Research Director I - Health Policy/Regulations Specialist - Chicago Office

NORC at the University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

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 develops program policies and procedures, monitors regulatory changes, assesses operational impacts, identifies documentation gaps, and recommends corrective actions and process improvements. It also translates complex regulatory guidance into practical procedures, training materials, and job aids, and communicates findings and recommendations to internal teams, government clients, and external partners. This is a hybrid role based in either NORC’s Chicago Loop or downtown Washington, DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. Because the position supports critical work for a federal government client, 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 supports federal and state government and foundation clients on health system transformation and delivery, payment reform and implementation, health equity, and policy issues affecting public health insurance programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace coverage. Its work includes research design and implementation, qualitative and quantitative data collection, policy analysis and program design, technical assistance and operational support, management and analysis of complex administrative and health data, and monitoring quality and performance data. The position is classified as regular. The posted pay range is $71,500 to $79,000. Applicants should include a resume and cover letter and be prepared to provide professional references upon request.

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 analytic 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.

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 in 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 and participate in corrective action processes.
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.
A 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).