Associate VP, Clinical Product & Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate VP, Clinical Product & Strategy

Company: Humana

Location: Remote US

Job Type: Full time

Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of clinical programs and products specifically designed for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Traditional Medicare populations within CenterWell Home Health (CWHH).

• Drive measurable value creation by enhancing quality outcomes, reducing avoidable medical costs, improving risk adjustment accuracy, and increasing member/patient engagement across CWHH's national footprint.

• Develop and scale home-based care models that align with enterprise priorities and support CWHH's integrated care strategy, impacting over 400,000 patients.

• Manage a team of approximately 20 associates, fostering collaboration across Home Health, Pharmacy, Primary Care, and Humana to identify opportunities, build business cases, and launch pilot programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership function, requiring a blend of strategic vision and operational execution. The emphasis on Medicare Advantage, value-based care, and home health integration signifies a critical role in Humana's broader healthcare services strategy, particularly within the CenterWell umbrella. The target audience for this role is experienced healthcare leaders with a deep understanding of payer dynamics and provider operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop MA Value Creation Strategy: Design and own the strategic roadmap for clinical programs aimed at improving Home Health performance, Medicare Stars ratings, affordability, risk adjustment accuracy, and overall member outcomes.

• Oversee Clinical Program Execution: Provide direct day-to-day leadership and oversight for strategic clinical programs, encompassing performance management, proactive issue resolution, and seamless cross-functional coordination.

• Enhance Quality and Stars Performance: Spearhead gap closure initiatives and quality improvement efforts for CWHH populations, working collaboratively with clinical teams, analytics experts, population health strategists, and MA stakeholders.

• Drive Appropriate Home Health Utilization: Expand the strategic and appropriate use of Home Health services, effectively demonstrating associated network savings, positive member impact, and necessary operational requirements.

• Reduce Avoidable Medical Costs: Scale targeted interventions and programs designed to significantly reduce hospitalizations, readmissions, emergency department visits, and other costly, preventable medical events.

• Advance Member Engagement and Longitudinal Care: Develop and implement comprehensive programs that enhance patient outreach, participation, treatment adherence, and sustained care management beyond isolated Home Health episodes.

• Expand High-Risk Member Services: Identify, conceptualize, and develop specialized services for high-risk members, extending beyond traditional Home Health episodes to include innovative home-based care models and pilot initiatives.

• Improve Ecosystem Integration: Strengthen clinical integration and collaboration across CWHH, Primary Care Organizations (PCO), Pharmacy (Rx), and broader Humana entities through standardized workflows, shared data insights, aligned care pathways, and consistent operating routines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership role focused on driving performance within a complex healthcare ecosystem. The emphasis on specific metrics like Stars performance, risk adjustment, and medical cost reduction indicates a strong focus on quantifiable results and financial impact, typical of senior operations and strategy roles in managed care.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, business, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience.

• A minimum of 7 years leading managers and professional teams.

• Demonstrated experience in building, piloting, and scaling clinical programs with measurable quality, financial, and operational outcomes.

• Proven ability to lead through influence within matrixed organizations, collaborating effectively with clinical, operations, finance, analytics, population health, and payer partners. Required Skills:

• Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to set and drive strategic direction for complex initiatives within the healthcare sector.

• Medicare Advantage Acumen: Deep understanding of MA program structures, regulations, performance metrics (e.g., Stars), and value-based care models.

• Clinical Program Management: Expertise in developing, implementing, and managing clinical programs from ideation through scale, with a focus on measurable outcomes.

• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated ability to leverage financial understanding to ensure area performance, sustainability, and alignment with organizational goals.

• Value-Based Care Expertise: Strong command of value-based care principles, risk adjustment methodologies, and their application in provider and payer settings.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Skill in navigating and influencing matrixed environments, fostering collaboration across diverse departments and functions.

Preferred Skills:

• Home-Based Care Models: Experience with developing or managing home health, home-based care, or related community-based service lines.

• Quality Improvement Methodologies: Familiarity with Six Sigma, Lean, or other process improvement frameworks applied to healthcare quality.

• Data Analytics & Interpretation: Ability to interpret complex datasets to drive strategic decisions and performance improvements.

• Population Health Management: Understanding of strategies and tools used to manage the health of defined patient populations.

• Risk Adjustment: In-depth knowledge of risk adjustment models (e.g., HCCs) and strategies for improving accuracy and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, deep healthcare industry knowledge (specifically MA and value-based care), and strong leadership capabilities. The requirement for leading managers and teams, coupled with extensive progressive leadership experience, positions this as a senior executive role. The preference for a Master's degree and specific experience in home-based care models suggests a desire for advanced expertise and specialized industry knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Roadmap Development: Showcase examples of developing multi-year strategic roadmaps for clinical programs, including market analysis, competitive landscape assessment, and alignment with overarching business objectives.

• Program Launch & Scale Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of clinical programs successfully piloted and scaled, demonstrating the process from initial concept and business case development through to full operationalization and sustained performance.

• Value-Based Care Model Implementation: Provide evidence of experience designing or implementing value-based care initiatives, illustrating how these models improved quality, cost, and patient outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Frameworks: Illustrate frameworks or methodologies used to facilitate effective collaboration and integration across diverse teams (e.g., clinical, operations, finance, analytics, IT) to achieve program goals.

• Performance Metrics & ROI Demonstration: Clearly articulate how key performance indicators (KPIs) were defined, tracked, and utilized to measure program success, including demonstrable Return on Investment (ROI) for initiatives led.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document examples of designing or optimizing clinical workflows to enhance efficiency, improve patient experience, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA).

• Pilot Program Frameworks: Outline structured approaches for designing and executing pilot programs, including hypothesis testing, data collection, evaluation criteria, and decision-making processes for scaling.

• Performance Measurement Systems: Detail the systems or frameworks established for ongoing performance monitoring, including the types of data collected, reporting mechanisms, and feedback loops for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a portfolio should demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership in program development and execution, and a strong focus on measurable business outcomes. The emphasis should be on the candidate's ability to translate strategy into actionable plans, manage complex initiatives, and drive significant improvements in quality, cost, and member experience within the healthcare sector, particularly in managed care and home health.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $203,400 - $279,800 per year (This range reflects a good faith estimate for full-time employment. Actual compensation will vary based on geographic location, demonstrated skills, knowledge, experience, education, and certifications.)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans designed to support associate and family well-being.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) retirement savings plan to support long-term financial security.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Company Holidays, and Personal Holidays.

• Family Support: Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave to support significant life events.

• Income Protection: Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance to provide financial security during unexpected absences.

• Life Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage.

• Additional Opportunities: Access to various other benefits and programs designed for associate well-being.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

(While the role is remote, it requires dedicated focus and availability during standard business hours, potentially with flexibility needed to manage a national team and cross-functional collaborations.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is substantial, reflecting the senior leadership level and strategic importance of this Associate VP role. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large healthcare organization like Humana, emphasizing holistic well-being and financial security, which are key attractors for experienced professionals. The reference to "whole-person well-being" in the job description suggests a benefit philosophy that extends beyond traditional offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Services / Managed Care / Home Health

Company Size: Large (Likely 10,000+ employees, based on Humana's overall size)

Founded: 1961 (Humana)

Company Slogan: "CenterWell: Healthcare. Simplified." (Reflects focus on integration and patient experience)

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role sits within CenterWell Home Health (CWHH), a key part of Humana's broader CenterWell healthcare services division. The direct team consists of approximately 20 associates, likely comprising program managers, analysts, and strategists.

• Reporting Structure: The Associate VP reports to the VP, West Region President & Clinical Strategy, indicating a hierarchical structure with regional oversight.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role necessitates deep collaboration with multiple Humana divisions, including Pharmacy, Primary Care, and the Medicare Advantage business unit, forming a matrixed operational environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Emphasis on leveraging data analytics to inform strategic decisions, measure program performance, and identify opportunities for improvement (e.g., quality, cost, risk adjustment).

• Programmatic Approach: Structured development, piloting, and scaling of clinical programs and home-based care models.

