Chief of Network Strategy | Vermont-Based Healthcare Organization

Position Summary

The Chief of Network Strategy is an executive leader reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a key member of the leadership team for a Vermont-based healthcare organization. This role is responsible for developing and executing provider networking, contracting, risk adjustment, and payment integrity strategies that advance affordable, high-quality care while ensuring regulatory compliance and financial sustainability.

The Chief of Network Strategy leads provider contracting and relations, network development, value-based care initiatives, and enterprise cost-management strategies. This role partners closely with providers, health systems, regulators, and internal stakeholders to optimize network performance, improve healthcare affordability, and strengthen market competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Network Strategy & Development

• Develop and execute provider networking strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Design and implement innovative contracting models, including value-based and risk-based payment arrangements.
• Analyze market trends, utilization patterns and competitive dynamics to optimize network performance, access, and adequacy.
• Ensure operational implementation of provider contracts, credentialing processes, and provider data management.

Provider Contracting & Relationships

• Lead negotiation, execution, and management of complex provider and hospital agreements.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with physicians, hospitals, and ancillary providers.
• Align contracting strategies with value-based care, health equity, quality improvement, and population health objectives.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations, including Vermont-specific regulatory requirements.

Financial Performance & Cost Management

• Drive unit cost management, contract economics and total cost of care initiatives.
• Lead enterprise risk adjustment strategies and performance improvement efforts.
• Develop and oversee payment integrity programs to ensure effective cost management.
• Utilize analytics and performance data to identify opportunities for operational and financial improvement.

Leadership & Industry Engagement

• Provide executive leadership across network management, provider relations, risk adjustment, and payment integrity functions.
• Monitor industry trends, reimbursement innovation, and regulatory developments to maintain organizational competitiveness.
• Foster collaboration across departments to achieve strategic, operational, and financial objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business, Finance, or a related field required; MBA, MPH, or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare operations, provider contracting, network development, finance, or related functions.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex, high-value provider agreements and managing executive-level provider relationships.
• Strong expertise in value-based care, risk adjustment, payment integrity, healthcare economics, and network strategy.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and driving cross-functional strategic initiatives.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Vision and Execution
• Executive Negotiation and Influence
• Financial and Operational Acumen
• Healthcare Industry Expertise
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Change Leadership and Process Improvement
• Relationship Management and Collaboration
• Regulatory and Compliance Oversight

Direct Leadership Areas

Oversight may include functions such as:

• Provider Contracting
• Network Management
• Provider Relations
• Risk Adjustment Programs
• Provider Strategy Implementation
• Payment Integrity

This executive role requires significant independent judgment, enterprise-wide influence, and accountability for network performance, provider engagement, healthcare affordability, and strategic growth.