Policy Fellow

Role Overview & Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Policy Fellow is a full-time, 12-month fellowship role within Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Policy & Advocacy Department, designed to develop emerging public policy and healthcare advocates. The Fellow supports all stages of the legislative and regulatory process, including research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation, with a focus on advancing health equity in Texas.

Salary

$58, 656 (plus benefits)

Scope and Impact

• Supports statewide and federal policy and advocacy efforts aligned with MHM's strategic priorities
  
• Contributes research and policy recommendations that inform organizational strategy and leadership decision-making
  
• Fellowship operates at 40 hours per week and includes significant engagement during the Texas Legislative Session (odd-numbered years)
  
• No budget authority; project work may influence state or federal policy outcomes
  

Decision-Making Authority

Works under the direction of the Director of Policy & Advocacy and department leadership. Exercises independent judgment in conducting research, drafting policy materials, and developing recommendations, with regular guidance, feedback, and approval from leadership.

Interactions / Working Relationships

• Internal: Policy & Advocacy Department, MHM leadership team, and other internal stakeholders (ongoing)
  
• External: Community partners, healthcare stakeholders, coalition partners, legislative offices, regulatory agencies, and national policy organizations (frequent)
  
• Participates in bi-weekly mentorship meetings with department directors
  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct policy research and analysis within an identified policy area at the state and federal level (30%)
  
• Draft advocacy and policy materials including fact sheets, reports, position papers, presentations, newsletters, advocacy alerts, and coalition letters (20%)
  
• Monitor and track legislative hearings, regulatory agencies, and coalition meetings; prepare timely notes, summaries, briefs, and reports (15%)
  
• Design and complete a capstone research project proposing a legislative or regulatory solution aligned with MHM priorities and equity principles (15%)
  
• Assist with planning, scheduling, and participation in legislative and advocacy meetings, events, and coalition activities (10%)
  
• Conduct outreach to community partners, healthcare stakeholders, and elected officials related to healthcare and policy initiatives (5%)
  
• Present research findings and policy recommendations to senior and executive leadership (5%)
  

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Enrolled in or recent completion (within the last two years) of a Master's or Doctoral program from an accredited institution
  
• Licenses/Certifications: None required
  
• Experience:
  
  • Demonstrated interest in public policy, healthcare advocacy, and legislative processes
    
  • Research, analytical, and writing experience through academic or professional work
    
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge:
  
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills
    
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
    
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
    
  • Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable policy insights
    

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Political Science, Health Administration, or a related field
  
• Experience working with underserved populations or addressing health disparities
  
• Experience with legislative sessions, advocacy organizations, or policy research
  
• Spanish bilingual proficiency
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Collaboration and relationship-building across diverse stakeholders
  
• Policy analysis and applied research skills
  
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
  
• Professional writing and presentation skills
  
• Time management and ability to manage multiple priorities
  
• Ability to apply an equity lens to policy development and analysis
  

Language Skills

• Fluent in English (required)
  
• Spanish bilingual strongly preferred
  

Technology and Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  
• Google Workspace
  
• Internet-based research tools and databases
  
• Presentation and reporting tools
  

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work Setting: Corporate office environment with regular community, legislative, and advocacy settings; primarily on-site with travel
  
• Travel Expectations: Up to 25%, including Austin during legislative sessions and occasional travel to Washington, DC; some evenings, weekends, and holidays required
  
• Physical Requirements:
  
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move for extended periods
    
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds