Full Job Description
Job Title: Senior Policy Analyst
Reports to: Director of Legal and Government Affairs
Initial Salary Range: $113,000 - $155,000 annually
Benefits: Health, Vision, & Dental Insurance, Retirement Contributions, PTO, and Paid Holidays
Classification: Salaried, Exempt
Status: Full-Time (1.00 FTE), Regular w/ Benefits
Location: Portland, OR
JOB SUMMARY
Position Summary
The Senior Policy Analyst leads research, analysis, and development of federal and state Indian health policy recommendations affecting American Indian/Alaska (AI/AN) communities. This position supports NPAIHB's policy advocacy efforts by monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, analyzing their implications for Northwest Tribes, and developing policy recommendations, educational materials, and strategic resources that advance the priorities established by NPAIHB's member Tribes. The Senior Policy Analyst serves as a subject-matter expert and key resource to Northwest Tribes, NPAIHB Delegates, Tribal Advisory Committee representatives, and other stakeholders. The position facilitates Tribal engagement with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Indian Health Service (IHS), and other federal, state, and regional agencies to inform health policies, programs, and priorities affecting Northwest Tribal communities.
The Senior Policy Analyst must have expert-level knowledge of federal Indian Health Policy and demonstrate expert-level skills in policy research, legislative and regulatory analysis, advocacy, and project management, and other materials for Tribal leaders and organizational stakeholders.
The Senior Policy Analyst serves on the NPAIHB's Policy team, which provides policy research, analysis, advocacy, and education on health policies aligned with NPAIHB's mission, vision, Strategic Plan, governing documents, and priorities established by its member Tribes. The Policy team includes the Director of Legal & Government Affairs, Policy Services Manager, Senior Policy Analyst, and Health Policy Analyst, with additional shared administrative support from the Board Relations & Executive Assistant.
The Senior Policy Analyst reports to the Director of Legal and Government Affairs. This scope of work is housed within the Policy Division.
This position is based at NPAIHB's offices in Portland, Oregon and is expected to work on-site in accordance with applicable workplace and telework policies, including attendance at designated in-person meetings and activities.
Local travel and overnight travel outside of the area are required. See "Travel Requirements" for more information.
Essential Functions
Tribal Health Policy Excellence and Success
• Advances NPAIHB's Tribal health policy initiatives in alignment with priorities established by member Tribes, the Strategic Plan, and applicable Tribal, federal, state, organizational, and/or funding priorities
• Contributes to an organizational culture of professional excellence, integrity, rigor, service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Monitors emerging legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting Northwest Tribes, including identifying potential implications, risks, and opportunities and recommending appropriate responses to NPAIHB leadership
• Collaborates with the Director of Legal and Government Affairs, Executive Director, and NPAIHB member Tribes to identify emerging policy issues, inform organizational policy priorities, and develop strategies that advance Tribal health interests
Tribal Health Policy Research, Analysis, and Communications
• Facilitates policy-related communication and collaboration among NPAIHB, Northwest Tribes, IHS, HHS and other federal, state, and regional agencies to advance Tribal health policy priorities
• Ensures weekly legislative and policy updates are drafted, reviewed, and provided to Northwest Tribal leaders, NPAIHB Government Affairs team, and other appropriate stakeholders
• Monitors and analyzes federal state legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting Indian health, including developments involving Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare, and the Indian Health Service
• Develops and coordinates the timely distribution of legislative updates, policy alerts, briefing, and other informational resources to Northwest Tribal leaders, NPAIHB staff, and appropriate stakeholders
• Leads the timely development and distribution of policy briefs, white papers, background papers, legislative analyses, testimony, comments, resolutions, talking points, memoranda, articles, resolutions, and other written materials that communicate policy positions, recommendations, and priorities established by NPAIHB's member Tribes
• Prepares supporting visual aids for written content and presentations, including timelines, tables, charts, and other informational graphics as appropriate
• Prepares policy and legislative alerts on pressing and emerging issues
• Develops articles and other educational content for NPAIHB publications, including the Health News & Notes newsletter, to communicate important Tribal health policy development
• Conducts comprehensive research and analysis of federal and state laws, regulations, legislative proposals, and other policy developments affecting Tribal health programs and services, including evaluating potential impacts on Northwest Tribes and developing evidence-informed policy recommendations
• Engages Northwest Tribes to gather input on proposed health policies, assess their potential impacts, and incorporate Tribal perspectives into NPAIHB policy analyses and recommendations
• Maintains accurate and current legislative and policy information in NPAIHB's established tracking systems and databases
Tribal Health Policy Meetings and Conferences
• Plans and facilitates in-person and virtual policy meetings, briefings, webinars, and discussions involving Tribal representatives, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders, including coordinating agendas, documenting outcomes, and tracking follow-up activities
• Attends all NPAIHB Quarterly Board Meetings (QBMs) in-person, and provides policy expertise, legislative updates, briefings, and other support to Tribal Delegates and organizational leadership, as needed
