Director Strategic Initiatives

Elevance Health•Atlanta, GA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director Strategic Initiatives serves as a strategic partner to senior leadership within the Health Benefits Operations organization. The role drives enterprise-level planning, executive communications, performance management, and operational coordination across a broad, visible portfolio. It requires strong executive presence and business judgment, with the ability to synthesize data, operational priorities, and strategic messaging into polished deliverables for senior audiences. The director also identifies internal and external opportunities and partnering strategies for a Strategic Business Unit. The position leads annual business planning and strategic research; supports executive planning and coordination; partners with the Office of the COO and Corporate Strategic Planning; and coordinates cross-functional strategy, people, planning, and engagement priorities. It also manages special projects, develops complex materials on health issues, prepares healthcare white papers and executive presentation materials, and supervises direct reports. The role is hybrid and requires associates to work in-office three days per week. Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of an office unless an accommodation is granted as required by law. Alternate locations may be considered for candidates within commuting distance.

Requirements

BA/BS degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience, including 5 years of project management experience and 5 years of related experience as a health analyst or health staffer in the legislative community; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting senior executives or working in a highly visible strategy, business planning, operations, or Chief of Staff-style role.
Strong executive presence and ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and influence across functions without direct authority.
Ability to synthesize complex data, operational performance insights, and strategic priorities into clear, compelling narratives and deliverables.
Experience managing business planning cycles, performance routines, and governance forums.
Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple priorities, stakeholders, and timelines.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with ambiguity, visibility, and evolving leadership priorities.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution and attention to detail.
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate annual planning cycles, including capital readiness activities, business planning deliverables, and cross-functional inputs for senior leadership decision-making.
Conduct in-depth strategic research.
Support executive-level planning and coordination, including leadership engagements, travel agendas, operating rhythms, meeting preparation, and follow-up actions.
Serve as a central partner to the Office of the COO to align leadership priorities, governance routines, communications, and operational execution.
Work with a companion director focused on culture, communications, and talent strategy to coordinate strategy, people, planning, and engagement priorities.
Optimize strategic initiatives and planning by challenging cost-benefit investments involving significant monetary commitments and supporting the SBU's strategic direction.
Analyze, research, and develop complex materials and documents relating to health issues.
Prepare white papers on selected healthcare topics, including graphic presentations and talking points for executive officers.
Manage special projects as directed by executive management.
Coordinate with Corporate Strategic Planning to align the SBU with corporate strategies.
Hire, train, coach, counsel, and evaluate the performance of direct reports.