Sr. Program Manager, Public Policy (Program Manager Sr)

Sr. Program Manager, Public Policy

Join Us – Where Your Talent Meets Opportunity. We’re Better Together

The Team You’ll Join

We are a mission-driven, community-based organization that serves member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person. If you are ready to advance your career while making a difference, we encourage you to review and apply today and help us build healthier communities for all.

More About the Opportunity

We are hoping you will join us as a Sr. Program Manager, Public Policy (Program Manager Sr) and help shape the future of healthcare. You’ll be an integral part of our Government Affairs team, striving for excellence while serving our members with dignity and respect through collaboration with providers, community partners, and local stakeholders.

This role will play a vital part in the design, development, implementation, and support of public policy priorities and initiatives to further the goals of CalOptima Health. You will assist in day-to-day activities, cross-functional projects, and other assignments to support new program development and the re-design of existing programs in the Government Affairs department. You will also:

Interact with CalOptima Health’s leadership and staff to assess potential impacts of proposed federal, state, and local policies.

Recommend appropriate actions to advance CalOptima Health’s legislative, regulatory, and budgetary agenda.

Coordinate and communicate advocacy opportunities, policy positions, meetings, and events related to CalOptima Health’s industry associations.

Serve as a subject matter expert on healthcare policy, acting as a critical resource to the Director of Public Policy.

Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable health system.

Your Contributions To the Team
95% – Public Policy Program Support

Participate in a mission-driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity, and accountability.

Assist the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborate to support short- and long-term goals/priorities.

Track and evaluate concurrent initiatives to ensure all projects meet success parameters and targets.

Develop initial workplans for assigned projects, managing scope, schedule, and quality.

Develop workflows, procedures, and/or policies and recommend changes for timely, efficient, and effective results.

Research various healthcare policy topics, providing strategic advice and analysis for leadership, executives, board members, and external partners.

Follow and analyze key bills and budget developments throughout federal and state legislative sessions.

Develop legislative advocacy strategies, official positions, and materials to promote and preserve CalOptima’s legislative priorities.

Compile programmatic and policy updates and briefs for internal and external communication.

Support Government Affairs leadership in crafting and executing CalOptima Health’s legislative and regulatory agenda.

Interact with and assist in managing CalOptima Health’s relationships with healthcare industry associations.

Recognize top challenges facing the organization, providers, members, and community.

5% – Other

Complete other projects and duties as assigned.

Do You Have What the Role Requires?

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, health administration, or related field PLUS 4 years of work experience in public policy, government affairs, legislative analysis, healthcare policy, or managed care policy. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also qualify.

Access to transportation for work away from the primary office approximately 10% of the time.

You’ll Stand Out More If You Possess the Following

N/A

What the Regulatory Agencies Need You to Possess

N/A

Your Knowledge & Abilities to Bring to this Role

Develop rapport and establish and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, staff, and external contacts at all levels.

Work independently and exercise sound judgment.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend events.

Organize, analyze, problem-solve, and possess project management skills.

Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Manage multiple projects and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.

Utilize computers and software (Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and job-specific applications/systems.

Your Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations)

Visually read information from screens, forms, and printed materials.

Speak clearly in conversation and communication.

Hear verbal communication via telephone and face-to-face interactions.

Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing, reaching, bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, and prolonged sitting.

Lift and move objects, patients, and/or equipment weighing 10–25 pounds.

Ways We Are Here For You

Competitive compensation:

Pay Grade: 313 — $90,820 – $145,312 ($43.66 – $69.86/hr)

Partial Telework eligible (if position is Telework, it is eligible in California)

Comprehensive benefits package

CalPERS pension program and additional retirement packages

PTO program, work-life balance, wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities

Flexible scheduling

Satisfaction of directly improving healthcare access for thousands of individuals and families

Our Work Environment
If located at the 500, 505 Building or a remote work location:

Indoor, sedentary work with variable schedules and travel as needed

No harmful environmental conditions

Moderate noise levels

If located at PACE:

Indoor, clinical setting serving the frail and elderly

Possible hazardous conditions

Moderate to loud noise levels

If located in the Community:

Indoor, sedentary work with travel as needed

Occasional outdoor work in varied temperatures

Possible hazardous conditions

Moderate to loud noise levels

Why Join Us?

We believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. Each employee brings a unique perspective, and we value everyone’s input. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive while making meaningful impacts on community members. Our team reflects the communities we serve, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds who share our commitment to accessible, quality healthcare.

What’s Your Next Step?

Applications are accepted continuously until sufficient qualified applications are received.

First review of applications: September 22, 2025 at 9:00 PM (PST).

Apply early to ensure consideration. Recruitment may close at any time after the first review date.

Our Commitment to You

Applications reviewed by a dedicated recruiter.

Next steps may include skills assessment, phone screen, and interview.

Selected candidates may undergo reference/background checks, drug screening, or post-offer pre-employment medical examination (if applicable).

Internal applicants should apply through the internal portal on InfoNet.

Updates provided through the candidate portal and email (check SPAM folder).

CalOptima Health is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse staff. We honor unique experiences, identities, and perspectives, fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming workplace.

CalOptima Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, military status, or any other protected category.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans: (714) 246-8400

Apply now!