Policy Analyst

Policy Analyst Role Overview

Policy analysts conduct and lead MACPAC’s analytic work on key policy issues affecting Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Analysts focus on one or more aspects of the Medicaid and CHIP programs while working collaboratively with other members of the policy team. They work under the direction of the executive director and policy directors.

At the senior analyst and principal analyst levels, analysts are expected to conduct increasingly independent analytic work; principal analysts are expected to conceptualize and manage significant bodies of work, often involving other team members.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates have knowledge and expertise in Medicaid and CHIP policy. MACPAC hires applicants into analyst positions across three teams:

• Medicaid payment and finance
• Access to care
• Long-term services and supports

We are seeking candidates with prior experience in Medicaid or CHIP who are:

• Able to identify and assess Medicaid and CHIP policy levers for addressing concerns related to access, quality, and cost of care, and developing policy options.
• Effective communicators, both orally and in writing, capable of translating technical information into clear and concise formats for lay audiences.
• Skilled in producing objective, non-partisan work.
• Capable of balancing multiple tasks and working under deadlines independently and collaboratively.
• Able to apply subject matter expertise to the analysis of Medicaid and CHIP topics, including proposed policies and emerging issues.
• Skilled in preparing analyses to support congressional staff.
• Experienced in engaging with internal teams, Commissioners, and external stakeholders, including congressional staff, on Medicaid and CHIP topics.
• Proficient in structuring meeting materials and presentations to support Commission decision-making.
• Adept at responding to Commissioners’ real-time questions about specific aspects of work and its implications.

Senior and Principal Analyst Expectations

MACPAC hires individuals for more senior positions (Senior Analyst and Principal Analyst) if they are demonstrably:

• Skilled in conceptualizing, designing, and leading Medicaid and CHIP policy analyses, identifying key policy questions, and using evidence from multiple sources.
• Experienced in designing, directing, and conducting rigorous research projects on Medicaid and CHIP topics.
• Capable of playing a leadership role in developing MACPAC’s research agenda by identifying focused lines of inquiry.
• Effective communicators on complex issues, organizing and translating technical content for lay audiences.
• Responsible for ensuring the quality of MACPAC’s work, including managing work conducted by external contractors and junior staff to meet organizational standards for thoroughness, accuracy, and objectivity.
• Able to represent and speak on behalf of MACPAC in meetings with stakeholder organizations, researchers, and government agencies, as well as on topics beyond their own portfolio.

General Expectations

All MACPAC employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate and model a commitment to team and personal success.
• Work collaboratively with others inside and outside the organization.
• Adapt behavior in response to feedback and experience.
• Contribute to the growth, expertise, and knowledge of colleagues.
• Hold themselves and others accountable for meeting expectations in a timely and professional manner.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging.

Education and Experience Requirements

MACPAC hires applicants into positions within its analyst career ladder commensurate with experience and expertise.

• Analyst: Bachelor’s degree and two or more years of relevant work experience.
• Senior Analyst and Principal Analyst: Graduate degree in health policy, health services research, public policy, public health, or a related field. Senior analysts require five or more years of experience, and principal analysts require seven or more years of experience, along with demonstrated success in planning, leading, and executing complex projects with minimal supervision.

Salary

Salaries for analyst staff are commensurate with experience and job level:

• Analyst: $80,000 – $100,000
• Senior Analyst: $100,000 – $125,000
• Principal Analyst: $125,000 – $160,000

Application Process

This is a full-time position based in downtown Washington, DC, with federal employee health and retirement benefits. Candidates should be available to work in the office two days per week and attend other in-person events as needed.

To apply, submit a complete application, including a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples. Wherever possible, provide original writing instead of publications that have undergone external editin