Medicare Stars Strategy Director – Advisory Services

University of Minnesota School of Nursing; Eden Prairie (MN); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Optum Insight is seeking a Director, Advisory Services - Stars Strategy & Performance to lead Medicare Advantage Stars consulting within the Quality & Risk Adjustment practice. You will act as the executive SME for strategy, governance, and CMS Star Ratings optimization, driving growth and client value across HEDIS, CAHPS, and analytics.

You’ll supervise delivery engagements, mentor staff, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop differentiated advisory services that expand

Qualifications

• 8+ years of healthcare experience with significant Medicare Advantage Stars expertise
• Experience leading Stars strategy, quality improvement, quality operations, or Medicare performance programs
• Experience presenting to executive leadership and influencing cross-functional stakeholders
• Deep understanding of CMS Star Ratings, CAHPS, HOS, Part D performance, Quality Bonus Payment methodology, and performance forecasting
• Demonstrated consulting, client relationship management, and business development skills
• Ability to identify automation opportunities and leverage AI to improve productivity and quality
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth and expansion of the Stars consulting practice, including solution development, business development, and client engagement strategy
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive client stakeholders, including Medicare, Quality, Population Health, and Clinical Operations leadership
• Design and lead Stars performance improvement initiatives spanning HEDIS, CAHPS, HOS, Pharmacy, Provider, and Operational measures
• Develop Stars strategic roadmaps, governance structures, forecasting models, and performance improvement plans
• Translate CMS regulations, methodology updates, and industry trends into actionable client strategies
• Partner across HEDIS, Clinical Quality, Risk Adjustment, Analytics, and Technology teams to develop integrated client solutions
• Lead strategic assessments, maturity evaluations, and Stars program redesign efforts
• Support sales pursuits, proposal development, thought leadership, and market-facing Stars offerings
• Provide executive oversight for Stars-related delivery engagements and ensure successful client outcomes
• Mentor and develop Stars consultants and emerging quality leaders within the practice

Skills

Medicare Advantage Stars

Executive stakeholder engagement

Consulting leadership

Business development

Forecasting models

Automation & AI awareness

Travel willingness

Education

Advanced degree (MPH, MHA, MBA, PharmD, RN)

Healthcare analytics certifications

Tools

Stars analytics platforms

Forecast modeling tools

Dashboards & analytics

Job description

Optum Insight is seeking a Director, Advisory Services - Stars Strategy & Performance to lead Medicare Advantage Stars consulting within the Quality & Risk Adjustment practice. You will act as the executive SME for strategy, governance, and CMS Star Ratings optimization, driving growth and client value across HEDIS, CAHPS, and analytics.

You’ll supervise delivery engagements, mentor staff, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop differentiated advisory services that expand