Jobs

Policy Analyst/Senior Policy Analyst* for Aging & Disability Studies
(Job #495028)

*Position title will be determined based upon the candidate’s qualifications.

Job Description

The Hilltop Institute (www.hilltopinstitute.org) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Policy Analyst or Senior Policy Analyst to join its Aging & Disabilities Studies team. Hilltop conducts research and policy analysis to support health care financing and delivery system reform in Maryland and other states. With access to an extensive onsite data repository that includes Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, hospital discharge data, nursing home assessment data, and all-payer claims data, Hilltop conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform health care payment, program design, monitoring, and evaluation. Widely recognized for its expertise in Medicaid, Hilltop is at the forefront of national efforts to find data-driven solutions to complex problems facing state policymakers as publicly funded health care systems transition to new models that reward quality and value over volume.

Hilltop’s Aging & Disability Studies team works with the Medicaid program and the Developmental Disabilities Administration within the Maryland Department of Health as well as other state agencies to improve access to long-term services and supports (LTSS) and advance new service delivery and financing models for older adults and people with chronic conditions and disabilities. The team also conducts aging and disability research in collaboration with faculty at UMBC and other institutions.

Hilltop seeks professionals with exceptional quantitative research skills, a keen interest in federal and state health policy, and a passion for advancing the health and wellbeing of people and communities through research and analysis.

Responsibilities

The Policy Analyst/Senior Policy Analyst will be responsible for carrying out policy research and quantitative analysis aimed at improving access to and the quality of health care services for people and communities. As a member of the Hilltop Aging & Disabilities Studies team, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

  • Leading project teams, including agenda setting, work assignments, production of deliverables, and quality review
  • Interacting directly with external clients
  • Designing, conducting, and drawing conclusions from literature searches
  • Conducting advanced data linking, statistical analysis, and/or modeling on large data sets
  • Developing and maintaining large analytic data sets
  • Developing survey/interview instruments and study design
  • Managing survey/interview administration and data analysis
  • Preparing analytical reports and presentations
  • Creating sophisticated data visualizations
  • Participating in internal and external meetings
  • Performing other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Policy Analyst

Requires a PhD, MA, or BA with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, research methods, or a related discipline. (Note: A bachelor’s degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, research methods, or a related discipline, and three years of experience with exposure to health services research, public health administration, and/or policy analysis may be substituted for a master’s degree and one year of experience. A PhD with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, research methods, or a related discipline requires no experience). Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have strong analytical and communications skills (both verbal and written).

Senior Policy Analyst

Requires a PhD and/or a master’s degree with course work in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, gerontology, health law, research methods, or a related discipline. PhD candidates must have 2 years’ relevant experience. MA candidates must have five years of relevant experience. BA candidates must have 7 years of experience with exposure to health services research, public health administration, and/or policy analysis. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have strong analytical and communications skills (both verbal and written).

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the required experience and the following professional and interpersonal competencies: a strong interest in conducting research with large data sets; experience with SAS or other statistical software packages; experience with Tableau® or other data visualization packages; a knowledge of publicly funded health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; knowledge of the Affordable Care Act; interest and/or experience in aging and disability; well-honed problem solving skills; demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing to diverse audiences; the ability to work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams and be flexible in a fast-paced environment; and excellent interpersonal skills.

Personnel Status: Exempt, Full-time, Grant Funded (Note: This position is grant-funded, wherein employment is contingent upon the renewal of the grant). Salary: Policy Analyst – $68,000 to $80,000; Senior Policy Analyst – $117,000 to $133,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is full-time, offers excellent opportunity for professional growth, and includes the full university benefits package including tuition remission for qualified candidates.

Application

For best consideration, submit a cover letter (indicating Job #495028), resume, and contact information for three professional references to the Aging & Disabilities Studies Search Committee at:

https://listings.umbc.edu/cw/en-us/job/495028/policy-analyst-or-senior-policy-analyst

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

UMBC IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Please visit our web page at http://www.umbc.edu/hr for additional employment opportunities.

 

August 4, 2025