• Represents NPAIHB at national, regional, Tribal, and local meetings and conferences on Indian health policy matters, including delivering presentations, facilitating discussions, and sharing policy analyses and recommendations
Tribal Engagement, Policy Strategy, and Technical Assistance
• Coordinates and provides timely, culturally responsive technical assistance and policy consultation to Northwest Tribes, Tribal leaders, and other authorized stakeholders, including responding to inquiries, tracking requests, and facilitating access to relevant policy information and resources
• Prepares and delivers policy briefings, legislative analyses, and informational resources to Northwest Tribal leaders to support informed decision-making on federal and state Indian health policy matters
• Develops legislative and policy recommendations and proposed advocacy strategies to address Northwest Tribal Leader health priorities
• Coordinates assigned policy activities and resources in accordance with established organizational priorities, approved work plans, and the NPAIHB Strategic Plan
• Prepares annual reports and other required reports documenting policy activities, accomplishments, and outcomes for NPAIHB leadership, the Indian Health Service, and other appropriate stakeholders
• Collaborates with Policy team members and other NPAIHB staff to evaluate research findings, identify evidence-informed policy options, and assess their potential impacts on Tribal health programs and services
Other Duties
• Prepares a Monthly Activity Report (MAR) at the end of each month
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Legal and Government Affairs and/or Executive Director or designee
Standards of Conduct
• Act in service to the Tribes and Tribal communities we serve
• Uphold the Mission, Values, and Vision of the NPAIHB
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality with all NPAIHB information and documentation
• Consistently exhibit professional behavior and a high degree of personal and professional integrity and impartiality appropriate to the responsible and confidential nature of the position
• Exercise good judgment and initiative in performance of duties and responsibilities
• Demonstrate self-awareness, sound interpersonal judgment, and constructive communication in the performance of all duties and responsibilities
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning, innovation, service, knowledge sharing, and the professional development of others, as appropriate to the position
• Help cultivate an organizational culture that centers NPAIHB's service to Tribes, promotes professional excellence, and builds an environment where employees grow and thrive
• Contribute to building an inclusive workplace across a range of identities and experiences, including but not limited to geography, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, class, language, disability, religion, spiritual practices, and immigration status
• Recognize diversity as a strength, and equity as a baseline
• Work in a cooperative manner with all levels of management and with all NPAIHB staff
• Effectively plan, organize workload, and schedule time to meet workload demands
• Use reasonable judgment to consistently display professional work attire during normal business hours, and/or dress appropriately for the workday, space, or event in lieu of a formal dress code
• Be present, available, and responsive for meetings and calls during regular working hours
• Participate actively in virtual meetings and use video when reasonably expected and appropriate, subject to approved accommodations or exceptions
• Show consideration by communicating effectively and building collective understanding
• Recognize that relationships are the cornerstone of NPAIHB's work by treating all NPAIHB Tribal Delegates and Alternates, partners, staff, and American Indian/Alaska Native people with dignity and respect
• Participate in required NPAIHB meetings, trainings, and organizational activities
Qualifications
Education
Minimum education required:
• Master's degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Public Policy, Public Administration, Legal Studies in Federal Indian Law, or a closely related field
o In lieu of the minimum educational requirement, a Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Public Policy, Public Administration, Legal Studies in Federal Indian Law, or a closely related field in addition to at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position may serve as an acceptable substitute for the minimum education requirement.*
* Note: the substitute-experience requirement is the total experience threshold, and is not added to the shorter minimum requirement listed in the Experience section below. All other distinct education, credential, and experience requirements remain applicable.
Additional education preferred:
• Juris Doctorate specializing in Federal Indian Law or a closely related field
Experience
Minimum experience required:
• At least four (4) years of demonstrated work experience in the preparation of written analyses of policies, legislation and regulations or a closely related field, that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position
• At least one (1) year of professional experience working with Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribal communities, or Tribal health clinics
Additional experience preferred:
• Direct experience working with Northwest Tribes
• Experience as a mentor, and orientation toward mentorship
• Direct experience working in federal Indian Policy advocacy
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Advanced knowledge of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), Medicaid, Medicare, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other relevant federal Indian Heath Policy and legislation
• Advanced knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes
• Demonstrated knowledge, discretion, tact, judgment, and overall ability in working effectively with federal, Tribal, and other professionals, and facilitating participation and partnership