• Value-Based Care Integration: Focus on aligning clinical programs with value-based care principles, emphasizing outcomes, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Patient-Centricity: A core tenet of Humana and CenterWell, ensuring all strategies and programs are designed to improve the patient/member experience and outcomes.

Company Website: https://www.humana.com/, https://www.centerwell.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Humana is a major player in the US healthcare market, with a significant focus on Medicare Advantage and a strategic push into integrated healthcare services through CenterWell. The company culture likely emphasizes a commitment to improving health outcomes, operational efficiency, and member satisfaction, driven by data and strategic planning. The "caring community" mentioned in the job description suggests a culture that values empathy and patient well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate Vice President (AVP) - This is a senior leadership role, typically two levels below C-suite, responsible for a significant function or business unit. It requires strategic oversight, team management, and substantial impact on business outcomes.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a VP, indicating a direct line to senior executive leadership and involvement in regional or divisional strategy. The AVP will lead a team of ~20 associates, implying direct people management responsibilities.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on revenue and business decisions by:

• Improving Medicare Advantage Stars ratings, which directly affects reimbursement.

• Reducing avoidable medical costs, directly impacting profitability and resource allocation.

• Enhancing risk adjustment accuracy, ensuring appropriate payment for patient complexity.

• Driving member engagement, contributing to retention and overall market share.

• Scaling new home-based care models, which are strategic growth areas for Humana/CenterWell. Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to VP or SVP roles within Humana or CenterWell, overseeing larger divisions or broader strategic areas within clinical strategy, product development, or operations.

• Specialized Expertise Development: Deepening expertise in areas like value-based care, home health innovation, and integrated care models, becoming a recognized thought leader.

• Cross-Divisional Mobility: Opportunities to move into leadership roles within other CenterWell businesses (Pharmacy, Primary Care) or within Humana's core insurance operations, leveraging a strong understanding of the integrated healthcare landscape.

• Strategic Initiative Leadership: Leading major enterprise-wide initiatives focused on innovation, market expansion, or significant operational transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This AVP role is a significant career step, offering substantial strategic influence and impact. Growth opportunities are geared towards executive leadership within a large, integrated healthcare organization, with potential for specialization or broader divisional responsibility. The role provides a platform to shape the future of home-based and integrated care within a major payer.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (US-based). This role operates fully remotely, offering flexibility in location.

Office Location(s): While remote, occasional travel to Humana offices for training or meetings may be required. This suggests that while the day-to-day is remote, in-person collaboration for key events is still a possibility.

Workspace Context:

• Home Office Requirements: Associates must maintain a dedicated, distraction-free workspace with reliable internet service (minimum 25 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload) to protect Protected Health Information (PHI) and ensure HIPAA compliance.

• Technology & Tools: Access to Humana's digital infrastructure, collaboration platforms, and relevant software for remote work and data analysis is expected.

• Team Interaction: Collaboration will primarily occur through virtual channels (video conferencing, instant messaging, project management tools), requiring strong virtual communication and collaboration skills.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week.

(While remote, the demands of a senior leadership role in a national organization may require flexibility beyond standard hours to accommodate different time zones, urgent issues, and strategic planning sessions.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this role offers significant flexibility, but it comes with the expectation of a professional home office setup and proactive self-management. The occasional travel requirement indicates that while remote-first, some in-person engagement is valued for team building and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your leadership philosophy and strategic approach to clinical product and strategy.

• Hiring Manager Interview: This will focus on your experience with Medicare Advantage, value-based care, clinical program development, and team leadership. Expect behavioral questions and discussions about past accomplishments.

• Panel Interviews: You may meet with key stakeholders from different departments (e.g., Clinical Operations, Analytics, Pharmacy, MA Product) to assess your ability to collaborate and influence across functions. Prepare to discuss how you've managed complex cross-functional projects.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for senior roles. You might be asked to prepare a strategic presentation on a given topic (e.g., a plan to improve Stars ratings for a specific population, a proposal for a new home-based care model) or review a past project in detail.

