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Optum Medical Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medical Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$300K - $325K/yr

Optum Financial Service through ConnectYourCare * Benefit Advocacy Center through Gallagher MAJOR FUNCTIONS: The Medical Director is a multi-function, executive level position, encompassing ...

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Optum Medical Director information

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$13K

$232.4K

$357K

How much do optum medical director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optum medical director in the United States is $232,369.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $198,000.00 and $284,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optum Medical Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optum Medical Director, you need a medical degree (MD or DO), board certification in a relevant specialty, and substantial clinical experience. Familiarity with healthcare management systems, utilization review tools, and knowledge of regulatory compliance (such as NCQA or CMS guidelines) are typically required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills are vital for driving clinical excellence and collaborating across teams. These competencies ensure effective oversight of clinical programs, improved patient outcomes, and alignment with organizational goals in a complex healthcare environment.

What is the difference between Optum Medical Director vs Optum Medical Physician?

AspectOptum Medical DirectorOptum Medical Physician
Required CredentialsMedical degree, medical license, leadership experienceMedical degree, medical license, clinical experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, leadership, strategic planningClinical, patient care, direct medical services
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare management, insurance, health servicesHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership roles in healthcare organizationsClinical roles providing direct patient care

The Optum Medical Director typically focuses on administrative leadership, strategic planning, and overseeing healthcare operations, requiring both medical credentials and leadership experience. In contrast, the Optum Medical Physician primarily provides direct patient care in clinical settings. Both roles are integral to healthcare delivery but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

What does an Optum Medical Director do?

An Optum Medical Director is a physician leader responsible for overseeing clinical programs, ensuring quality care, and providing medical expertise within Optum, a health services and innovation company. Their duties often include reviewing cases for medical necessity, supporting utilization management, and collaborating with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. They may also participate in policy development, clinical guideline implementation, and training initiatives to align with Optum's standards and goals.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for an Optum Medical Director within cross-functional teams?

As an Optum Medical Director, you will frequently collaborate with a wide range of professionals, including clinical teams, data analysts, quality improvement specialists, and administrative staff. Your role often involves working closely with these groups to develop care management strategies, review clinical protocols, and improve patient outcomes. Effective communication and the ability to bridge clinical and operational objectives are key to successfully leading initiatives and ensuring alignment across departments. This collaborative environment not only enhances your leadership skills but also provides valuable exposure to various facets of healthcare management.
More about Optum Medical Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Optum Medical Director jobs? Cities with the most Optum Medical Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Medical jobs? The most popular types of Optum Medical jobs are:
What states have the most Optum Medical Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Optum Medical Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optum Medical Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $232,369 per year, or $111.7 per hour.
Associate Medical Director, Primary Care - Optum New Mexico

Associate Medical Director, Primary Care - Optum New Mexico

UnitedHealth Group

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 871 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Optum NM is seeking an Associate Medical Director to join our team in Albuquerque, NM. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.
As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.
At Optum, you'll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
Position Highlights
• Associate Medical Director (AMD) provides leadership to physicians, other clinicians, and staff.
• Partners cohesively with operation and medical leadership to ensure goals are met.
• Ensures that high quality medical care and service is provided in the clinics.
• Directs and integrates the activities of multiple projects; in supporting the Medical Group's mission, goals, and strategic plan.
• Integrate the clinics to function in a cohesive fashion; aiding departments with institutional issues, interfacing with the other MD's to develop and implement new business strategies, quality initiatives and lines of business.
• Adheres to policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure compliance and patient safety.
• Participation in Compliance training and other important training is a condition of employment.
Essential Functions
• Leads and manages the operations of specific medical programs, patient clinics or company initiatives in partnership with operations dyad partner(s). Ensure a boots-on-ground presence in all supported clinics on a weekly basis.
• Provides financial leadership and business management education to physicians and other clinicians in a 1:1 or group setting for all supported providers on a monthly cadence.
• Provides leadership coaching and developmental feedback to physicians and other clinicians.
• Collaborate with Medical and Operations Leadership to implement an infrastructure and system in place to measure quality and provide timely data to physicians and other clinicians on their performance. Implement measurable quality indicators.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, and development of physicians, other clinicians, and support staff, with ongoing management, to meet the needs of the departments/clinics.
• Performs Annual Performance Reviews for direct reports and gives feedback to other leaders for their direct reports.
• Directs and integrates the activities of projects; ensuring the project efforts are generally cohesive, consistent, and effective in supporting the Medical Group's mission, goals, and strategic plan.
• Represents the department to internal and external communities, business and industry, government, and the general community on a as needed basis.
• Promote and enhance the image of The Group, the department and participate in appropriate professional and academic organizations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluation diagnosis and treatment in area of expertise.
What makes an Optum organization different?
• Practice at the peak of their license
• We recognize that if you want to provide good care and do it well, you can't do it alone - this is the foundation of the team-based care model
• The culture is one of clinical innovation and transformation
• We are a top performer of the Quadruple Aim initiative in New Mexico
• We are influencing change on a national scale while still maintaining the culture and community or our local organizations
Compensation & Benefits Highlights:
• Med/Den/Vis, STD, LTD, United Health stock options
• Continuing Medical Education allowance with time off
• Robust Relocation program
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Excellent PTO package
• Generous retirement program including employer funded contributions (401K)
Optum New Mexico:
We are happy to call Albuquerque, New Mexico home. With the tail of the Rockies at our doorstep, we have world-class hiking, biking and skiing at our fingertips. Coupled with amazing scenery, a diverse culture, remarkable food and a world renowned art scene, it's no wonder we're the "Secret of the Southwest!"
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:
  • Active MD/DO medical license in the state of New Mexico, or ability to obtain prior to start
  • Board Certified in Family Medicine/Internal Medicine or in the process of obtaining certification unless granted an exemption by Credentialing Committee
  • New Mexico Pharmacy/DEA Registration if applicable to practice, or ability to obtain prior to start
  • Current BLS Certification

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Leadership training in related field
  • 3 years' experience as a practicing physician
  • Experience in both fee-for-service and managed care operations
  • 2-3 years of management experience and prior executive oversight experience in a clinical setting

The salary range for this role is $237,500 to $387,500 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
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.

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