Planner II

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

1d•$49,296 - $68,786•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Affordable Health Care (OAHC) is an independent state agency that monitors and analyzes health care spending in Maine and advances policy solutions intended to reduce costs for consumers while improving their experience in the health care system. Established in 2023, the Office operates under the general policy direction of an Advisory Council and the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance, and Financial Services. OAHC has led and supported legislative initiatives involving commercial health care pricing and provider market oversight, and it is a partner in implementing Maine’s Rural Health Transformation Program. The Policy Analyst will support research and analysis on topics including health insurance coverage and costs, health care spending, provider and prescription drug access and prices, and delivery system reform. The role provides opportunities to contribute to the Office’s legislative agenda, engage with interested parties including legislators, and gain hands-on experience with the policymaking process. The ideal candidate has a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. health care system, experience developing, analyzing, and/or advancing legislation, and a commitment to making health care more affordable and accessible for Maine people. The position is based in Augusta. Applicants must submit a cover letter, current resume, and three professional references. The selected candidate must pass required background checks; fingerprinting may be required. The position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Planning, Economics, or a related area, and three years of related work experience; equivalent related work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Foundational understanding of the U.S. health care system, including detailed knowledge of public and private insurance programs and reimbursement models.
Ability to absorb and synthesize information quickly and accurately.
Familiarity with legislative processes.
Excellent writing skills, including experience summarizing laws, policies, or other complex subject matter.
Demonstrated effective communication skills.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Ability to work independently and in team settings.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with the Maine Legislature.
Demonstrated commitment to improving the affordability and/or accessibility of health care.

Responsibilities

Research a wide range of health policy topics and provide summaries and recommendations to the Executive Director.
Author and contribute to reports, blog posts, stakeholder presentations, and other public-facing work products.
Monitor and report on relevant legislation, including attending work sessions and public hearings, tracking amendments and bill status, and following floor debate.
Collaborate with stakeholders to solicit feedback on policy proposals and advance the Office’s agenda.
Under the direction of the Senior Analyst, assist with data analysis and data visualization projects.
Contribute to communication materials for legislative campaigns and other activities related to the Office’s agenda.
Perform limited administrative tasks, including taking minutes during Board and Advisory Council meetings, assisting with special events, and making website updates.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three or more weeks of annual vacation leave; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State-paid 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participation in the applicable program.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution of 14.06% of pay to Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Living Resources employee assistance program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child, including non-birthing and adoptive parents; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.