• Final Executive Interview: Potentially with the VP or another senior executive to discuss strategic vision, cultural alignment, and overall fit for the organization at the AVP level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Depth: Ensure your portfolio showcases your ability to think strategically, not just tactically. Highlight how your initiatives aligned with broader business goals.

• Quantifiable Results: For each project or initiative, clearly state the objectives, your role, the actions taken, and – most importantly – the measurable outcomes (e.g., % improvement in Stars, $ reduction in medical costs, increase in member engagement rates). Use specific numbers and data.

• Process & Methodology: Detail the processes you followed for program development, pilot execution, scaling, and performance management. Explain the methodologies used (e.g., Agile for pilots, Lean for process improvement).

• Leadership & Collaboration: Provide examples demonstrating your ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and drive consensus in a matrixed environment.

• Tailoring: If possible, tailor your portfolio examples to align with Humana's known priorities in Medicare Advantage, home health, and value-based care.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Planning Exercise: Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing a strategy for a specific challenge (e.g., addressing a decline in a key quality metric, expanding a successful pilot). Focus on your thought process, data utilization, and stakeholder engagement.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you've tackled complex operational or strategic challenges in previous roles, emphasizing your analytical skills, decision-making process, and resolution strategies.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting complex information concisely and persuasively. Focus on storytelling that highlights your impact and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strategic nature of this role, expect a rigorous interview process that assesses not only experience but also strategic thinking, leadership presence, and the ability to drive measurable results in a complex healthcare environment. A well-curated portfolio showcasing quantifiable achievements and strategic impact is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM/Platform Management: While not explicitly stated, expect to work with or influence the use of enterprise CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing member/patient relationships and program interactions.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Jira, Microsoft Project, or Monday.com are likely used for managing program timelines, tasks, and cross-functional project execution.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) or Google Workspace for communication, document sharing, and collaborative work.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Platforms: Proficiency with or ability to leverage tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Qlik for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance reporting.

• Data Warehousing & SQL: A strong understanding of data structures and the ability to query databases using SQL for in-depth analysis and data extraction will be highly beneficial.

• Statistical Software: Familiarity with statistical packages like R or Python for advanced analytics, predictive modeling, or risk assessment may be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Healthcare-Specific Platforms: Potential exposure to or understanding of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), or specialized population health management platforms.

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not directly managed by this role, understanding the principles and potential of workflow automation (e.g., Robotic Process Automation - RPA, Business Process Management - BPM) for clinical processes could be valuable.

• Integration Technologies: Awareness of APIs and data integration concepts (e.g., HL7 for healthcare data) is beneficial for understanding how different systems connect within Humana's ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a senior operations and strategy role in healthcare necessitates strong analytical and data visualization skills. Proficiency with common BI tools and a foundational understanding of data management and integration within a healthcare context are expected. The ability to translate data insights into strategic action is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: A core Humana and CenterWell value, ensuring all strategic decisions and program designs prioritize patient well-being, experience, and outcomes.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards, taking ownership of outcomes, and operating with transparency in all initiatives.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Fostering a culture that seeks new solutions, pilots new models, and is committed to ongoing process optimization and performance enhancement.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing the importance of working effectively across diverse teams and departments to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence-based approaches, using data analytics to inform strategy, measure impact, and drive informed decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Matrixed Influence: The role requires a highly collaborative style, relying on influencing without direct authority across various business units (Home Health, Pharmacy, Primary Care, MA).

• Stakeholder Management: Proactive engagement with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring alignment, buy-in, and effective communication of strategies and progress.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging open feedback loops and collaborative problem-solving to refine processes and program designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where insights, best practices, and learnings are shared across teams to accelerate collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Humana's commitment to a "caring community" and "whole-person well-being" suggests a culture that values empathy, collaboration, and a shared mission to improve health. For operations professionals, this means an environment that supports data-driven strategies while maintaining a strong focus on the human element of healthcare delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Complex Matrixed Organization: Effectively driving initiatives and influencing change across multiple Humana divisions and business units requires strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Operational Execution: Translating high-level strategies into tangible, scalable programs that deliver measurable results in a complex operational environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Healthcare Regulations & Market Dynamics: Staying ahead of changes in Medicare Advantage policies, value-based care models, and competitive pressures to ensure program relevance and effectiveness.

