UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Senior Vice President (SVP), Health Care Policy, serves as the Enterprise leader for UnitedHealth Group's health care policy strategy, positioning the organization as a national thought leader and trusted partner in shaping federal and state health policy. The SVP leads the Health Care Policy team within Government Affairs and is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, enterprise-wide policy and advocacy agenda that advances UnitedHealth Group's mission, supports sustainable growth and helps modernize the U.S. health care system.
This role partners closely with senior executives across UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Corporate functions to identify, anticipate and influence policy developments affecting public and private coverage programs, care delivery, affordability, transparency payment and reimbursement, pharmaceutical policy and innovation. The SVP represents UnitedHealth Group with policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and key stakeholder organizations and plays a central role in shaping bipartisan relationships and coalitions to advance shared health system priorities.
Hybrid in DC: This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Senior Vice President, Health Care Policy will:
Set enterprise health care policy strategy:
Lead development and execution of UnitedHealth Group's federal and state health care policy agenda across core issue areas, including coverage and benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, commercial insurance markets, payment and delivery system reform, prescription drugs, affordability, transparency and value-based care
- Provide executive-level policy leadership:
Serve as a senior advisor to Enterprise leadership on emerging health policy risks and opportunities, proactively informing business strategy, investment decisions and long-term planning
- Anticipate and shape policy trends:
Monitor and anticipate legislative, regulatory and political developments and work across UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Corporate teams to position the Enterprise effectively in response to evolving policy environments
- Lead advocacy and thought leadership efforts:
Oversee development of high-impact thought leadership, policy analyses, research and advocacy materials that clearly articulate UnitedHealth Group's positions and influence public discourse
- Cultivate external relationships and coalitions:
Build and maintain strong, bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress, Administration officials, governors, state regulators and key stakeholder organizations. Shape and manage formal and informal coalitions to advance shared health care policy objectives
- Coordinate enterprise engagement:
Partner closely with government relations, communications, public affairs, research and business leaders to ensure coordinated advocacy, consistent messaging and effective external engagement
- Synthesize and communicate policy developments:
Provide clear, timely updates to executive leadership on major legislative, regulatory and political developments, translating complex policy issues into actionable insights
- Lead and develop the policy organization:
Direct, mentor and grow a high-performing Health Care Policy team; establish priorities, manage resources and foster collaboration across issue areas and teams
- Represent UnitedHealth Group externally:
Serve as a visible spokesperson and representative of the Enterprise in meetings, forums and industry settings, demonstrating executive presence and credibility
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 15+ years of senior-level health care policy experience, with demonstrated leadership across multiple sectors such as Congress, the Administration (e.g., HHS or CMS), state government, corporate policy roles, consulting or leading industry association
- Policy expertise:
Deep, broad understanding of the U.S. health care system, including public and private coverage, payment and reimbursement, care delivery models, pharmaceutical policy and regulatory processes
- Leadership and influence:
Proven track record of successfully shaping legislation and regulations through negotiation, coalition-building and engagement with senior policymakers at the state and federal levels
- Communication and executive presence:
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to persuasively convey complex issues to senior executives, policymakers and external audiences
- Relationship-building:
Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain trusted relationships internally and externally while advancing organizational priorities
- Leadership capabilities:
Proven experience leading, developing and inspiring teams, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $225,000 to $375,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
