Director of Partnerships & Implementation (California Only)

At Kooth, our mission is to create a welcoming space for effective personalized digital mental health care that is available to all. We do this by leveraging an early intervention model and theory of change that empowers young people (13-25 years old) to overcome challenges, unlock their full potential, and lead fulfilling lives. We're not just a service; we're a culture of care – committed to inclusivity, innovation, and impact.

Our culture is driven by our values - Alongside You, Flexible, Compassionate, Committed, and Safe. These values are present in the work that we do, the environment in which we do it, and in the relationships we have with our service users, peers, and leaders. With Kooth, you will be a part of something bigger than yourself. We offer more than just a job. We offer you the chance to positively impact one of the greatest challenges of our time.

As Director of Partnerships & Implementation (California only), you’ll lead the development, execution, and implementation of strategic partnerships that embed Kooth into California’s behavioral health ecosystem. You’ll be a critical driver of Kooth’s expansion across the state—working closely with our VP of Partnerships, and cross-functional partners across Product, Clinical, Tech, and Payor Strategy.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role designed for someone who knows how to build relationships and deliver results. From MCOs to LEAs, DHCS to CBOs—you’ll turn opportunity into action, and partnerships into impact.

• Translate high-level opportunities into fully operationalized partnership models across Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), County Offices of Education (COEs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
• Collaborate with key partners including public agencies, MCOs, and other stakeholders, to define referral pathways, data-sharing frameworks, and implementation plans that align with Kooth’s service model
• Ensure partner requirements are captured and coordinated across clinical, product, and technology teams for successful service delivery

• Take the lead on partnership conversations initiated by Kooth’s senior leaders and advisors—guiding them through contracting, scoping, and implementation planning
• Collaborate with the Director of Payers and external stakeholders to identify new Medi-Cal alignment and reimbursement opportunities
• Develop MoUs, SLAs, and other partnership artifacts needed to move from handshake to go-live

• Represent Kooth with state and regional organizations focused on mental health, education, and youth services
• Maintain a deep understanding of California’s mental health policy landscape-including DHCS priorities, funding mechanisms, and system stakeholders
• Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities that align with Kooth’s mission and the state’s behavioral health transformation efforts

• Serve as the accountable driver for partnership rollouts-tracking milestones, unblocking issues, and coordinating cross-functional implementation teams
• Ensure integrations are successfully delivered on time and to standard-prioritizing user impact, system fit, and long-term sustainability
• Bring a "completer-finisher" mindset-thriving in execution, not just ideation

• 8+ years in partnerships, health system implementation, public sector strategy, or related roles
• Deep familiarity with California’s mental health, education, and public health systems (esp. Medi-Cal, DHCS, LEAs, COEs, CBOs)
• Track record of navigating complex stakeholders to deliver implemented partnerships
• Experience working with or adjacent to government agencies, nonprofit coalitions, or public sector innovation teams
• Fluency in technical implementation considerations (e.g. data privacy, referral systems, EHR/API implementation) and comfort liaising with Product/Tech teams
• Prior experience in digital health, behavioral health, or youth-focused services preferred

This is a remote role, but candidates must reside in California and be able to travel across the state as needed.

Compensation: The base salary for this role is $130,000 to $150,000 annually, plus a performance related bonus. We’re committed to transparency and value our candidates time, which is why we share salary ranges in all states—regardless of local requirements. Final compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including your education, experience, skills, and overall alignment with the role.

Kooth offers a competitive base salary, employee equity program, and comprehensive benefits including:

• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off and paid holidays 
• Remote-first flexibility and work-from-home support
• Paid parental leave
• Learning & development opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kooth is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

Reasonable Accommodations:

Kooth is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, sincerely held religious beliefs, or other protected reasons under applicable law. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact our HR team.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and be part of a team that values purpose-driven work, apply today. Together, we’re shaping the future of digital mental health care.