Health Policy Specialist (Fixed Term Contract)

Puerto Rico Science Technology & Research Trust•San Juan, PR

36m

About The Position

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (“PRSTRT” or “Trust”) is a private non-profit organization created in 2004 to encourage and promote innovation, transfer, and commercialization of technology and creation of jobs in the technology sector. We contribute to Puerto Rico’s public policy for science, technology, research, and development. The Trust’s mission is to invest, facilitate and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico's economy and its citizens’ well-being through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, research, and public health. Our vision is that Puerto Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub. The Puerto Rico Public Health Institute (PRPHI), established in 2019, is a program of the PRSTRT. We serve as a public health institute for Puerto Rico with the purpose of promoting innovative, evidence-based public health practices to achieve systematic health improvements, increase access to health programs, and reduce inequities in the communities of Puerto Rico. We serve as a trusted ally working with health equity and social determinants of health, in collaboration with public and private partners to identify and execute community driven, evidence-based solutions. The Health Policy Specialist is responsible for providing strategic program support; conducting policy analysis; tracking policy changes and sharing updates; developing policy briefs and other products; coordinating multisectoral working groups; and contributing to initiatives that expand access to healthcare and digital health. Work shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and PRSTRT/PRPHI policies and procedures.

Requirements

Ability to successfully engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment.
Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects under strict timelines. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence at multiple organizational levels.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish, including the ability to translate complex policy into clear, actionable insights.
Strong work ethic and ability to maintain high professional and ethical standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and comfort with digital tools, online platforms, and data analysis.
Ability to occasionally travel throughout Puerto Rico, including rural or hard-to-access areas.
Must hold a valid Puerto Rico driver’s license and comply with PRSTRT safety guidelines.
Bachelor’s degree required in Public Health, Public Policy, Health Administration, or related field.
At least three (3) years of experience in policy or relevant health-related roles.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred (MPH, MPP, MHA, JD, or related).
Experience working with Puerto Rico government agencies is a plus.
Familiarity with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, HIPAA, interoperability rules, and digital health policies is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide policy guidance and recommendations on topics including, but not limited to, healthcare access and innovation, telehealth expansion, and digital health.
Collaborate with PRPHI teams on research, grant writing, and other cross-cutting projects.
Monitor, analyze, interpret, and provide updates about federal, Puerto Rico, and municipal health policies including but not limited to telehealth, digital health, health IT, data governance, and reimbursement.
Develop policy briefs, policy comments and recommendations, and other policy-related products.
Track emerging health practices and technologies including but not limited to digital health, AI in healthcare, remote monitoring, and health IT standards.
Conduct landscape analyses on policy adoption, gap analyses, needs assessments and other research.
Identify programmatic or policy gaps and propose plans to address them.
Support evaluation efforts, including metrics development and data interpretation.
Coordinate multisectoral working group meetings, workshops, advisory committees, forums, and other collaborative initiatives.
Develop briefing materials, presentations, and reports for the working groups.
Liaise and support engagements with government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, academic institutions, industry partners, and other stakeholders. This could involve participating in virtual and in-person events across Puerto Rico.
Communicate regularly with the PRPHI Division Director and Supervisor regarding project activities, progress and outcomes.
Prepare written reports, update internal metrics, and deliver presentations as required.