Chief Executive Officer
CalOptima
Join Us in this Amazing Opportunity
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
Chief Executive Officer and help shape the future of healthcare where you'll be an integral part of our team, helping to strive for excellence while we serve our member health with dignity, respecting the value and needs of each of our members through collaboration with our providers, community partners and local stakeholders. This position has been approved to be
Full Office.
- If telework is approved, you are required to work within the State of California only and if Partial Telework, also come in to the Main Office in Orange, CA, at least two (2) days per week minimum.
CalOptima Health is a County Organized Health System (COHS) and the largest insurance plan in Orange County. CalOptima Health serves approximately 800,000 members, operates a $ 4+ billion budget each year, and employs approximately 1,600 staff. Reporting to the CalOptima Health Board of Directors (10 members), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) develops and directs the successful implementation of short and long term strategic goals and plans for CalOptima Health; provides direction and oversight of programs and functional areas of CalOptima Health through division/department directors; actively demonstrate leadership in the development of health policy affecting Medi-Cal members of Orange County and the health plans other lines of business; develops and maintains positive working relationships with members, providers, community representatives, and federal, state and county agencies on behalf of CalOptima Health; and attracts and retains the talent necessary to effectively manage CalOptima Health. Has oversight of all aspects of the CalOptima Health organization. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable health system.
Your Contributions To the Team:
- 95% - Works in partnership with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, and business unit heads to establish strategic objectives and develop robust metrics for tracking advancement.
- Monitor performance against specific business goals and objectives, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
- Establishes relationships and serves as the principal contact with community leaders, providers, and regulatory agencies relative to CalOptima Health's lines of business. Utilize network of contacts to influence outcomes consistent with CalOptima Health's long-term strategies and short-term goals.
- Establishes and implements the policies, procedures and practices of CalOptima Health, as directed by the Board, and in the best interests of the members served through the CalOptima Health program.
- Acts as the duly authorized representative of CalOptima Health in all matters in which the Board has not formally designated some other person to act.
- Thorough knowledge and application of all relevant Federal and California public agency rules and regulations.
- Works in collaboration with both internal and external legal counsel to ensure regulatory compliance, adherence to the Brown Act, and the handling of all applicable legal matters that arise.
- Manages and directs the operations of CalOptima Health, with sound personnel, financial, accounting and statistical information practices, such as preparation of budgets and forecasts, maintenance of proper financial and other statistical records, collection of data required by governmental and accrediting agencies and special studies and reports required for efficient operation of CalOptima Health.
- Provides leadership by promoting morale and resolving conflicts and problems.
- Coordinates community relations initiatives, such as public engagements and effective communication with media representatives.
- Develops and maintains positive ongoing relations with local, state and federal government officials and agencies.
- Informs the Board of governmental legislation, regulations and requirements of official agencies and accrediting bodies that affect the planning and operation of the facilities, services and programs sponsored by CalOptima Health, maintains appropriate liaison with governments and accrediting agencies and implements actions necessary for compliance.
- Hires and fires contract and CalOptima Health staff as guided by Board decisions and employment policies.
- Acts as administrator of all contracts to which CalOptima Health is a party.
- Supports the Board, Committees, and Ad Hoc Committees with sufficient staff.
- Sends monthly reports to the Board on the overall activities of CalOptima Health and CalOptima Health's finances and financial status, as well as pertinent federal, state and local developments that affect CalOptima Health's operations.
- Maintains insurance or self-insurance to cover the physical properties and activities of CalOptima Health.
- Develops, amends, promulgates and implements personnel policies for CalOptima Health.
5% - Other projects and duties as assigned.
Do You Have What the Role Requires?
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required. Note: Equivalent work experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree will be approved by HR and the hiring manager.
- 8 years of experience administering prepaid health delivery systems in a responsible position; or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
- Extensive experience and education in health plan management and managed care dynamics, as well as business planning, financial management, public policy, and working with a governing board, are required.
You'll Stand Out More If You Possess the Following:
- A master's degree in health administration or a related field is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading a large, complex organization similar in size and scope to CalOptima Health.
- Demonstrated experience working with a governing board or within a public health plan.
Your Knowledge & Abilities to Bring to this Role:
- Develop rapport and establish and maintain effective working relationships with CalOptima Health's leadership and staff and external contacts at all levels and with diverse backgrounds.
- Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Work a flexible schedule; available to participate in evening and weekend events.
- Organize, be analytical, problem-solve and possess project management skills.
- Work in a fast-paced environment and in an efficient manner.
- Manage multiple projects and identify opportunities for internal and external collaboration.
- Motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.
- Utilize computer and appropriate software (e.g., Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and job specific applications/systems to produce correspondence, charts, spreadsheets, and/or other information applicable to the position assignment.
Your Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):
- Ability to visually read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
- Ability to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
- Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
- Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
- Lifting and moving objects, patients and/or equipment less than 10 pounds
Ways We Are Here For You
- You'll enjoy competitive compensation for this role.
- Our current hiring range is: Pay Grade: 330 - $560,000 - $841,500 ($269.23 - $404.5673).
- The final salary offered will be based on education, job-related knowledge and experience, skills relevant to the role and internal equity among other factors.
- This position is approved for Full Office (**If the position is Telework, it is eligible in California only**)
- A comprehensive benefits package
- CalPERS pension program and additional retirement packages.
- Additional benefits and perks including:
- A generous PTO program
- A quality work life balance
- Various wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
- Career development opportunities
- Flexible scheduling
- And the satisfaction of knowing your work directly impacts and improves healthcare access for thousands of individuals and families.
Our Work Environment:
If located at the 500, 505 Building or a remote work location:
- Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed.
- There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
- The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
If located at PACE:
- Work is typically indoors in a clinical setting serving the frail and elderly.
- There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
- The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.
If located in the Community:
- Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed.
- Employee will occasionally work outdoors in varied temperatures.
- There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
- The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Why Join Us?
We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Each employee brings a unique perspective to the overall team and we value everyone's input and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where you and every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impacts on our community members. Our team reflects and represents the communities we serve, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds who share our commitment to accessible, quality healthcare.
What's Your Next Step?
All Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Do NOT miss out. If you want to join our team, the deadline for the first review of applications is
July 28, 2026 at 9:00 PM (PST). We are encouraging you to apply early. If you apply after the first review date, your application is not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.
Our Commitment to You
Your application and resume will be reviewed by a dedicated recruiter to this position. If your experience matches what we need, we will reach out to you to discuss the next steps. The selection process may include, but is not limited to, a skills assessment, phone screen and interview.
If you make it through the steps above and are selected for this exciting role, you will be required to undergo a reference and a background check (to include a conviction record) and if applicable also pass a drug screening and/or a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (for specific positions) If you are an Internal CalOptima Health applicant, please apply through the internal portal on InfoNet.
We will make sure to keep you updated through each step of the process on your candidate portal. Please make sure to watch for updates on your candidate portal and you emails which will be sent to the email address you listed on your application. Please check your email, including your SPAM folder, regularly throughout the recruitment process.
CalOptima Health is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit. CalOptima Health wants to have qualified employees in every job position. CalOptima Health prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee, or applicant for employment, based on race, religion/religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, age, sexual orientation, immigration status, military status as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. CalOptima Health also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived as having, any of those characteristics.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation at (714) 246-8400 if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.
To apply, please visit: https://jobs.caloptima.org/jobs/chief-executive-officer-505-city-parkway-west-california-united-states
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