Legal Services Director
Central California Alliance for Health
Location: Mariposa County, California; Merced County, California; Monterey County, California; San Benito County, California; Santa Cruz County, California; Remote, California
OUR COMMITMENT TO A HUMAN HIRING PROCESS We believe every candidate deserves thoughtful consideration. That’s why we do not use AI or automated systems to review applications. Every application is reviewed by a real human member of our team. Because we take the time to give each submission the attention it deserves, our review process may take a little longer — and we genuinely appreciate your patience as we work through applications carefully and respectfully.
SERVICE AREA PREFERENCE While we encourage all interested applicants to apply, we do give priority to those who live in, or near, our service counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Merced, San Benito, and Mariposa. Our mission of
accessible, quality health care guided by local innovation
leads everything we do, and having team members who are connected to the communities we serve strengthens our ability to deliver on that commitment.
We have an opportunity to join the Alliance as the Legal Services Director overseeing the Legal Services Department.
WHAT YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Provides strategic management oversight in implementing, directing, and monitoring the Alliance’s Legal Services Department, which provides advice and counsel and performs enterprise risk management for Alliance operations
Directs the Legal Services Department, acts as a leader and subject matter expert and provides direction and advice on legal and administrative contracting issues and overall business operations
Manages and coordinates litigation and disputes related to Alliance operations
Directs health plan administrative contracting, including maintenance of agreements and negotiation and re‑negotiation of contracts in coordination with Alliance staff and external counsel
Directs, manages, and supervises Legal Services Department staff
ABOUT THE TEAM The Legal Services Department plays a central role in the Alliance’s legal and contractual operations. Our team oversees the full contract lifecycle from initial drafting through execution, amendment, and closeout, and provides legal counsel to leadership and staff on operational matters, strategic initiatives, and issues involving legal and regulatory compliance.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
A leader who mentors and empowers staff, cultivates subject matter expertise, and supports autonomy while maintaining professional standards and accountability.
Transactional and advisory focused attorney skilled in contracting best practices, negotiation, and risk assessment, with solid healthcare experience and a working understanding of litigation posture and procedures.
Strategic operator who can define the department's vision, assess gaps, design structures and workflows, and implement effective processes and tools.
Practical process improver who takes a measured approach to change, brings structure to legal work, and supports streamlined, well‑coordinated contracting and advice and counsel work.
Collaborative influencer who builds strong cross‑department relationships, leads change management, and fosters a service‑oriented, stakeholder‑focused culture.
Sound decision maker with strong judgment, able to balance big‑picture strategy with detail awareness, adapt to business needs, and articulate risk tolerance.
Knowledgeable in public entity and healthcare regulations, including MediCal/Medicare requirements, California public entity laws, and regulatory alignment expectations.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL To read the full position description and list of requirements, click here.
Knowledge of:
Health care laws
Knox‑Keene Health Care Service Plan Act and Regulations, Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Stark Law, and False Claims Act
Medi‑Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare rules, requirements, and regulations
State regulatory agencies, such as DHCS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC)
Principles and practices of operational oversight and program and project management
Principles and practices of contract negotiation and review
Ability to:
Provide prudent legal recommendations and counsel to executive team members and Board members
Develop legal strategies and objectives based upon analysis of relevant information and resources, and make recommendations
Perform risk assessment, anticipate and respond to risks, and provide risk mitigation support
Provide leadership, facilitate meetings, and partner with and guide managers and employees in the resolution of issues
Act as a technical resource and explain complex laws, regulations, processes, and programs related to areas of responsibility
Review and assess overall department function, core work, goals, and structure, develop and implement short‑and-long term planning to achieve strategic plans, and complete an annual department assessment
Direct, manage, supervise, mentor, train and evaluate the work of staff
Education and Experience: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, admitted to and in good standing with the State Bar of California, and possession of an active license to practice law in California.
