Director, Head of Military & Government Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Head of Military & Government Partnerships

🔹 Company: SonderMind

🔹 Location: Denver, CO (Remote also considered)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Healthcare, Military & Government

🔹 Date Posted: May 6, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote and On-site)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic growth and expansion of SonderMind's VA business and military/government partnerships
• Leadership and team development, including mentoring a high-performing Account Management team
• Operational excellence, optimizing workflows, and improving referral processes
• Executive influence and collaboration, aligning VA strategy with company goals and strengthening key partner relationships
• Financial and business strategy, driving profitability and securing executive support for initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic leader who can balance business development, operational execution, and cross-functional collaboration to drive sustainable growth in SonderMind's military and government mental health segments.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead nationwide expansion of VA partnerships, increasing referral volume and developing new opportunities with DOD, TRICARE, and other government agencies

✅ Build and mentor a high-performing Account Management team focused on driving results and scaling the VA business

✅ Optimize workflows, improve referral processes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline operations and increase efficiency

✅ Align VA strategy with company goals, advocate for resources, and strengthen relationships with key partners including TriWest, Optum, and VAMCs

✅ Own the VA business P&L, drive profitability, and use data-driven insights to refine strategy and secure executive support for initiatives

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of scaling businesses, building high-performing teams, and navigating complex external relationships to drive sustainable growth in military, government, or healthcare sectors.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience: 8+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, or operations, with a strong preference for experience working in military, government, or VA-related organizations

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to scale revenue-generating programs and drive business growth
• Strong cross-functional leadership experience, effectively aligning teams across operations, product, finance, and provider networks
• Deep analytical and financial skillset, with the ability to assess market opportunities, build business cases, and drive data-informed decision-making
• Experience with growth-stage startups, navigating rapid scaling, operational complexity, and resource constraints
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and external partners
• Familiarity with digital health operations and the mental healthcare industry, including VA partnerships, payor relationships, provider networks, and patient engagement models

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with government entities, payors, or healthcare systems to execute high-impact partnerships
• Familiarity with SonderMind's products and services

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in military, government, or VA-related organizations, particularly in government healthcare, federal contracting, or military behavioral health initiatives, will be strongly considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $144,000 - $165,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement
• Generous PTO policy with a minimum of three weeks off per year
• Free therapy coverage benefits for employees enrolled in medical plans
• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage with plans to meet every need, including HSA ($1,100 company contribution) and FSA options
• Employer-paid short-term, long-term disability, life & AD&D insurance to cover life's unexpected events, including the difference in salary for up to seven (7) weeks of short-term disability leave
• Eight weeks of paid Parental Leave
• 401K retirement plan with 100% matching which immediately vests on up to 4% of base salary
• Travel to Denver 1x a year for annual Shift gathering
• Fourteen (14) company holidays
• Company Shutdown between Christmas and New Years
• Supplemental life insurance, pet insurance coverage, commuter benefits, and more!

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: SonderMind offers a competitive benefits package to ensure employees have access to the care they need and to support their overall well-being.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: SonderMind is a mental health care provider focused on delivering high-quality, outcome-focused mental health care, supporting tens of thousands of people across 15 states and DC, both virtually and in person.

Company Size: SonderMind is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Founded: SonderMind was founded in 2014 and has since grown to support over 3 million mental health sessions.

Company Description:

• SonderMind supports a community of mental health care clinicians with the tools, continuing education, technology, marketing, and administrative support to deliver quality care and operate thriving practices.
• The company connects people to care in days and helps them find the right care for them by facilitating over 3 million sessions to date.
• SonderMind is committed to improving mental health access and outcomes for veterans and military communities through its military and government partnerships.

Company Specialties:

• Behavioral health
• Software
• Personal wellness
• Business support
• Mental health
• Therapy and counseling

Company Website: SonderMind

ASSUMPTION: SonderMind's focus on improving mental health access and outcomes makes it an attractive employer for candidates passionate about making a positive impact on people's lives.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Executive Leadership team.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Military & Government Partnerships will lead a high-performing national Account Management team and collaborate closely with Executive Leadership, Finance, Product, and Operations teams.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring on-site work in Denver, CO, 1x per year for the annual Shift gathering, with the remainder of the time being remote.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding SonderMind's military and government partnerships, diversifying revenue streams, and increasing the company's impact on veteran and military mental health care
• Developing and mentoring a high-performing Account Management team, providing opportunities for team members to grow within the organization
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and drive business growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for both the individual and the company, as SonderMind continues to expand its military and government partnerships and improve mental health access for veterans and military communities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: SonderMind's headquarters is located in Denver, CO, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement that allows for remote work.

