Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst (Health Care Payment and Delivery Focus)
Robert J. Margolis, MD, Center for Health Policy
The Robert J. Margolis, MD, Center for Health Policy at Duke University (Duke-Margolis) seeks to address critical health policy challenges and improve health, health equity, and the value of health care through practical, innovative, and evidence-based policy solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of Duke-Margolis brings together policy experts, researchers, health care professionals, and students from across Duke’s schools of medicine, nursing, law, public policy, business, and engineering, and fosters extensive relationships with stakeholders both internal and external. These relationships span foundations, private sector organizations, state and federal governments, and global entities. The Center fosters excellence, leadership, and scholarship at every level.
Occupational Summary
The Robert J. Margolis, MD, Center for Health Policy at Duke University has an opening for a Policy Analyst focused on health care payment and delivery. This position performs a variety of complex activities in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data within the scope of research and policy projects at Duke University. Primary responsibilities include conducting health policy-focused background research; drafting summary documents; performing literature reviews; extensive writing for a range of deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, peer-reviewed publications); and supporting planning and preparation for Center events, public/private convening, and other project activities through both content development and project/ logistics coordination.
The worksite for this position will be the Duke-Margolis offices in either Washington, DC or on the Duke University campus in Durham, NC. Employees are currently working in a hybrid capacity with a combination of teleworking locally and in-person team collaboration.
Work Performed
Coordinate and perform a variety of complex individual activities, with increasing independence, in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data within the scope of research projects at Duke University. Contribute to one large or multiple smaller projects under the guidance of a principal investigator and/or senior researcher. In addition to health care delivery and payment reform, may also contribute to projects in other domains including (but not limited to): biomedical innovation, medical product development, real-world data and evidence, regulatory science, medical device and pharmaceutical policy, health equity, global health, health systems transformation, and the intersection of scientific and regulatory advancement with broader US health policy reforms.
Collaborate with senior researchers to conduct research, perform literature reviews, draft summary documents, and perform extensive writing for a range of deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, public reports and recommendations, peer-reviewed journal articles) on a broad range of health policy topics.
Identify and evaluate potential sources of qualitative and quantitative data, evidence, and information as appropriate for addressing project questions and objectives. Make recommendations for use. Evaluate and interpret data collected from diverse sources. Synthesize and translate complex information from a wide range of inputs into clear and accessible written material for a range of audiences. Prepare oral and/or written reports and analyses to present findings, establish progress, analyze trends, and provide recommendations and/or conclusions.
Produce high-quality written work products and deliverables. Plan, implement, and coordinate activities to execute assigned elements of plans and projects.
Coordinate and support the execution of Duke-Margolis public and expert convenings (e.g., workshops, roundtables, seminars, other varied stakeholder meetings) through topic-focused policy research, preparatory analysis and writing to craft clear and concise materials for stakeholder and expert review and response, coordination, and logistics management for events ranging in size from focused expert panels to large-scale public events.
Assist in the identification of content experts and stakeholder groups to engage in projects and events through independent research, phone interviews, and correspondence.
Monitor developments in relevant content areas by attending meetings and engaging in ongoing review of relevant sources (e.g., news, legislation, policy statements, etc); prepare internal briefing materials on assigned topic areas. Independently notify colleagues of policy changes and provide in-depth analysis of impacts to the health care system and/or health policy landscape.
Support principal investigators and senior researchers in developing draft presentations, speaking points, and policy briefs.
Maintain liaison with project participants, project personnel, faculty members, and other relevant parties to support project deliverables and objectives. Coordinate project activities and logistics with stakeholders, industry representatives, and policy professionals as required to support project execution, data collection, and/or dissemination of findings.
Support senior researchers in event planning and preparation. Coordinate with senior researchers and administrative staff to organize and plan convening activities and events relevant to targeted scientific and policy issues.
Suggest project ideas, innovations, and workflow improvements. Contribute to strong and supportive working relationships across the project team(s) and Center.
Desired Skills:
- Strong research and writing experience is required.
- Policy research skills, including the ability to synthesize content from a broad range of sources, are required. Strong written communication skills and the ability to transform complicated information into easy to understand materials are required.
- Ability to interact professionally with senior-level individuals (e.g., local, state, and national policymakers), stakeholders, and organizations is required.
- Familiarity with current trends and regulations in topic areas relevant to the specific position is required.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team is required.
- Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities and able to respond flexibly to changing needs.
- Proficient in use of standard computing software (including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint); capacity to learn additional job-specific programs as required.
- Training or experience in the fields of health policy, public policy, public health, data science, or patient safety is preferred.
- Administrative, project coordination, and/or project management experience is preferred.