Associate Director Planning & Strategy - Remote

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The associate Director, Strategy & Operations serves as a strategic partner to the senior director National FFS, helping translate organizational priorities into action. This role supports executive decision-making, drives cross-functional initiatives, improves communication across leadership teams, and ensures follow-through on critical business goals. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, discreet, and able to manage complex priorities in a fast-paced environment.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities
Serve as a trusted advisor to the leader on strategic priorities, operational decisions, and organizational planning
Coordinate and lead cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met
Prepare briefings, reports, presentations, agendas, and follow-up materials for executive meetings, board meetings, and leadership sessions
Facilitate communication across departments to improve alignment, accountability, and execution of company objectives
Monitor key projects, identify risks or bottlenecks, and recommend solutions to maintain progress
Manage the executive office operating rhythm, including leadership meetings, strategic planning cycles, and priority tracking
Support organizational goal setting and performance measurement through dashboards, KPIs, or similar reporting tools
Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment
Represent the executive in meetings and special projects as needed
Drive continuous improvement in processes, decision-making, and internal coordination
Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve organizational objectives
Lead strategic planning efforts and support change management in response to regulatory updates and industry trends
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
Bachelor's degree in business administration, Management, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field
5+ years of experience in strategy, operations, executive support, consulting, project management, or a related leadership role
Proven solid project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven solid analytical, problem-solving, and decision-support capabilities
Demonstrated ability to work with senior leaders and influence across teams
Proven high level of discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration or project management tools
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree or MBA
Experience supporting C-suite executives or senior leadership teams
Background in organizational strategy, change management, or business operations
Ability to thrive in ambiguity and adapt quickly to shifting priorities
Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across the organization
All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
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 $112,700 - $193,200 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 help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Work arrangement
Yes