Associate Principal, Stars Consulting Center of Excellence

Press Ganey is the leading experience measurement, data analytics, and insights provider for complex industries. We help clients understand and meet the needs of their key stakeholders, with deep roots in U.S. healthcare and a global presence. Our offerings combine technology, data, and expertise to enable clients to pinpoint opportunities, accelerate improvement, and build lifetime loyalty among customers and employees. Our success stems from world-class talent, a collaborative culture, and a passion for driving value through trusted partnerships.

About The Team

Press Ganey's Stars and Regulatory Performance Improvement practice helps health plans improve quality outcomes, optimize Medicare Star Ratings performance, and navigate complex regulatory environments. Our solutions include:

• Stars Center of Excellence: End-to-end support across HEDIS, CAHPS, HOS, Part D, and SNP performance, tailored to each organization's strategic priorities and Stars maturity.
• Regulatory Readiness: Expert guidance, readiness assessments, and simulation exercises for CAHPS, HOS, QHP, and state-specific quality programs, with actionable improvement plans tied to Stars and quality outcomes.
• Performance Stabilization: Governance frameworks, operational alignment, leadership coaching, and quality improvement strategies to maintain high performance during growth initiatives, M&A activity, and SNP expansion.

Responsibilities

• Consulting Leadership & Delivery
  • Lead and deliver Medicare Stars consulting engagements across CAHPS, HEDIS, HOS, medication adherence, and operational performance measures.
  • Serve as the firm’s technical expert on HEDIS methodology, measure specifications, hybrid and administrative reporting, supplemental data strategies, and medical record review optimization.
  • Translate CMS regulations, annual rate announcements, technical specifications, and Star Ratings methodology updates into clear, executable client strategies.
  • Conduct detailed measure-level analyses and develop actionable recommendations to drive quality and Stars performance improvements.
  • Develop executive-level presentations, strategic roadmaps, performance dashboards, client reports, and improvement playbooks.
  • Manage multiple high-priority client engagements simultaneously while ensuring exceptional service delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Client Relationship Management
  • Partner with health plan executives and operational leaders to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and achieve strategic goals.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite stakeholders, influencing decision-making and facilitating organizational alignment.
  • Build and expand relationships across client organizations to increase engagement and drive long-term partnership growth.
  • Identify opportunities to integrate Press Ganey solutions, including Hyperlift analytics, CAHPS, and HOS offerings, to maximize client value.
• Business Development & Thought Leadership
  • Lead scope development, proposal creation, pricing strategies, and solution design for new engagements.
  • Contribute directly to revenue growth through identification and development of new consulting opportunities.
  • Represent Press Ganey at industry conferences, client forums, and executive events.
  • Contribute to industry thought leadership through presentations, publications, and market-facing content.
• Team Development
  • Mentor, coach, and cross-train consultants across Stars performance domains to strengthen organizational expertise and delivery capacity.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
  • Support methodology development and best-practice sharing across the consulting organization.

Requirements

• Required Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in government-sponsored healthcare, including Medicare Advantage and/or Medicaid.
  • Direct accountability for Medicare Star Ratings, quality improvement, population health, or regulatory performance initiatives.
  • Demonstrated success advising executive leaders on healthcare quality, Stars, and operational performance strategies.
  • Experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives with measurable business outcomes.
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
• Technical Expertise
  • Deep expertise in HEDIS, including NCQA measure specifications, claims data, supplemental data, ECDS reporting, audit processes, and performance improvement strategies.
  • Strong understanding of Medicare Star Ratings methodology, including measure weighting, cut point movement, improvement measures, Categorical Adjustment Index (CAI), reward factors, and Quality Bonus Payment implications.
  • Experience analyzing performance data and identifying opportunities to improve measure outcomes.
  • Proficiency with Excel, SQL, and/or other analytics tools used to perform measure-level performance analyses.
  • Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly PowerPoint and Excel.
• Leadership Competencies
  • Exceptional executive communication, facilitation, presentation, and consulting skills.
  • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic decision-making.
  • Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-facing consulting environment.
  • Deep understanding of Medicare Advantage market dynamics, quality measurement, and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Healthcare consulting experience within a national consulting firm, health plan, or healthcare services organization.
  • Experience working with certified HEDIS engines and Stars analytics platforms.
  • Demonstrated success in business development, proposal creation, and consulting practice growth.
  • Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field.

Press Ganey encourages candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every qualification. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

Pay

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $145,000 to $200,000. Offers are typically made below the top of the range and are based on factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and market/organizational considerations. In addition to base salary and a competitive benefits package, successful candidates are eligible for a discretionary bonus or commission tied to achieved results.

Schedule

This is a remote, U.S.-based role with up to 75% travel required.