Office Location(s): 1401 Curtis St Suite 200, Denver, CO 80202, US

Geographic Context:

• Denver, CO is a vibrant city with a growing tech industry and a strong focus on mental health care
• The Denver office offers a collaborative and innovative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities
• SonderMind's remote work policy allows employees to work from anywhere in the United States, with a focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: SonderMind's hybrid work arrangement and flexible scheduling options make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through SonderMind's careers portal
• Phone or video screening with the Talent Acquisition team
• Behavioral and situational interviews with cross-functional team members
• Final interview with the hiring manager and/or Executive Leadership team
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and business development skills
• Operational execution and process improvement abilities
• Cross-functional leadership and team management capabilities
• Financial acumen and data-driven decision-making
• Communication and influencing skills, particularly with senior executives and external partners

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience and skills relevant to the required qualifications and preferred skills listed in the job description
• Demonstrate your understanding of SonderMind's mission and values by explaining how your background and skills align with the company's focus on improving mental health access and outcomes
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they have equipped you with the skills needed to succeed in this role
• Research SonderMind's products, services, and competitors to showcase your industry knowledge and strategic thinking

ATS Keywords: Military & Government Partnerships, VA Business, Strategic Growth, Operational Excellence, Cross-Functional Leadership, Business Development, Financial Strategy, Data-Driven Decision Making, Mental Health Care, Veteran Mental Health, Military Communities

ASSUMPTION: SonderMind's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, operational execution, leadership, and communication skills, as well as their cultural fit with the company's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Mental health care software and platforms (e.g., SonderMind's proprietary technology)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with relevant tools and technologies, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Patient-centered care
• Clinical excellence
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on driving results and scaling the business
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional communication and coordination
• Data-driven and analytical, with a commitment to using data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with SonderMind's commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence?
• Describe a time when you had to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?
• How do you approach data-driven decision-making, and can you provide an example of a time when you used data to inform a strategic business decision?

ASSUMPTION: SonderMind's cultural values and work style make it an attractive employer for candidates who are passionate about improving mental health access and outcomes, thrive in dynamic and collaborative environments, and are committed to driving results through data-driven decision-making.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of military, government, and VA-related organizations
• Balancing strategic growth initiatives with day-to-day operational execution and team management
• Managing external relationships with key partners, including TriWest, Optum, and VAMCs, to optimize referral volume and improve operational efficiency
• Adapting to changes in the mental health care industry and SonderMind's business priorities

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience navigating complex external relationships, balancing strategic and operational priorities, and adapting to changes in dynamic environments.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on military and government partnerships within the mental health care industry, with a specific emphasis on VA business optimization and expansion
• Compared to other strategic leadership roles, this position requires a strong understanding of military, government, and VA-related organizations, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the veteran and military mental health care space
• Career path comparison: This role offers significant growth opportunities for individuals interested in advancing their careers in military and government partnerships within the mental health care industry

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in military, government, or VA-related organizations, particularly in government healthcare, federal contracting, or military behavioral health initiatives, will find this role to be an excellent fit for their career goals.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic growth plan for SonderMind's VA business, including expanding referral volume, optimizing operational efficiency, and diversifying revenue streams
• Negotiating and securing long-term contracts with key government stakeholders, including VAMCs, TriWest, and Optum, to strengthen SonderMind's position in the military and government mental health care market
• Leading a cross-functional team to develop and launch a new product or service offering tailored to the unique needs of military and veteran communities

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience managing strategic growth initiatives, negotiating complex partnerships, and leading cross-functional teams to drive business growth and improve mental health outcomes for veteran and military communities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does SonderMind differentiate itself from other mental health care providers, particularly in the military and government partnership space?
• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Account Management team, and how does the Head of Military & Government Partnerships support their growth and development?
• How does SonderMind approach collaboration and communication with key partners, such as TriWest, Optum, and VAMCs, to optimize referral volume and improve operational efficiency?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing SonderMind's military and government partnerships, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does SonderMind support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly those in leadership roles?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding SonderMind's unique challenges and opportunities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the SonderMind Careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience and skills relevant to the required qualifications and preferred skills listed in the job description
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences and how they have equipped you with the skills needed to succeed in this role
• Research SonderMind's products, services, and competitors to showcase your industry knowledge and strategic thinking
• Follow up with the SonderMind Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application to inquire about your application status

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.