Director of Health Equity

Join our team as the Director of Health Equity at Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM), where you will play a pivotal role in advancing health equity and reducing health disparities within our member population. In this leadership position, you’ll be responsible for developing, implementing, and refining goals and initiatives related to health equity (HE), diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). You’ll collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure that HPSM’s efforts in these areas are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our broader organizational mission

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-year planning and goal-setting for the Health Equity unit, proactively collaborating with departments and stakeholders to develop solutions and achieve objectives.
• Stay up to date on trends and best practices in health equity and DEIB, applying relevant findings to improve HPSM policies, operations, and services.
• Provide leadership to staff by setting clear expectations, monitoring job results, and implementing coaching or corrective actions as needed. Complete performance evaluations in a timely manner.
• Plan, prioritize, and drive initiatives to achieve HPSM’s health equity and DEIB goals, in alignment with departmental workplans on population health and organizational culture.
• Lead and facilitate HPSM’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Group, driving engagement, feedback, and integration of their efforts throughout the organization.
• Partner with community organizations, agencies, and other stakeholders to address health disparities and improve member health outcomes.
• Collaborate with the CHO, Director of Human Resources, and other key internal and external partners to develop and track Key Performance Indicators for health equity and DEIB.
• Analyze findings, communicate with stakeholders, and implement policies or programs that enhance HPSM’s organizational culture and promote health equity.
• Serve as an expert and leader, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements (DHCS, DMHC, CMS, NCQA, and employment law) and driving continuous improvement.

Requirements
These are the qualifications typically needed to succeed in this position. However, you don’t need to meet every requirement to apply.

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, public policy, education, or related field required; Master’s degree (MSW, MPH, MPP) preferred. Formal education or certification in health equity or DEIB preferred. Minimum of 3 years in a managerial role, with experience in health equity, public health, DEIB, or quality, preferably within a managed care or governmental setting. Experience with Medi-Cal eligible populations or in safety-net healthcare settings is a plus.
• Skills & Knowledge: Ability to handle inquiries with cultural competence and professionalism. Deep understanding of health equity, DEIB concepts, and best practices for reducing health disparities. Proficiency in change management and workgroup facilitation. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. Familiarity with managed care operations and health plan systems. Leadership practices that promote inclusivity, diversity, and psychological safety in the workplace.
• Core Competencies & Abilities: Strong analytical skills to define, interpret, and communicate complex information. Ability to set long-term goals, monitor progress, and develop clear action plans. Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions. Ability to diplomatically resolve complex issues and encourage open communication. Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to influence outcomes without direct authority. Ability to manage ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining composure. Skilled in staff management, including goal-setting, performance feedback, and professional development.