Manager, Payor Strategy

About SonderMind

At SonderMind, we believe everyone deserves one personalized, connected, and effective mental health destination to take care of their mental health and well-being at any stage of life. SonderMind care encompasses everything from therapy and medication management to meditation and mindfulness exercises. Our clinicians leverage our digital tools and research to deliver increasingly high-quality care and to develop thriving practices. Combining technology and human connection, SonderMind drives better outcomes through our comprehensive approach. Learn more about SonderMind at sondermind.com or download the mobile app, available on iOS and Android. To follow the latest SonderMind news, get to know our clients, and learn about what it’s like to work at SonderMind, you can follow us on Instagram & Linkedin

About the Role

The Manager, Payor Strategy is responsible for negotiating net new and renegotiated payor contracts within an assigned scope, supporting SonderMind’s growth and strategic objectives. Reporting to the Director of Payor Contracting, this role leads end-to-end contracting efforts while working cross-functionally to ensure contracts are operationally sound and deliver a high-quality experience for clients, providers, and internal teams.

This role requires strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of payor contracting, and the ability to translate contractual terms into scalable, operationally viable solutions. The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, analytically strong, and motivated by improving access and outcomes in mental health.

What you’ll do

• Lead negotiations for new and existing payor agreements, including reimbursement rates, financial terms, and contract language, in alignment with SonderMind’s financial and strategic goals
• Own the full contracting lifecycle: from initiating new agreements and amendments through execution, implementation, and operational readiness
• Develop negotiation strategies informed by market dynamics, data analysis, and organizational priorities
• Review and analyze contract language and reimbursement methodologies; recommend modifications that support business objectives and mitigate risk
• Track and report contract status, renewal timelines, negotiated terms, and key performance metrics
• Build and maintain strong relationships with payor partners; prepare and deliver materials for payor presentations and recurring business reviews
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including Revenue Cycle, Credentialing, Finance, Legal, Product, and Customer Service to ensure contracts can be operationalized effectively and meet service standards
• Support additional projects and initiatives as needed based on business prioritie

What does success look like?  

• Successful execution of new and renegotiated contracts that meet financial, operational, and client experience goals
• Strong, productive relationships with payor partners and internal stakeholders
• Clear, timely communication of contract status, risks, and outcomes
• Proactive identification and resolution of complex contracting or operational challenges
• Ability to independently manage priorities while contributing meaningfully to team-wide objectives in a fast-paced environment
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Who You Are

• BA/BS in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration or related degree
• Minimum five years experience negotiating payor and/or provider agreements
• Knowledge of managed care regulations and laws related to health care, preferably in behavioral health
• Experience with alternative payment models, such as Value Based Programs, Risk Arrangements, and Case Rates
• Ability to work remotely and to travel to the corporate office and to payor visits or conferences.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills: written, verbal, analytical
• Motivated and influential – proactive with the ability to adhere to deadlines; work to “get the job done” in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with the ability to multitask.

Our Benefits 

The base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $130,000. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skills, education, and past performance. In addition to base salary, this position may also be eligible for a variable bonus and equity.

As leaders in redesigning behavioral health, we walk the walk with our employees' benefits. We want the experience of working at SonderMind to accelerate people’s careers and enrich their lives, so we focus on meeting SonderMinders wherever they are and supporting them in all facets of their lives and work.

Our benefits include:

• A commitment to fostering flexible hybrid work
• A generous PTO policy with a minimum of three weeks off per year
• Free therapy coverage benefits to ensure our employees have access to the care they need (must be enrolled in our medical plans to participate)
• 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 to cover life's unexpected events. Not only that, we also cover the difference in salary for up to seven (7) weeks of short-term disability leave (after the required waiting period) should you need to use it.
• Eight weeks of paid Parental Leave (if the parent also qualifies for STD, this benefit is in addition, which allows between 8-16 weeks of paid 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!

Application Deadline

This position will be an ongoing recruitment process and will be open until filled.

Equal Opportunity 

SonderMind does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, religion, veteran and military status, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including genetic information or characteristics), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.