EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UC SELF-FUNDED HEALTH PLANS

The University of California (UC) is a world leader in research and education, with a history of groundbreaking achievements. Working at the UC Office of the President offers the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant and diverse community, supporting some of the greatest minds in the world. The UC Office of the President serves as the headquarters for the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers, and three national laboratories.

About the Role

The Systemwide Benefits Programs & Strategy team manages and creates health benefits strategy and programs to enhance the well-being of UC employees and their families. This unit oversees health and welfare benefits, retirement savings programs, and benefits information systems, ensuring compliance with university policies and applicable laws. The Executive Director provides leadership for UC’s self-insured employee health plans, covering approximately 200,000 employees, retirees, and dependents. This role is responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight, and fostering strong relationships with campus partners and medical centers. The position is hybrid.

Responsibilities

• Financial Operations and Sustainability (20%) – Provides fiscal oversight of health plans, including budgets, contracts, and financial statements. Ensures sustainable financial health of self-funded plans, manages stop-loss insurance, and communicates financial updates to leadership and campuses.
• Strategy (20%) – Develops short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for UC Care, Blue & Gold, and other self-insured plans. Manages network tiering and discounts, integrates with campus medical directors, and designs benefits to encourage use of UC providers.
• Leadership and Management (20%) – Co-leads the Joint Operating Committee with Human Resources, reports to the Executive Steering Committee, and provides consultative services to faculty and senior management. Manages a team of 5-9 staff and consultants, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Plan Administration (20%) – Leads RFP processes for plan administrators, negotiates rates with UC providers, and oversees implementation of new plans. Serves as the ultimate point person for plan administrator partnerships.
• Rate Setting and Benefits Strategy (15%) – Leads the annual rate-setting process, determines covered benefits, and contributes to employee contribution methodologies.
• Clinical Programs and Population Health (5%) – Collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer to develop innovative programs (e.g., wellness, behavioral health) and implements pharmacy benefit changes.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience managing health benefit programs, preferably self-funded plans.
• Extensive experience in healthcare finance, delivery systems, and health plan design, implementation, and operation.
• In-depth knowledge of population health management, health IT, data analytics, and federal/state healthcare regulations.
• Demonstrated project management and implementation expertise.
• Minimum of two years working at a systemwide level in benefits.

Skills

• Expertise in self-insurance and translating knowledge into long-term strategic initiatives.
• Ability to build consensus among leaders, peers, and staff across reporting structures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience engaging with C-suite executives.
• Strong presentation skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with legal, insurance, and health plan terminology.