Research Director I - Health Policy/Regulations Specialist

NORC at the University of Chicago•Washington DC, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Director I to support its Health Care Programs Research Department. The role focuses on researching, interpreting, and implementing federal and state healthcare data-sharing and privacy policies and regulations, particularly those related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). The position supports researchers seeking access to health data and involves developing program policies and procedures, monitoring regulatory changes, assessing operational impacts, identifying documentation gaps, and recommending corrective actions and process improvements. The Research Director translates complex regulatory and sub-regulatory guidance into practical procedures, training materials, and job aids. The role also involves communicating findings and recommendations to internal teams, government clients, and external partners. This is a hybrid position based in NORC’s Chicago Loop or Washington, DC office, with at least six days per month in the office. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years, and be eligible to obtain and maintain a federal government client badge and Public Trust background investigation/clearance. NORC’s Health Care Programs team serves federal and state government and foundation clients on health system transformation and delivery, payment reform, health equity, and policy issues affecting Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace coverage. Its work includes research design and implementation, data collection, policy analysis, program design, technical assistance, operational support, and management and analysis of complex administrative and health data.

Requirements

Master’s degree in public policy, public health, health services research, health administration, or a related field.
At least four years of experience in positions of increasing responsibility in health policy or a related field.
Strong analytical ability, writing skills, and organizational skills.
Strong proficiency with MS Office software.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Authorization to work in the United States and residence in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years.
Eligibility to obtain a federal government client badge and successfully obtain and maintain a Public Trust background investigation/clearance.
Submit a resume and cover letter with the application.
Be prepared to provide professional references upon request.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance to researchers seeking access to health data by clarifying federal and state requirements related to the ACA and MACRA.
Develop and author program procedural documentation and work with the client to establish and implement it, ensuring alignment with customer and company standards, processes, and requirements.
Work with project leadership to maintain awareness of current policies and regulations, identify downstream impacts, and offer solutions.
Identify documentation gaps, participate in corrective-action processes, and recommend enhancements to training materials, job aids, and operational documents.
Compile and interpret regulatory and sub-regulatory guidance to develop and implement program policies and procedures.
Summarize information and communicate findings effectively in writing and verbally to internal teams, government clients, and external partners.

Benefits

Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment.
Dental and vision insurance.
Defined contribution retirement program and a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program.
Group life insurance.
Long-term and short-term disability insurance.
Generous paid time off and holidays.
Paid parental leave.
Bereavement leave.
Tuition assistance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Business casual environment and emphasis on continuous learning.