Role Overview & Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Senior Policy Analyst provides in-depth analysis and strategic insights on state and federal public policy priorities related to health care access, health inequities, and social determinants of health. This role applies deep subject matter expertise, synthesizes complex information for diverse audiences, and advances MHM's strategic policy and advocacy initiatives. The position requires strong analytical abilities, independent project execution, and the ability to oversee a portfolio of advocacy partners and engage in coalition work.

Salary

The annual salary rate begins at $88, 429. Mid range at $112, 747. Actual starting rate will be commensurate with experience and education.

Scope and Impact

Supports policy change at local, state, and federal levels. Manages advocacy partner contracts, contributes to legislative analysis, and develops policy resources that influence organizational strategy. Provides guidance to internal leaders and external partners on policy-related issues impacting underserved communities.

Decision Making Authority

Operates independently when conducting analysis, drafting policy documents, recommending positions, managing advocacy contracts, and coordinating coalition activities. Escalates major strategic recommendations to Policy leadership.

Interactions / Working Relationships

• Collaborates with internal leadership, advocacy partners, policymakers, and coalition members.
• Engages with community organizations and diverse stakeholders to advance policy priorities.
• Supervises and mentors interns, temps, and part-time student workers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor state, federal, and local policy developments, track agency budgets, and analyze legislation, rules, and reports.
• Produce policy explainers, issue briefs, and position papers tied to organizational priorities.
• Apply expertise in social determinants of health when drafting legislative proposals and advocacy documents.
• Conduct research and statistical analysis; prepare reports, findings, and policy recommendations.
• Draft public-facing and internal content, including fact sheets, advocacy alerts, testimony, presentations, and coalition letters.
• Oversee advocacy partner contracts, including negotiation, monitoring, reviewing deliverables, and tracking expenditures.
• Participate in coalitions to grow grassroots efforts and support community mobilization for policy change.
• Support compliance with federal and state lobbying and advocacy reporting requirements.
• Supervise, train, and mentor Policy & Advocacy Interns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

Supervises and trains part-time interns, student workers, temps, and seasonal program participants.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Master's degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Health Care Administration, Government, or related field.
• Licenses/Certifications: None required
• Experience: Four years of experience in public policy and advocacy at local, state, and federal levels. Experience with state health care systems, public health, and/or related policy fields. Strong analytical, relationship-building, and organizational skills.

In lieu of a Master's degree:

• Bachelor's degree and
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience or leadership in government relations or community advocacy.

Other Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to synthesize complex information and draft content for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with underserved populations strongly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising and mentoring staff or interns.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong policy analysis and critical thinking
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to develop policy positions and advocacy materials
• Relationship-building and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects with shifting priorities
• Understanding of health inequities and social determinants of health
• Strategic planning and data interpretation

Language Skills

• Excellent writing and editing skills required.
• Ability to draft materials for diverse audiences, including policymakers and the public.
• Ability to interpret policy and health reports.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Technology and Tools

• Advanced proficiency in internet research, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Ability to develop spreadsheets, insert graphs, and create complex reports
• Familiarity with tracking systems for policy and advocacy activities

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Office and community-based environments with regular public interaction
• Requires bending, walking, standing, and sitting for periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
• Frequent travel (25-50%) including overnight stays, especially during legislative sessions
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required