Associate Director, Health Policy

Reports to: Vice President, Health Policy
Staff reporting to this position: None at this time; supervisory responsibilities may be added
Department: Inclusive Growth
Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion – Level 6
Compensation range: $77,000–$92,400 per annum
Work site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

The Associate Director will work with Health Policy team members and senior fellows to conduct original analyses and advance policy proposals to expand health care accessibility, tackle high health care prices and anticompetitive behavior, and build a strong and thriving health care system. The Associate Director should be excited to generate new analysis across a wide range of health policy issues, with a special focus on developing evidence-driven proposals that improve health care consumer out-of-pocket affordability and working with to the Vice President of Health Policy to push policymaking in bold new directions. Strong candidates for this role will bring a wide range of subject matter expertise as well as a clear track record of using quantitative and analytical skills to help define policy problems and craft policy solutions.

American Progress’ Health Policy team is situated within American Progress’ Inclusive Growth department, which works to address the deep inequities in the U.S. economy, to grow the middle class, and to ensure that all Americans can live secure and stable lives. The Health Policy team advances these goals through proposals to expand affordable health coverage, lower health costs for consumers, and advance public health and equity.

The ideal candidate has experience and expertise in health economic and or quantitative policy analysis—including with respect to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance policy; the ability to collaborate with experts across subject areas to support a wide range of policy goals with robust analysis; comfort working in a fast-pace environment; exceptional writing skills; and a clear communication style.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct original health policy research and analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, on tight deadlines that deal with a wide variety of topics across health insurance segments and market issues, as well as occasional public health topics.
• Conceive of and write policy reports, issue briefs, memos, op-eds, and other products that advance progressive health policies and translate complex research and findings for broad audiences using different tones and styles to match intended audiences.
• Engage with media and others in a public-facing role to comment on on the state of health policy to advance American Progress’ priorities and values.
• Lead the development and assessment of new policy ideas and approaches as appropriate and provide requested technical assistance to external stakeholders on those ideas.
• Build and strengthen relationships with allies and partners, including policymakers, other progressive advocacy organizations, relevant academic scholars, and others.
• Plan and host coalition meetings, convenings, and public events.
• Represent American Progress with Capitol Hill and executive branch contacts; with external groups; and with media covering the economy and economic policymaking.
• Collaborate with American Progress’ economic policy experts and other policy teams to advance the range of progressive priorities to which American Progress is committed.
• Potentially supervise research associate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. An advanced degree in public policy, public health, health administration, economics, or a related field is preferred.
• At least six years of experience related to the use of policy analysis in support of policymaking and political goals.
• Deep familiarity with American health care policy across insurance markets (Medicaid, private insurance, and Medicare) and with pro-competitive health care reforms. Facility or familiarity with prescription drug affordability policy is a plus.
• Strong quantitative skills and facility with Microsoft Excel, Stata, or R; more advanced quantitative skills and instincts for data visualization are pluses.
• Strategic instincts for advancing progressive policies and using analysis to support policy arguments, and willingness to push back where appropriate.
• A passion for bold reforms and an entrepreneurial attitude.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences about complex policy issues.
• Strong experience managing up and keeping multiple projects moving simultaneously with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in a very fast paced environment, including producing timely analysis or rapid response products that have an impact in a fast-moving policy world.
• Ability to initiate, facilitate, and organize productive and efficient collaboration across American Progress’ policy and functional teams.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a salary range of $77,000–$92,400.