Deputy Policy Director

Job Description

UW Medicine has an outstanding opportunity for Deputy Policy Director to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Public Policy Director, the Deputy Policy Director is responsible for advancing UW Medicine’s public policy agenda through sophisticated state and federal policy analysis, legislative and regulatory tracking, fiscal coordination, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. This position helps ensure UW Medicine leaders have timely, accurate, and actionable insight on legislative, regulatory, and budget matters that affect the health system, academic medicine, biomedical research, and the communities UW Medicine serves.

This role is a high-impact opportunity for a policy professional who thrives at the intersection of health care, higher education, research, public service, and government. The Deputy Policy Director will partner closely with UW Medicine executive leaders, faculty, administrative teams, University colleagues, state, federal, and local legislative staff, state agencies, and external associations to shape thoughtful, mission-aligned public policy strategies while maintaining compliance, credibility, and reputational integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development, Analysis, and Communications – 60%

• Partner with UW Medicine leadership to develop UW Medicine’s institutional positions on legislative and regulatory issues, including legislative agenda items, rulemaking priorities, and state budget priorities.

• Track, research, and analyze federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory proposals affecting UW Medicine, with attention to academic medicine, health care delivery, biomedical research, and operational impact.

• Draft high-quality policy memos, briefing materials, comments, testimony, talking points, summaries, and leadership reports that translate complex issues into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Support implementation planning for new laws, rules, and policy requirements across UW Medicine departments by identifying risks, impacts, dependencies, and opportunities for alignment.

• Maintain tracking systems and policy monitoring tools to ensure leadership and partners have accurate, current information on emerging policy issues and advocacy opportunities.

Budget and Fiscal Policy Management – 25%

• Serve as a key UW Medicine point of contact for fiscal analyses related to legislative and regulatory proposals, coordinating with University budget and finance offices and internal subject matter experts.

• Develop or coordinate fiscal notes, cost estimates, and impact analyses that help UW Medicine assess financial, operational, compliance, and strategic implications of proposed policy changes.

• Prepare budget and fiscal policy briefings for UW Medicine leaders, highlighting decision points, risks, opportunities, and recommended next steps.

Stakeholder and Legislative Session Support – 10%

• Coordinate with University partners in state, federal, and community relations to align policy positions, messaging, and strategies across levels of government.

• Provide responsive legislative session support, including bill tracking, rapid policy research, fiscal analysis, communication drafting, and issue escalation during peak workload periods.

• Prepare briefing materials and talking points for UW Medicine leaders participating in legislative, agency, association, and external stakeholder meetings.

Special Projects – 5%

• Support ad hoc projects and initiatives as assigned by the Senior Director of Public Policy or Chief External Affairs Officer. These projects will include strategic planning sessions and research for government officials, community organizations, and UW Medicine leaders.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, economics, public administration, or a related field.

• Five years of experience in public policy, legislative analysis, government relations, or budget/policy research.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated experience working with legislative or regulatory processes.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, or related field.

• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or biomedical policy.

• Knowledge of state and federal budget processes; experience preparing fiscal notes or cost analyses.

Conditions of Employment

• Travel to and from Olympia, Washington may be required during legislative session.

• Occasional travel between UW Medicine entities, partners, and affiliates in the Puget Sound region may be required.

• Infrequent travel to Washington, D.C. and WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) states may be required based on business needs.

About the Team

UW Medicine’s programs include the delivery of advanced medical diagnostics and treatment services, education of medical students and graduate and postgraduate trainees, and maintenance of one of the largest and most advanced university-based basic and clinical research programs in the United States. UW Medicine’s programs include the provision of medical care to underserved and vulnerable individuals and maintaining the economic vitality of UW Medicine’s owned and managed health system.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$91,764.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$137,652.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.