Salary : $99,336.00 - $120,744.00 Annually
Location : City of Bellingham, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-Healthcare Strategy Analyst
Department: Human Resources
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 10/9/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Eteam

Nature of Work
Join our Human Resources team as a Healthcare Strategy Analyst and help drive innovative, data-powered solutions that strengthen the City's healthcare programs. In this dynamic role, you'll translate complex trends and analytics into strategic recommendations that improve plan design, elevate employee engagement and maximize community health resources. We're looking for a proactive thinker who thrives on collaboration, clarity and impact.
JOB SUMMARY:
This position conducts analysis, evaluation and development of healthcare cost-management strategies to support affordable, high-quality healthcare. Conducts research and data analysis to identify opportunities for cost containment and inform recommendations that balance cost, access, quality and outcomes.

Develops strategies and programs designed to improve healthcare utilization, expand cost-effective access to care and enhance the overall value of benefits. Provides strategic insights and recommendations to leadership and works collaboratively with vendors, healthcare providers, and community partners to advance organizational healthcare objectives. Develops data-driven, effective and compliant initiatives aligned with City goals.

For more information, please review the job description.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The current full salary range for this position is $8,278/month - $10,062/month. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the and City policy.

The City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor's degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master's degree in a related field when the master's degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications. The City's HR Department regularly evaluates minimum qualifications to provide equitable employment opportunities.

For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can page and

• 13.33 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 40 hours of sick leave upon hire + 8 hours accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation savings plan and 401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Fri. 10/09/26 4:30 PM Pacific Time
Experience and Training

• Bachelor's degree in public health, health administration, business administration or related field.
• Four years of work experience in healthcare analytics and employee benefits management.
• Demonstrated work experience analyzing healthcare claims data, cost drivers and benefits design.
• Experience with municipal or public sector benefits administration preferred.
• Background in population health or wellness program design preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Employment contingent on passing a criminal background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with occasional evening or weekend work to attend meetings.
• Work is performed primarily in-person. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement of up to two days per week after satisfying an initial training and orientation period.

Selection Process
**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along**
Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City's commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.
Interviews for the most qualified candidates are tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of October 29, 2026. If needed, we may open up a second day of interviews for the morning of October 30, 2026, only if all times are filled for October 29th. Invitations to participate in the Interview process will be sent via e-mail on or around October 19, 2026.

Please Note: Candidates will receive updates regarding application status via email. Please be sure to check your email frequently, including your spam folders for messages filtered by your email providers.

Have you read and understood the information listed above?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a bachelor's degree in public health, health administration, business administration or related field?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have four (4) years of work experience in healthcare analytics and employee benefits management? (Note: this experience must also be reflected under work experience on application)

How We Count Work Experience: Your experience must be equal to full-time paid work. If you worked part-time, we'll calculate your experience based on the total number of hours you worked in a year. For example, if you worked 10 hours per week for 12 months, that equals 3 months of full-time experience (10 hrs x 52 weeks= 520 hrs/173.33 full time hrs per month = 3 months).

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have demonstrated work experience analyzing healthcare claims data, cost drivers and benefits design? (Note: this experience must also be reflected under work experience on application)

• Yes
• No

05

Explain in detail your education and experience, or combination of education/experience that provides you the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to perform this role. (Note: this must also be reflected on your application under Education and Work Experience.)
06

The following qualifications are preferred. Select all that apply to your current experience.

• I have experience with municipal or public sector benefits administration.
• I have a background in population health or wellness program design.
• I do not have any of the preferred qualifications and understand this will not disqualify my application.

07

Are you willing and able to work a flexible schedule with occasional evening or weekend work to attend meetings?

• Yes
• No

08

The City's health care costs are increasing at an unprecedented rate, as a Healthcare Strategic Analyst, describe what steps you would take to analyze the issue, identify the underlying drivers, and develop recommendations for City leadership to reduce costs within the current structure?
09

Employers are often challenged to identify meaningful cost savings while maintaining health care benefits that are high quality and that provide accessible and equitable healthcare. Addressing these issues may require new and unique solutions. Describe the strategies, analytical approaches, and or tools you would use to identify and evaluate new opportunities for meaningful cost savings while preserving the integrity quality safety and accessibility of healthcare.
Required Question