Director, Public Policy

Qualtrics • Chicago, IL

1d • $153,000 - $186,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Public Policy serves as a primary expert on the evolving healthcare policy landscape, monitoring and interpreting regulatory developments and evaluating their effects on product strategy and client operations. The role focuses on CAHPS, quality and safety reporting, and value-based payment models, and represents the company and its healthcare clients before government and industry organizations such as CMS, NQF, and AHRQ.

The Director develops corporate policy positions, drafts and submits public comment letters, provides regulatory updates and thought leadership, and works across Product Management, Sales, Marketing, and Operations to inform strategy and product enhancements. The role also directs and develops the public policy team, manages research and performance goals, and oversees department budgeting. It sits within Product Management and Enterprise Strategy and involves approximately 25% travel for client meetings, regulatory sessions, and industry events.

The position follows a hybrid work model: employees work in the office three days a week—Mondays, Thursdays, and one additional day selected by their organizational leader—and may work where they want for the rest of the week. The Illinois base annual pay transparency range is $153,000–$186,000 USD. A sign-on bonus and restricted stock units may be included in an offer.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in health policy, regulatory affairs, or a related healthcare industry role.
• Demonstrated experience developing corporate position statements and drafting official comment letters for rulemaking.
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Policy, Public Health, Business, or a related field.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with proven executive presence.
• Ability to navigate a matrixed corporate environment and effectively lead direct reports.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and interpret developments across healthcare policy, including CAHPS, quality reporting, safety, and value-based payment programs, to inform product, marketing, operational, and executive strategy.
• Serve as the primary organizational liaison to CMS, NQF, AHRQ, and related government, industry, and public policy entities.
• Develop corporate policy positions and draft, review, and submit official comment letters and position statements in response to rulemaking and requests for information.
• Produce regulatory updates and policy content for clients, and present policy trends at client meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Sales, Marketing, and Operations to identify strategic opportunities and guide product enhancements.
• Direct, coach, and manage the public policy team, including Policy Analysts and Senior Regulatory Data Analysts.
• Guide research projects, annual performance goals, strategic goal alignment, and department budgets.
• Represent the company and healthcare clients in policy advocacy and thought leadership.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Executive leadership development opportunities, including high-visibility leadership, professional association involvement, and career growth.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Life and disability benefits.
• Wellness reimbursement.
• Mental health benefits.
• A sign-on bonus and restricted stock units may be included in an employment offer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director