Policy Research Specialist

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association•Washington, DC

1d•$102,640 - $138,805•Hybrid

About The Position

This role contributes to the development, management and production of policy research that furthers the BCBS mission and drives policy solutions. Assists in the analysis of federal and state government policy proposals affecting the health care financing sector. Helps develop analyses and analytical models to conduct impactful research on public policy priorities in health financing, such as affordability for patients, consumers and public programs, provider reimbursement and prescription drug pricing. Supports, prepares and presents findings to drive impactful policy agenda forward.

Requirements

Required Bachelor's Degree Political Science, Public Policy, Public Health, Economics, or a related discipline; or equivalent work experience
Required 5+ Years Policy analysis and research, either through substantial projects in the classroom, internships, or paid work
In-depth knowledge and expertise in using Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other software used to prepare documents, and in analytic methods used in qualitative and quantitative analyses, including preparing literature reviews, and using statistical software packages.
Knowledge and expertise regarding health policy issues, economics, and statistics, which will be core skills for this position. Solid academic background in statistics and economics, and in using software supporting analysis in those fields, such as Excel, SAS, Stata, etc.
Understanding of the federal legislative process, regulation, and government programs.
Able to manage complex projects, working with colleagues throughout the organization, navigating administrative processes
Strong attention to deadlines and budgetary guidelines, tracking details, keeping to key timelines, and communicating appropriately with supervisor.
Ability to figure out answers to challenging analytical questions, including deciding on appropriate data sources, proper methods for using the data, and presentational questions and challenges.
Knowledge and understanding of Program budgeting and contracting process.
Presentation skills, both in producing slides and defending work.
Excellent writing, both for shorter documents, such as memos, as well as more extensive research documents.
Teamwork and close collaboration with colleagues is essential.
Ability to work with people from different professional backgrounds, both those with an understanding of policy analysis and those without.
Ability to manage through ambiguity and adapting to changing priorities.
Demonstrates AI literacy and an understanding of generative AI tools, including appropriate business applications and limitations.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Master's Degree Public Policy, Public Health, Economics, Political Science, or a related discipline
Preferred: Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI
Working in a social science research environment, such as working for a think tank, government agency or trade association policy team.
Experience with Data Analytics, Data Science, Healthcare Claims Data

Responsibilities

Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses to develop insights that will inform and drive health financing public policy that is consistent with the BCBSA mission.
Develop and manage system for tracking research projects from start to finish, including procurement, contracting, project milestones, and financing.
Manage a central site of all published research and analytical modeling performed both internally and by third party vendors and make it available for use by others in BCBSA.
Maintain comprehensive awareness of key health care financing topics and the broader business environment, with a focus on topics likely to impact health insurers and consumers.
Manage a monthly update for member companies and internal leadership to compile relevant and recent policy research, working closely with subject matter experts and team members across BCBSA to draft, edit and distribute.
Use expertise in quantitative and qualitative research to interpret and “translate” research findings into compelling and persuasive information for stakeholders, including senior executives.