UnitedHealth Group - Senior Vice President - Policy, Government Affairs

UnitedHealth Group•Washington, DC

35d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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