Vice President & Head of Payer Strategy

The Company is seeking a VP & Head of Payer Strategy to lead the enterprise payer strategy and negotiations for its urgent care and behavioral health service lines. This executive role is pivotal in owning national payer relationships, contract strategy, rate negotiations, and the development of value-based partnerships. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating clinical quality and patient outcomes into payer value propositions, negotiating contracts that ensure financial sustainability, and building strategic partnerships that position the company for long-term success. The role demands a high level of visibility, with direct exposure to the CEO, Board of Directors, and national payer C-suites. Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years' experience in healthcare payer strategy, network contracting, or health plan partnerships, with a proven track record of executive-level relationships and multi-million dollar contract negotiations. The role requires expertise in multi-site and multi-state healthcare, including experience with Medicaid managed care and telehealth reimbursement policies. Strong financial and analytical skills are essential, as is a background in value-based care and strategic partnership development. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in business, healthcare administration, or law, and may have a background in urgent care, behavioral health, or pediatric healthcare. Executive presence, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to lead cross-functionally are also key qualifications for this position.