community-based organization that serves member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. If you are ready to advance your career while making a difference, we encourage you to review and apply today and help us build healthier communities for all.

More About the Opportunity

We are hoping you will join us as a Intern (Strategic Development) - Fall 2026 and help shape the future of healthcare where you'll be an integral part of our Strategic Development team, helping to strive for excellence while we serve our member health with dignity, respecting the value and needs of each of our members through collaboration with our providers, community partners and local stakeholders. This position has been approved to be Full Office.

If telework is approved, you are required to work within the State of California only and if Partial Telework, also come in to the Main Office in Orange, CA, at least two (2) days per week minimum.

The overall purpose and objective of the Intern is to gain work experience in the field prior to graduating. This is an opportunity to utilize and apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom setting and apply it in the workforce. The incumbent will be primarily responsible for handling department assigned projects, given a moderate degree of independence. You will frequently meet with supervisors to go over the status and progress of assignments.

Under the general supervision of the Sr Manager II, you will assist with the program design, development, implementation and support of strategic initiatives, pilots and programs related to the department's priorities. You will assist with the coordination and delivery of project plans and roadmaps. The incumbent will also assist in research and analysis for program implementation. Additionally, you will support daily operations and complete other assignments in the department. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable health system.

Your Contributions To the Team

• 95% - Department Support
• Participates in a mission driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity and accountability.
• Assists the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with others to support short- and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
• Assists with department assigned projects.
• Meets deadlines and completes sub-tasks of assigned projects.
• Participates in meetings with the supervisor to go over status and progress of work.
• 5% - Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Do You Have What the Role Requires?

• High school diploma or equivalent PLUS enrollment in a college or university two- or four-year degree program, an accredited vocational institution or a graduate program required.

You’ll Stand Out More If You Possess the Following

• Experience or interest in health policy or health care.

Your Knowledge & Abilities to Bring to this Role

• Develop rapport and establish and maintain effective working relationships with CalOptima Health's leadership and staff and external contacts at all levels and with diverse backgrounds.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work a flexible schedule; available to participate in evening and weekend events.
• Organize, be analytical, problem-solve and possess project management skills.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and in an efficient manner.
• Manage multiple projects and identify opportunities for internal and external collaboration.
• Motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.
• Utilize computer and appropriate software (e.g., Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and job specific applications/systems to produce correspondence, charts, spreadsheets, and/or other information applicable to the position assignment.

Your Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations)

• Ability to visually read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Ability to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects, patients and/or equipment 10 to 25 pounds

Ways We Are Here For You

• You’ll enjoy competitive compensation for this role.
• Our current hiring range is: Pay Grade: 301 - $47,840 - $64,584 ($23.00 - $31.0500).
• The final salary offered will be based on education, job-related knowledge and experience, skills relevant to the role and internal equity among other factors.
• This position is approved for Full Office (If the position is Telework, it is eligible in California only)
• CalPERS pension program and additional retirement packages.
• Additional benefits and perks including:
  • A generous PTO program
  • A quality work life balance
  • Various wellness programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Career development opportunities
  • Flexible scheduling
  • And the satisfaction of knowing your work directly impacts and improves healthcare access for thousands of individuals and families.

Our Work Environment

• If located at the 500, 505 Building or a remote work location:
  • Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed.
  • There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
  • The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
• If located at PACE:
  • Work is typically indoors in a clinical setting serving the frail and elderly.
  • There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
  • The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• If located in the Community:
  • Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed.
  • Employee will occasionally work outdoors in varied temperatures.
  • There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
  • The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.

CalOptima Health Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CalOptima Health is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit. CalOptima Health wants to have qualified employees in every job position. CalOptima Health prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee, or applicant for employment, based on race, religion/religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, age, sexual orientation, immigration status, military status as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. CalOptima Health also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived as having, any of those characteristics.

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