Lead Director, State Strategy and Growth

4004 Aetna Medicaid Administrators; Arizona; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

CVS Health is seeking a Lead Director of Medicaid Policy to drive state-specific strategies, policy alignment, and stakeholder engagement across markets. You will translate strategy into action, partner with government affairs, and promote Medicaid initiatives at conferences and in key forums.

The role requires broad policy expertise, strong communication, and a willingness to travel extensively to engage state stakeholders and support business development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in Medicaid policy or managed care leadership.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement state-specific Medicaid strategies aligned with healthcare policy landscapes.
• Translate high-level strategies into actionable workplans and lead cross-functional execution.
• Serve as a liaison to CVS government affairs teams, representing Medicaid interests.
• Represent the organization at conferences, meetings, and networking events to promote Medicaid initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, providers, associations, and advocacy professionals.
• Monitor and analyze policy and legislative trends to inform strategy and identify opportunities.
• Provide strategic support to overcome barriers and craft innovative solutions.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through professional networks and partnerships.

Skills

Medicaid policy

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Policy advocacy

Travel coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy

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

This role will report to the Executive Director of Medicaid Business Development. This role is central to advancing our Medicaid business objectives by developing and executing state-specific strategies that align with healthcare policy and individual Medicaid priorities. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Medicaid policy, exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, and a growth-oriented mindset to drive innovation and expansion across state markets. This role will directly influence Medicaid market growth, policy alignment, and stakeholder engagement. This role will require a rigorous travel schedule to effectively engage with state stakeholders, attend conferences, and support business development activities across multiple market. The Lead Director will be instrumental in positioning the organization as a leader in Medicaid innovation and expanding our footprint across state programs. Develop and implement strategic plans tailored to individual state Medicaid priorities and healthcare policy landscapes. Translate high-level strategies into actionable workplans and lead cross-functional execution. Prepare policy briefs, blog posts, presentations, and other materials to communicate complex policy issues. Serve as a liaison to CVS government affairs teams, representing Medicaid interests and ensuring alignment. Represent the organization at conferences, meetings, and networking events to promote Medicaid initiatives. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including community organizations, providers, associations, and advocacy professionals. Monitor and analyze policy and legislative trends to inform strategy and identify opportunities. Provide strategic support to overcome barriers and craft innovative solutions. Identify and pursue new business opportunities through professional networks and partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in Medicaid policy or managed care leadership.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as required, including up to 50% travel for stakeholder engagement and business development activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience navigating Medicaid procurements and state healthcare contracts is a plus.
• Healthcare strategy
• Advanced degree (MPH, MPA, MBA).
• Background in government relations or legislative affairs.
• Familiarity with value-based care, LTSS, and dual-eligible programs.
• Established professional network in Medicaid and healthcare policy.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, health administration, business, or related field or equivalent experience/education.

Pay Range

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.

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.

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.

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 10/17/2026

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

Our Work Experience

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that's unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it's our people.

Our employees are self-disciplined, hard working, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in the area.