A minimum of seven years of experience as a practicing health care attorney performing research and analysis of legal, statutory, and regulatory information, which included a minimum of five years of management level experience and a minimum of three years of experience related to health plan operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be qualifying.
OTHER INFORMATION
We are in a hybrid work environment and we anticipate that the interview process will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams.
While some staff may work full telecommuting schedules, attendance at quarterly company‑wide events or department meetings will be expected.
In‑office or in‑community presence may be required for some positions and is dependent on business need. Details about this can be reviewed during the interview process.
The full compensation range for this position is listed by location below.
The actual compensation for this role will be determined by our compensation philosophy, analysis of the selected candidate's qualifications (direct or transferable experience related to the position, education or training), as well as other factors (internal equity, market factors, and geographic location).
Typical areas in Zone 1: Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles area, San Diego area
Typical areas in Zone 2: Fresno area, Bakersfield, Central Valley (with the exception of Sacramento), Eastern California, Eureka area
Zone 1 (Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz)
$206,912 - $331,074 USD
Zone 2 (Mariposa and Merced)
$194,317 - $310,918 USD
OUR BENEFITS
Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
Ample Paid Time Off
12 Paid Holidays per year
401(a) Retirement Plan
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Robust Health and Wellness Program
Onsite EV Charging Stations
For a complete position description and to apply online, please visit our careers website.
ABOUT US We are a group of over 500 dedicated employees, committed to our mission of providing accessible, quality health care that is guided by local innovation. We feel that our work is bigger than ourselves. We leave work each day knowing that we made a difference in the community around us.
Join us at Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance), where you will be part of a culture that is respectful, diverse, professional and fun, and where you are empowered to do your best work. As a regional non‑profit health plan, we serve members in Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. To learn more about us, take a look at our Fact Sheet.
The Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. We are an E‑Verify participating employer.
At this time the Alliance does not provide any type of sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time, ongoing basis without current or future needs for any type of employer supported or provided sponsorship.
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Location: Mariposa County, California; Merced County, California; Monterey County, California; San Benito County, California; Santa Cruz County, California; Remote, California
OUR COMMITMENT TO A HUMAN HIRING PROCESS We believe every candidate deserves thoughtful consideration. That’s why we do not use AI or automated systems to review applications. Every application is reviewed by a real human member of our team. Because we take the time to give each submission the attention it deserves, our review process may take a little longer — and we genuinely appreciate your patience as we work through applications carefully and respectfully.
SERVICE AREA PREFERENCE While we encourage all interested applicants to apply, we do give priority to those who live in, or near, our service counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, Merced, San Benito, and Mariposa. Our mission of
accessible, quality health care guided by local innovation
leads everything we do, and having team members who are connected to the communities we serve strengthens our ability to deliver on that commitment.
We have an opportunity to join the Alliance as the Legal Services Director overseeing the Legal Services Department.
WHAT YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Provides strategic management oversight in implementing, directing, and monitoring the Alliance’s Legal Services Department, which provides advice and counsel and performs enterprise risk management for Alliance operations
Directs the Legal Services Department, acts as a leader and subject matter expert and provides direction and advice on legal and administrative contracting issues and overall business operations
Manages and coordinates litigation and disputes related to Alliance operations
Directs health plan administrative contracting, including maintenance of agreements and negotiation and re‑negotiation of contracts in coordination with Alliance staff and external counsel
Directs, manages, and supervises Legal Services Department staff
ABOUT THE TEAM The Legal Services Department plays a central role in the Alliance’s legal and contractual operations. Our team oversees the full contract lifecycle from initial drafting through execution, amendment, and closeout, and provides legal counsel to leadership and staff on operational matters, strategic initiatives, and issues involving legal and regulatory compliance.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
A leader who mentors and empowers staff, cultivates subject matter expertise, and supports autonomy while maintaining professional standards and accountability.
