Strategic Program Lead

We are seeking a strategic execution partner — a self-directed, solutions-oriented individual contributor who can turn big ideas into tangible results. This role requires someone who thrives in ambiguity, navigates complexity with ease, and drives meaningful impact across the organization. Industry fluency will be utilized to drive organization-appropriate execution in fast-moving, high-growth environments. The ideal candidate can zoom out to see the big picture and then dive deep into the details. This department is data-driven, using insights to inform decision making, measure progress, and continuously refine strategy. 

As a Strategic Program Lead, you will translate high-level strategy into actionable plans, orchestrate cross-functional alignment, and serve as a trusted thought partner to business leaders. You will be leading large, enterprise-wide initiatives that may require workflow optimization and large-scale tech implementation. Your ability to stay flexible under pressure, surface and resolve difficult issues, demonstrate data fluency, and maintain relentless focus on outcomes will be critical to success. 

Consistent with LifeStance’s values, every member of the LifeStance team is expected to support each other and the mission, which may mean participating in projects and initiatives and performing functions and responsibilities not specifically outlined in this job description. This role is expected to foster a commitment to the organization values. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Own and lead strategic initiatives from definition to execution: Translate complex business problems into clear, actionable implementation plans that drive measurable outcomes. Lead project management across scope, timelines, budgets, and resources—adapting plans as priorities shift while keeping teams grounded in core objectives. 

• Design structured approaches and frameworks to achieve business goals: Identify the levers, sequencing, interdependencies, and organizational changes required to succeed. Surface potential risks early and implement proactive mitigation strategies to protect delivery timelines and outcomes.  Establish success metrics upfront. 

• Act as a strategic, creative problem-solver: Synthesize input from cross-functional teams, ask the right questions, and independently determine the best path forward when direction is ambiguous. Provide context and alternative perspectives that elevate decision-making and challenge assumptions constructively. 

• Build alignment and momentum: Translate strategy into clear narratives, workstreams, and decision-making frameworks that enable senior leaders and frontline teams to take coordinated action. Facilitate honest dialogue and guide tough conversations that protect relationships and ensure progress. 

• Serve as a thought partner to executive sponsors and functional leaders: Bring a systems lens and business acumen to challenges, acting as a force multiplier by enabling leaders to stay focused on the highest-impact work through clarity, coordination, and executional lift. 

• Create and maintain operating systems: Establish planning cadences, accountability models, communication rhythms that ensure sustained execution and cross-functional visibility across clinical, operational, technical, and growth opportunities. 

• Drive accountability and executional follow-through: Ensure the right teams are engaged, decisions are actioned, and progress is tracked against clear milestones and success metrics. Surface blockers early, reinforce clarity, and follow up with discipline. Build trust quickly with stakeholders by showing up consistently as a dependable, high-value contributor. 

• Conduct analytical discovery & synthesis: Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to investigate complex problems, identify root causes, and develop a clear, synthesized set of actionable recommendations. As we move into execution, partner with Insights teams to analyze performance and recommend strategic adjustments when goals are not met. 

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (MBA, etc.) 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in strategic planning, project management, consulting, business operations, or cross-functional program leadership, with at least two years of similar work being the majority of the role 

• Experience in healthcare, health tech, or other highly regulated, complex industries preferred. Experience with rolling out large systemwide technology, like an HRIS, CRM, or EHR system, as an example. 

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives from design through execution 

• Proven success working in high growth, scaling organizations where priorities evolve rapidly 

• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to connect details to bigger-picture business strategy 

• Demonstrated experience defining data success metrics or performance measures directly from data to inform success and outcomes. Strong data analysis acumen is essential 

• Highly skilled in influencing, aligning and engaging stakeholders without direct authority 

• Strong business acumen with experience delivering low-fidelity business cases for leadership to convince and drive necessary decision-making 

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills 

• Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure, with a strong focus on solution-oriented thinking, and accountability 

• Deep curiosity and a passion for continuous learning and improvement, while also personally driven by the positive impact we have on the people we serve (patients, clinician, our teams) 

• Human-centered design thinking experience would be a bonus but not required 

• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States 

• LifeStance is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status 

• Demonstrates awareness, inclusivity, sensitivity, humility, and experience in working with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities, and other various aspects of culture 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, bend, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee must be able to lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.