Policy Analyst - Margolis Institute for Health Policy

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Policy Analyst

Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy

The Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute 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 Institute fosters excellence, leadership, and scholarship at every level.

Occupational Summary

Duke-Margolis is hiring a Policy Analyst to support a newly funded, philanthropic initiative dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of birthing parents and young children in North Carolina. This position is embedded within the Institute's maternal and early childhood health policy portfolio and contributes to a prospective, research-driven initiative focused on improving health outcomes among North Carolina's perinatal-to-three population.

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 written deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, peer-reviewed publications); and supporting planning and preparation for Institute events, public/private convening, and other project activities through both content development and project/logistics coordination.  

Duke-Margolis has offices in both Washington, DC and on Duke's main campus in Durham, NC. Durham, NC is the desired base work location for this position. 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 health policy research projects focused on maternal health, early childhood health and development, and perinatal-to-three policy. Contribute to one large or multiple smaller projects under the oversight of a principal investigator and/or senior researcher. Relevant areas include but are not limited to: maternal and child health policy, early childhood systems and services, Medicaid and public payer policy, integrated care models, health equity, child welfare, and perinatal care coordination.

Collaborate with senior researchers to conduct research, perform literature reviews, draft summary documents, and produce 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 maternal health and early childhood 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, including policymakers, state and community leaders, families, and the general public. 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 supporting the program's 10-year implementation plan, including materials for program implementation, project management, and stakeholder communication. 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, stakeholder meetings, expert panels, community engagement sessions) through topic-focused policy research, preparatory analysis and writing, and logistics management. Stakeholders include Departments of Social Services, community organizations, academic institutions, public school systems, health systems, and government entities at the local, state, and federal levels.

Assist in the identification of content experts and stakeholder groups to engage in projects and events through independent research, phone interviews, and correspondence. Support outreach to and coordination with community-based organizations, health systems, health insurance plans, and state agencies.

Monitor developments in relevant content areas by attending meetings and engaging in ongoing review of relevant sources (e.g., news, legislation, policy statements, Medicaid guidance, state and federal maternal and child health initiatives); prepare internal briefing materials on assigned topic areas. Independently notify colleagues of policy changes and provide in-depth analysis of impacts to the early childhood and maternal health landscape.

Support principal investigators and senior researchers in developing draft presentations, speaking points, policy briefs, and educational materials to enhance stakeholder understanding of maternal and early childhood health policy topics.

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, community representatives, and policy professionals as required to support project execution, data collection, and/or dissemination of findings.

Contribute to the development and maintenance of project templates, tools, and guidelines. Assist in maintaining project workbooks, tracking milestones, and supporting a project management and knowledge management system.

Suggest project ideas, innovations, and workflow improvements. Contribute to strong and supportive working relationships across the project team(s) and Institute.

Minimum Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a field related to the position (e.g., policy, public health, public administration, economics, science, engineering, law, or field directly related to the position).

Experience: Work requires two years of experience in policy/research/data analysis or related position.

Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Desired Skills:

• Strong research and writing experience.
• Policy research skills, including the ability to synthesize content from a broad range of sources.
• Exposure to analyzing and interpreting quantitative data (e.g., coursework, internships, or research using survey, administrative, or similar data) and conducting basic statistical or descriptive analyses.
• Proficiency or familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, Stata, SAS, or Python) to clean, analyze, and visualize data.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to transform complicated information into easy-to-understand materials.
• Ability to interact professionally with senior-level individuals (e.g., local, state, and national policymakers), stakeholders, and organizations.
• Familiarity with current trends and regulations in topic areas relevant to the specific position.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• 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.
• Administrative, project coordination, and/or project management experience is preferred.
• Training or experience in the fields of health policy, public policy, public health, science, or engineering is preferred.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Engagements are renewable annually upon funding availability through ongoing renewal of the grant funding stream. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Materials Required:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three references (names and email addresses)