Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst at UMass Med School, you will play a key role in supporting the policy analysis, writing, and research activities of our organization. You will be responsible for identifying, obtaining, organizing, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, reviewing academic and professional literature, and gathering information from multiple sources on the costs, utilization, quality, and access to healthcare and human services.

• Perform policy and data analyses of healthcare and human services topics and issues, combining and synthesizing data and information from multiple sources.
• Prepare written summaries and reports of policy and data analyses, providing input to written reports and other materials in easily understood formats for both internal and external distribution.
• Obtain data and information from a wide variety of sources, including federal agencies, state agencies, insurers, healthcare providers, human services providers, academic and professional journals, professional organizations, foundations, news outlets, and consulting project clients and partners.
• Assess the quality of the data obtained by analyzing the data for missing data and/or inconsistencies, and assist with the development and implementation of methods to improve the quality of the data.
• Organize data by constructing databases and spreadsheets, and organize qualitative information in a manner that facilitates its use for policy analysis.
• Assist in identifying sources of data and information relevant to specific analytic projects on healthcare and human services topics and issues.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. public policy, law, public health, health economics, public or business administration with a concentration in healthcare); or equivalent.
• One (1) year of related work experience, including internships or research assistant roles requiring analysis, writing, or research.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct thoughtful and accurate analysis, research, and writing in a relevant discipline.
• Excellent quantitative and qualitative policy research and analytical skills.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, as demonstrated in writing samples and past analytical work.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Ability to learn new issues quickly.
• Ability to take initiative on assignments and work independently.
• Demonstrated expertise in computer-based tools, including spreadsheets, database management, word processing, and presentation software.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with others at all levels of responsibility.

• Knowledge of the Massachusetts healthcare system and current healthcare policy issues.
• Knowledge of federal and state legislative, regulatory, and policymaking processes.
• Knowledge of healthcare payment methods.
• Experience presenting complex data, analyses, and information in easily understood formats.
• Experience in using statistical software, such as SAS.
• Experience writing project proposals, grants, vendor contracts, and other types of business proposals at the local, state, and/or federal level or conducting a procurement initiative at a state agency or foundation.
• Excellence in work performance, as evidenced by letters of reference or awards for performance or similar indicators.