Policy Analyst, Public Health

Overview

TITLE: Policy Analyst (Public Health)
ORGANIZATION: National Governors Association
LOCATION: Washington, DC
DURATION: Full Time
POSITION STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package will be made to the qualified candidate
REPORTS TO: Program Director (Public Health)

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is a bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths whose mission is to share best practices, speak with an informed voice on national policy and develop innovative solutions to improve citizens’ lives through state government and support the principles of federalism.

Through NGA, Governors identify priority issues and deal with matters of public policy and governance at the state and national levels. Our policy and research arm, the NGA Center for Best Practices, helps Governors find collective answers to common issues and assists in developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges. Our Government Relations team ensures that Governors are a strong voice in Washington, DC. NGA also provides total consultative services, including management and technical assistance to both new and incumbent Governors, their senior executive staff and their trusted advisors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POLICY ANALYST (PUBLIC HEALTH)
NGA is looking to add a Policy Analyst to our Center for Best Practice team. This position will report to a Program Director overseeing health policy issues. The Policy Analyst’s primary responsibilities will be to support Governors on matters related to a variety of health policy issues that may include: social determinants of health, public health infrastructure, public health workforce, public health data modernization, rural health, chronic disease, infectious disease, immunizations, Medicaid and other aspects of public health.

Other important responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include:

• Organize and conduct workshops, seminars, conferences, and presentations;
• Facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other meetings for Governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on state program and policy issues;
• Provide in-state technical assistance for multiple programs and policy issues;
• Provide ‘best practice’ information and consultative support to Governors and their senior advisors in response to requests for assistance;
• Write white papers, issue briefs, presentations, and memos on policy issues and best practices of relevance to Governors and senior state policymakers;
• Build and maintain relationships with high-level policymakers and key stakeholders including grant funders;
• Be committed to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors;
• Demonstrating a commitment to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors; and
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, Deputy Director or Director, Center for Best Practices.

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree preferably in public policy or related field. One to  three years working in areas of policies and programs that are within the health policy portfolio, including substantive knowledge and experience working on a wide range of public health policy and state policy approaches to addressing public health. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of public health policy related to social determinants of health, public health infrastructure, public health workforce, public health data modernization, rural health, chronic disease, infectious disease, immunizations, Medicaid and other aspects of public health.

Knowledge and expertise could include a spectrum of policies and programs to help Governors and their staff design and implement policies to focus on outcomes. Experience working with Governors, working in federal or state agencies or non-profit organizations is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to:

• Have foundational content knowledge in federal and state policy;
• Support multiple technical assistance projects;
• Prepare effective written communications and synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations;
• Work independently, set and manage concurrent priorities, and problem-solve multiple issues at the same time;
• Support and organize events with the support of the Events team;
• Support multiple projects, work with high-level state policymakers in a variety of settings, and respond effectively to their needs for information and technical assistance;
• Have a strong customer-service orientation and the interpersonal skills necessary to effectively work with colleagues, partner organizations and a variety of high-ranking state policymakers;
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and re-purposing research and best practices for policymakers in a timely and effective manner;
• Communicate effectively in verbal forms, with emphasis on the ability to communicate with policy-making audiences;
• Be flexible and adaptable to working in multiple programs and policy issues;
• Have knowledge and understanding of MS Office suite; and
• Travel, as necessary.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online through NGA’s career site. NGA uses Clear Company and all information is kept strictly confidential. An application is considered when all required fields are completed. Please include:

• Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and direct transferable skills
• A portfolio of your best work (attach to your candidate profile via Clear Company)

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS 
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. NGA is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment.

WORKING AT THE NATIONAL GOVERNORS ASSOCIATION
NGA staff proudly serve our nation’s Governors’ daily and it is our mission to ensure we offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support the needs of NGA employees.

NGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/D/F/V). NGA is committed to fostering an energetic, collaborative, diverse and inclusive workforce. We promote diversity and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, or any other legally protected factor. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.