Position Overview

NASHP’s Behavioral Health, Population and Public Health team’s Policy Associate supports the organizations in work in population health, behavioral health and public health. The work centers on facilitating exchange of best practices among state decision makers and accelerating action by providing insights and technical assistance to states in these domains.  This position will also be involved in projects supporting states in navigating the shifting state and federal policy landscapes (including implementing new Medicaid policies) to optimize access to quality care while managing costs. Policy associates develop content expertise on policy issues and topics facing state decision makers. These projects are focused on strategic cross-sector and intergovernmental partnerships, resource alignment, payment and delivery reforms, data and evaluation approaches targeting the highest level of health for all in the aforementioned policy areas.

This is a full-time, hybrid position, based in NASHP’s Washington, DC office.

Primary Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Tracking, researching, analyzing, and summarizing state and federal policy, legislation, rules and regulations that impact state health cost policy 
• Providing technical assistance to state officials and others on a variety of topics that may include drug pipeline information, the prescription drug supply chain, the model policies that NASHP has developed with state officials, policy strategy as well as implementation, and more with a focus on policies that protect access to care while seeking to lower costs 
• Planning, researching, and writing blogs, briefs, reports, and other publications 
• Assisting in the development of grant proposals and reports to funders 
• Facilitating state-to-state learning and exchange using multiple strategies, both virtual and in-person 
• Working with both internal and external stakeholders at the state and national level, effectively communicating information on trends and emerging issues in health policy 
• Assisting in staffing and support of NASHP’s policy committees and participating in the planning and implementation of NASHP’s annual conference 
• Representing NASHP and relevant project work at meetings and conferences 
• Conducting qualitative policy research and analysis 
• Contributing to project development and management 
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organization to provide technical assistance to state health policy officials 
• Writing policy briefs and other related resources aimed at a broad policy audience 
• Other duties as necessary 

Education and Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience
• Master’s degree or other graduate degree in public policy, law, public health or related areas, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of and experience with the intersection of state policy and the health care market, including public and private insurance, health care cost drivers, particularly prescription drugs, and the different approaches state policymakers have and are using to support access while addressing rising and high costs for all residents

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated understanding of state health policy and how ideas can be translated into practical policy solutions, including understanding the levers available to states to address costs, as well as health coverage financing
• Strong analytic and qualitative research skills
• Organized, detail oriented, and able to manage a complex workload comprised of multiple projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in leveraging health care cost data to inform state policymaking

Working at NASHP

NASHP offers a flexible work schedule. We are currently operating in a hybrid work arrangement, with one to two days in the office each week, depending on distance from the office. Our office is located in Washington, DC.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,159 - $91,125 annually. Salary is commensurate with experience.

NASHP offers exceptional employee benefits that include:

• A 35-hour work week
• Generous paid time off, including a sabbatical benefit
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• A generous retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• A paid parental leave benefit
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transportation stipend