Chief Medical Officer – CMO – for Optum Community Care Services, CCS

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Position Summary:

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Optum Community Care Services (CCS) is the senior clinical executive responsible for shaping and executing the clinical vision and strategy across the CCS enterprise. As a key member of the  leadership team, the CMO provides oversight of all clinical operations, quality improvement initiatives, and medical management programs to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-based care to Veterans through the VA Community Care Network (VACCN).

 

This role combines strategic leadership with operational accountability, guiding multidisciplinary teams – including Medical Directors, behavioral health and dental leaders, and patient safety professionals – to achieve clinical excellence and meet contractual and regulatory requirements. The CMO serves as the principal clinical advisor to the CEO of CCS and collaborates with external and internal stakeholders, and external providers to advance whole-person care, value-based models, and innovative clinical solutions.

 

The CMO is responsible for ensuring that all clinical programs are aligned with Optum’s mission to improve health outcomes and reduce costs while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, provider engagement, and regulatory compliance. This includes leading peer review processes, overseeing utilization management strategies, and driving continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making and performance monitoring.

 

As a visible and influential leader, the CMO fosters a culture of clinical integrity, collaboration, and accountability, while mentoring clinical staff and promoting professional development across the organization.

 

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Clinical Leadership:
  • Lead the development and execution of CCS’s clinical strategy, ensuring alignment with CCS goals, federal regulations, and Optum Serve’s mission.
• Oversight of Clinical Quality Programs:
  • Direct the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical quality initiatives, including peer review processes, patient safety programs, and performance metrics.
• Governance and Committee Leadership:
  • Chair the CCS Clinical Quality Improvement Program Committee and oversee all clinical governance bodies.
• Clinical Operations Management:
  • Supervise Medical Directors and other clinical leaders, ensuring consistent application of evidence-based practices and adherence to clinical standards.
• Regulatory and Contractual Compliance:
  • Ensure all clinical activities meet federal, state, and contractual requirements, including CMS, VA, and Optum Serve consulting engagements.
• Innovation and Program Development:
  • Lead the development of new clinical programs, including value-based care models, utilization management strategies, and integrated behavioral and physical health initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Serve as the primary clinical liaison to external and internal entities, fostering collaboration and trust.
• Clinical Risk Management:
  • Oversee clinical risk assessments, adverse event reviews, and corrective action planning to ensure patient safety and mitigate liability.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  • Utilize clinical data analytics to guide strategic decisions, monitor outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Mentorship and Education:
  • Provide mentorship to clinical leaders and staff, promoting professional development and clinical excellence.

 

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. 

Required Qualifications:

• MD or DO with active, unrestricted U.S. medical license
• Board certification in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Surgery, Physiatry, or Emergency Medicine
• 15+ years of clinical experience, including 5+ years in a senior clinical leadership role
• Proven expertise in clinical quality, utilization management, and regulatory compliance
• Proficiency in data analysis and evidence-based decision-making
• Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex clinical programs
• Proven exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Willing or ability to travel up to 10%

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced training in healthcare administration, public health, or clinical informatics
  Experience with Veterans or Military healthcare systems
• Experience in leadership in federal healthcare programs (VA, DoD)
• Experience with RFI/RFP processes and federal contracting
• Familiarity with VA Community Care Network

 

Work Environment:

This is a remote position with occasional travel.

 

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy  

 

Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from  $278,000 to $417,500. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
 

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes – an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.  

 

 

OptumCare  is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

 

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment