Manager, Strategic Activation

About the Role

The Manager of Strategic Activation is responsible for managing the execution of enterprise-wide strategic and transformation initiatives that support MLH's strategic priorities. This role partners with clinical, operational, technology, and administrative leaders to translate strategic priorities into actionable project plans, coordinate cross-functional work, monitor progress against defined outcomes, and support sustainable implementation. The Manager applies hypothesis-based problem solving, project management discipline, data-driven analysis, and stakeholder engagement to advance initiatives that improve care delivery, operational efficiency, patient experience, quality, and organizational performance.

This position also leads and coaches Strategic Project Managers and individual contributors, ensuring consistent use of tools, clear accountability, and alignment with MLH Mission, Vision and Values. The role manages defined strategic projects, often requiring considerable resources and high levels of functional integration.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned strategic and transformation initiatives from planning through implementation and sustainment under the direction of the Director of Strategic Activation.
• Partner with clinical, operational, technology, and administrative stakeholders to define initiative objectives, scope, milestones, deliverables, dependencies, risks, and success measures.
• Develop and maintain project plans, workplans, charters, timelines, decision logs, issue logs, and related tools to support consistent execution and accountability.
• Apply hypothesis-based problem solving and appropriate improvement methods to clarify problems, assess options, and support implementation of practical solutions.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams to advance initiatives aligned with MLH strategic priorities, patient experience, operational efficiency, quality, and care delivery transformation.
• Build strong relationships with internal customers and key stakeholders to support alignment, engagement, and buy-in for strategic initiatives.
• Facilitate project meetings, workshops, design sessions, and working groups to clarify goals, solve problems, make decisions, and maintain momentum.
• Support change management and communication activities by helping stakeholders understand initiative purpose, expected benefits, roles, and implementation expectations.
• Promote consistent use of project management tools, templates, methods, and reporting standards across assigned initiatives.
• Manage, coach, and develop assigned Strategic Project Managers and individual contributors in alignment with MLH values, department priorities, and performance expectations.
• Clarify work expectations, monitor performance, support goal setting, provide feedback, and promote accountability for high-quality deliverables.
• Build team capability in project management, facilitation, analytics, executive communication, and strategic activation practices.
• Support workforce planning, onboarding, professional development, and continuous learning within the Strategic Activation function.
• Assist the Director of Strategic Activation with department planning, prioritization, resource alignment, and continuous improvement of team processes.
• Perform annual competency assessments via associate evaluations and develop improvement plans as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of seven (7) years of direct work experience in healthcare strategy, operations, project management, process improvement, consulting, or a related field.
• Experience supporting systemwide initiatives, managing complex projects, and working with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Technical expertise in at least four of the following areas: service line development, healthcare process improvement, healthcare customer experience, digital and virtual health, provider network planning, physician engagement, mergers and acquisitions, or post-merger integration implementation.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams using a hypothesis-based problem-solving approach from problem statement definition to implementation.
• Experience supporting the organization with the identification of and progression toward key performance indicators.
• Experience with stakeholder relationship building, engagement, and activation as an influencer to generate project outcomes.
• Prior experience planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale organizational changes or complex projects.
• Excellent data analysis and computer skills in core programs (e.g., PowerPoint, Excel, Word, relevant data analysis and visualization tools).
• Ability to translate findings or direction into executive-level presentations and facilitate meetings to progress projects forward.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management or related field.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, Nursing, or Business Administration/Management.
• Preferred Certifications:
  • Six Sigma Black Belt
  • Six Sigma Green Belt
  • Six Sigma Master Black Belt

Supervision

Manages assigned Strategic Project Managers and/or individual contributors within the Strategic Activation function.

Physical Demands

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• Light work: exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• Close visual acuity required for preparing and analyzing data, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, or extensive reading.
• Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; typical office or administrative work conditions.