Policy Analyst (Health)

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

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of Governors from the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA’s mission is to share best practices, address issues of national and state interest, and drive innovative solutions that improve state government and support the principles of federalism.

NGA’s Center for Best Practices is the policy and research arm that helps Governors develop and implement solutions to public policy challenges. NGA’s Government Relations group assists in ensuring the voice of Governors are heard in Congress, and the Executive Branch and NGA’s Communications team collaborates with Governors’ offices to amplify bipartisan messaging and strategy.

Throughout the year, NGA convenes Governors and senior advisors for meaningful discourse, problem- solving and thought leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POLICY ANALYST (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 behavioral health. The Policy Analyst’s responsibilities will be to support Governors on matters related to a variety of policy issues related to behavioral health (including substance use and overdoes prevention, the social driers of addition, recreational and medical cannabis, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion), as well as issues related to healthcare delivery (healthcare workforce, provider licensure, trauma-informed care, health equity and healthcare costs and coverage). This member of the team will be expected to be full-time in Washington, DC.

Other important responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include:

• Organize and facilitate state learning opportunities including virtual, in-person, and hybrid events such as workshops, seminars, meetings, and presentations;
• Facilitate panel discussions, state strategy sessions, and other events for Governors, senior state policy staff, and key stakeholders on state program and policy issues;
• Provide state technical assistance for multiple program and policy issues;
• Provide ‘best practice’ information and consultative support to Governors and their senior advisors in response to requests for assistance;
• Write blog posts, 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;
• Be committed to NGA’s mission and goals to constructively serve the needs of all Governors;
• Demonstrate 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, health policy, public health, or a related field. One to three years working in areas of policies and programs that are within the policy areas listed in the key responsibilities section, including expert knowledge and experience working on issues related to state or federal healthcare policy.

Knowledge and expertise could include spectrum of policies and programs to help Governors and their staff design and implement policies to focus on outcome. 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 in the issue area;
• Support multiple technical assistance projects;
• Manage competing project deadlines and responsibilities
• Execute written communication and synthesize complex issues into audience-appropriate policy considerations and recommendations;
• Work independently, set 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 strong customer-service orientation and 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 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. 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’s 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.