Innovation Program Manager IV

While this position is listed as hybrid, regular in-office attendance is required. Candidates should be prepared to commute to the San Francisco office on a consistent basis to support team collaboration and business needs.

About the role

Manages enterprise innovation programs and strategic initiatives of varying complexity, leading planning, execution, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional implementation across the organization. Oversees programs that empower employees, clinicians, and operational teams to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and advance ideas from concept to implementation and scale. Serves as a catalyst for innovation by guiding multidisciplinary teams through problem definition, business case development, validation, testing, and implementation planning while fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

Develops and manages program operations, participant experiences, communications, events, evaluation frameworks, and performance metrics to maximize program effectiveness and organizational engagement. Establishes repeatable processes, tools, and governance structures that expand the impact of innovation efforts across the health system. Partners with leaders, clinicians, operational teams, and subject matter experts to translate ideas into actionable solutions that improve care delivery, workforce experience, operational performance, and patient outcomes while advancing strategic priorities and strengthening the organization's reputation for innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise innovation programs and strategic initiatives, including planning, execution, and cross-functional implementation.
• Oversee programs that empower employees, clinicians, and operational teams to develop and scale innovative solutions.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams through problem definition, business case development, validation, testing, and implementation planning.
• Develop and manage program operations, participant experiences, communications, events, evaluation frameworks, and performance metrics.
• Establish repeatable processes, tools, and governance structures to expand innovation impact across the health system.
• Partner with leaders, clinicians, and operational teams to translate ideas into actionable solutions improving care delivery, workforce experience, operational performance, and patient outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field, or equivalent experience.

8 years of recent relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting innovation challenges, hackathons, incubators, accelerators, venture programs, or transformation initiatives.
• Healthcare innovation, digital health, quality improvement, or strategy experience.
• Knowledge of human-centered design, design thinking, innovation frameworks, or change management methodologies.
• Experience coaching teams on business case development, pitch preparation, implementation planning, and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with AI tools and emerging technologies, including practical applications in healthcare and operations.
• Experience using Smartsheet, Microsoft Planner, or similar program management platforms.
• Financial acumen: budgeting, forecasting, and ROI modeling for new initiatives.
• Experimentation & evaluation design (A/B testing, pilot design, basic statistical analysis).
• Healthcare data/regulatory fluency (HIPAA, working with clinical/operational datasets).
• Proficiency in facilitation and design tools (Miro, FigJam) for structured working sessions.
• Advanced presentation development (PowerPoint) and executive-level data storytelling.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of strategic planning, including group facilitation and plan development.
• Knowledge and understanding of business plan development, including qualitative and quantitative research and analysis.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact with a wide variety of internal and external customers, including patients, physicians, and payors.

Schedule

• Full Time
• Monday - Friday
• Weekend requirements as needed
• 40 hours per week

Benefits

Eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package.

Pay

Pay range is $135,054.40 to $202,592.00 annual salary. The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program.