• Driving Adoption of New Care Models: Gaining buy-in and ensuring successful implementation of innovative home-based care models among diverse clinical and operational teams.

• Measuring and Demonstrating Value: Clearly articulating and proving the ROI and impact of clinical programs on quality, cost, and member experience in a data-intensive healthcare landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs, executive coaching, and mentorship opportunities within Humana to hone strategic and people leadership skills.

• Industry Expertise Deepening: Opportunities to attend key healthcare conferences, participate in industry working groups, and gain certifications related to value-based care, population health, or specific clinical areas.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into Humana's other service lines (Pharmacy, Primary Care) to build a more holistic understanding of integrated care delivery.

• Strategic Initiative Leadership: Taking on leadership roles in high-impact, enterprise-level projects that drive significant transformation within Humana's healthcare services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a leading healthcare organization. The challenges are typical of senior leadership positions in large, complex companies, requiring strategic acumen, strong interpersonal skills, and adaptability. The learning opportunities are geared towards developing an executive-level understanding of integrated healthcare services.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in developing a strategic roadmap for clinical programs within Medicare Advantage. What were the key components and how did you ensure alignment with payer objectives?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your process for market analysis, competitive assessment, financial modeling, and stakeholder buy-in. Use a STAR method example to illustrate a successful roadmap.

• "How would you approach building a business case for a new home-based care model aimed at reducing hospital readmissions for high-risk MA members?"

  • Preparation: Outline your framework for assessing market need, defining program scope, projecting costs and savings, identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), and presenting to executive leadership.

• "Imagine you need to influence leaders in Pharmacy and Primary Care to adopt a new integrated care pathway. What is your strategy for gaining their alignment and ensuring successful implementation?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your approach to stakeholder analysis, identifying mutual benefits, communication planning, pilot testing, and change management.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Humana emphasizes 'whole-person well-being' and 'caring communities.' How do you see this philosophy translating into the strategic direction of clinical products and home-based care?"

  • Preparation: Research Humana's mission, values, and recent initiatives related to patient-centered care and community health. Connect your strategic thinking to these principles.

• "Describe a situation where you had to lead a team through significant change or uncertainty. How did you maintain morale and drive performance?"

  • Preparation: Prepare examples demonstrating your leadership during challenging times, focusing on communication, empathy, and strategic clarity.

• "How do you ensure that clinical programs are not only clinically effective but also financially sustainable and scalable within a large organization like Humana?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your experience with financial modeling, ROI analysis, operational efficiency, and scaling best practices.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (challenge/opportunity), middle (your strategy and execution), and end (results and impact).

• Data Visualization: Use charts, graphs, and dashboards effectively to showcase quantifiable results (e.g., STARS improvement, cost savings, engagement metrics). Ensure data is clean and easy to interpret.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the "so what?" for each project. How did your work directly benefit patients, the organization, or stakeholders?

• Leadership Demonstration: Highlight instances where you led teams, influenced peers, or navigated complex organizational dynamics to achieve success.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key findings within a set timeframe, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex information efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, deep domain expertise in healthcare operations (especially MA and value-based care), and strong influencing skills. Be ready to articulate your vision for the future of home-based care and how you would drive results within Humana's integrated ecosystem.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://humana.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Humana_External_Career_Site/job/Remote-Nationwide/Associate-VP--Clinical-Product---Strategy_R-429993

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in Medicare Advantage, value-based care, clinical program strategy, and leadership of large teams. Quantify achievements with specific metrics related to quality improvement, cost reduction, and member engagement.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, program execution, leadership capabilities, and quantifiable impact. Focus on case studies that align with Humana's priorities in home health and integrated care.

• Research Humana & CenterWell: Thoroughly understand Humana's mission, values, strategic priorities (especially within CenterWell), and its position in the Medicare Advantage and home health markets.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse articulating your career journey, leadership philosophy, and how your experience directly addresses the core responsibilities and requirements of this Associate VP role. Be prepared to discuss your strategic vision for clinical product and strategy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.