Transactional and advisory focused attorney skilled in contracting best practices, negotiation, and risk assessment, with solid healthcare experience and a working understanding of litigation posture and procedures.
Strategic operator who can define the department's vision, assess gaps, design structures and workflows, and implement effective processes and tools.
Practical process improver who takes a measured approach to change, brings structure to legal work, and supports streamlined, well‑coordinated contracting and advice and counsel work.
Collaborative influencer who builds strong cross‑department relationships, leads change management, and fosters a service‑oriented, stakeholder‑focused culture.
Sound decision maker with strong judgment, able to balance big‑picture strategy with detail awareness, adapt to business needs, and articulate risk tolerance.
Knowledgeable in public entity and healthcare regulations, including MediCal/Medicare requirements, California public entity laws, and regulatory alignment expectations.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL To read the full position description and list of requirements, click here.
Knowledge of:
Health care laws
Knox‑Keene Health Care Service Plan Act and Regulations, Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Stark Law, and False Claims Act
Medi‑Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare rules, requirements, and regulations
State regulatory agencies, such as DHCS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC)
Principles and practices of operational oversight and program and project management
Principles and practices of contract negotiation and review
Ability to:
Provide prudent legal recommendations and counsel to executive team members and Board members
Develop legal strategies and objectives based upon analysis of relevant information and resources, and make recommendations
Perform risk assessment, anticipate and respond to risks, and provide risk mitigation support
Provide leadership, facilitate meetings, and partner with and guide managers and employees in the resolution of issues
Act as a technical resource and explain complex laws, regulations, processes, and programs related to areas of responsibility
Review and assess overall department function, core work, goals, and structure, develop and implement short‑and-long term planning to achieve strategic plans, and complete an annual department assessment
Direct, manage, supervise, mentor, train and evaluate the work of staff
Education and Experience: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, admitted to and in good standing with the State Bar of California, and possession of an active license to practice law in California.
A minimum of seven years of experience as a practicing health care attorney performing research and analysis of legal, statutory, and regulatory information, which included a minimum of five years of management level experience and a minimum of three years of experience related to health plan operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be qualifying.
OTHER INFORMATION
We are in a hybrid work environment and we anticipate that the interview process will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams.
While some staff may work full telecommuting schedules, attendance at quarterly company‑wide events or department meetings will be expected.
In‑office or in‑community presence may be required for some positions and is dependent on business need. Details about this can be reviewed during the interview process.
The full compensation range for this position is listed by location below.
The actual compensation for this role will be determined by our compensation philosophy, analysis of the selected candidate's qualifications (direct or transferable experience related to the position, education or training), as well as other factors (internal equity, market factors, and geographic location).
Typical areas in Zone 1: Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles area, San Diego area
Typical areas in Zone 2: Fresno area, Bakersfield, Central Valley (with the exception of Sacramento), Eastern California, Eureka area
Zone 1 (Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz)
$206,912 - $331,074 USD
Zone 2 (Mariposa and Merced)
$194,317 - $310,918 USD
OUR BENEFITS
Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
Ample Paid Time Off
12 Paid Holidays per year
401(a) Retirement Plan
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Robust Health and Wellness Program
Onsite EV Charging Stations
For a complete position description and to apply online, please visit our careers website.
ABOUT US We are a group of over 500 dedicated employees, committed to our mission of providing accessible, quality health care that is guided by local innovation. We feel that our work is bigger than ourselves. We leave work each day knowing that we made a difference in the community around us.
Join us at Central California Alliance for Health (the Alliance), where you will be part of a culture that is respectful, diverse, professional and fun, and where you are empowered to do your best work. As a regional non‑profit health plan, we serve members in Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. To learn more about us, take a look at our Fact Sheet.
The Alliance is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. We are an E‑Verify participating employer.
At this time the Alliance does not provide any type of sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time, ongoing basis without current or future needs for any type of employer supported or provided sponsorship.
#J-18808-Ljbffr