Lead Director, Program Management

CVS Health; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

CVS Health is seeking a Lead Director, Program Management for the Aetna Better Health of Illinois division. The role focuses on guiding strategic healthcare initiatives, advancing provider partnerships, and driving Medicaid and innovation efforts with executive leadership.

The position requires strong SQL/data analytics, complex program governance, and proven leadership in a matrixed environment. Expect collaboration with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact programs.

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.

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.

Skills

Healthcare strategy

Program management

Team leadership

Data analytics

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Health or equivalent

Tools

SQL

Job description

We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.

Position Summary

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. This Leader will influence decision-making, foster collaboration across stakeholders, and ensure successful delivery of high-impact strategic programs.

Roles & 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.

The Typical Pay Range For This Role Is

$100,000.00 - $231,540.00

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. This position also includes an award target in the company’s equity award program.

Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.

Great Benefits For Great People

We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.

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.

Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 11/19/2026

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.