Director of Policy Engagement and Analytics, Health Policy Impact Lab

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Salary Range

$124,000.00 - $206,500.00

Overview

The Tobin Center for Economic Policy is committed to producing rigorous, policy-relevant research and bringing the resulting evidence-based insights to the policy arena for real-world impact.

The Health Policy Impact Lab, led by Tobin’s Associate Faculty Director Prof. Zack Cooper, fuses empirical research, high-level policy engagement, and top-tier communications to shift public conversations about domestic health spending, support policymakers, and raise the productivity of the U.S. health system. The Lab has helped shape both state and federal healthcare legislation, and Prof. Cooper’s research has been cited by Congress and the White House, featured widely in national media, and directly informed major legislation, including the bipartisan No Surprises Act, which protected consumers from costly medical bills and lowered health spending on the privately insured.

We are seeking a Director of Policy Engagement and Analytics to lead and manage some of the Lab’s most visible and influential initiatives, including the 1% Steps for Health Care Reform Project. This role will drive the production of policy-ready briefs and memos that translate rigorous academic research into actionable insights, support convenings that bring together policymakers and experts, and engage directly and advise policymakers. Working closely with Professor Zack Cooper, Senior Policy Fellow Liz Jurinka, and a network of collaborators, the Director of Policy Engagement and Analytics will help inject timely, evidence-based analysis into policy and public discourse, elevate early-career scholars, and ensure that cutting-edge research informs the most pressing health policy debates.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly capable, mission-driven candidate who thrives at the intersection of research and policy and is eager to shape national health policy through rigorous analysis, effective communication, and strategic engagement. The ideal candidate is a clear communicator, thoughtful collaborator, and self-starter with strong writing skills, policy acumen, and demonstrated capacity for mentorship and external engagement, grounded in experience in health policy, government, or health services research.

Essential Duties

1. Lead two of the Lab’s flagship initiatives - 1% Steps for Health Care Reform Project and Just the Facts Memos - by overseeing content development, coordinating across collaborators, and managing timelines, deliverables, and publication strategy.

2. Shape content framing and synthesize cutting-edge academic research into compelling, actionable, and policy-ready briefs and memos that align with priority topics, in collaboration with Professor Zack Cooper and Senior Policy Fellow Liz Jurinka.

3. Design and execute signature convenings that bring together academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders to elevate the ideas and evidence surfaced through the flagship initiatives.

4. Engage directly with policymakers and their staff to share evidence, advise on relevant topics, and help inform the development of effective, evidence-based health policy.

5. Oversee the relaunch and ongoing development of initiative websites, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and aligned with the project’s goals and audiences.

6. Hire, mentor, and supervise a Research Assistant to support research, writing, and other project tasks associated with the flagship initiatives.

7. Track emerging academic literature and health policy issues to inform new topics for briefs and memos and ensure the Lab’s work remains timely and impactful.

8. Support and elevate early-career scholars by identifying contributors and helping them translate academic work into accessible policy briefs.

9. Contribute to dissemination efforts, including writing related pieces and preparing presentations and briefings, to maximize the reach and policy relevance. 10. Collaborate across internal teams, including communications, operations, and other research staff, to ensure high-quality and timely execution of all project deliverables.

11. Engage in strategic planning and initiative evolution, offering insight into content priorities, process improvements, and opportunities for growth and innovation.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex academic research into accessible, policy-relevant materials.

2. Strategic thinking and sound judgment, especially in identifying relevant scholarship and framing content for policymaker and public audiences.

3. Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet deadlines, and coordinate across collaborators.

4.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with academics, policymakers, and internal teams.

5. Proactive and self-directed, with a high level of initiative and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

6. Familiarity with health policy evidence and research methods, including the ability to assess the quality and relevance of academic studies.

7. Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage publications, events, and web content simultaneously.

8. Advanced degree in a relevant field such as public health, business administration, or information technology.

Preferred Skills and Abilities
1. Proven experience in grant management, securing funding, and budget administration.
2. Familiarity with higher education or research-intensive environments, including international or governmental organizations.
3. Proficiency with digital tools and software including Microsoft Office, data analysis, and project management platforms.
4. Experience in strategic consulting, compliance, or a similar role, with a focus on public health or data science initiatives.

Required Education and Experience
Ph.D in health policy, health services research, public policy, economics, or a related field; or a JD; or a Masters degree with significant relevant experience.

At least 3 years of relevant experience in health policy, government, health services research, or a related analytical or policy environment.

Strong working knowledge of the U.S. health care system, including familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, insurance markets, and current health policy debates. Experience engaging with academic experts and/or policymakers, with the ability to translate research into clear, accessible materials for non-technical audiences.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Directs one or more functional areas within an administrative department of the University and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures. 2. Directs analytic and research support for educational policies and planning and develops and approves administrative policies affecting assigned functional areas of the University. 3. Directs and establishes parameters for major projects for the department and University. 4. Interprets federal policies and regulations and educates staff and administration about regulations, restrictions, and the legal responsibilities of the University. 5. Directs and implements policy and program modifications and develops standards to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. 6. Develops and administers an operating budget for the assigned department consistent with University policies and procedures. 7. Develops cost savings objectives and goals; authorizes major purchases and negotiates contracts that range from routine to complex in nature. 8. Establishes and implements long- and short-range goals for the functional area consistent with University goals and objectives. 9. Directs the development of related automated systems to support the function; determines office policies and procedures for use of automated systems. 10. Directs the evaluation and selection of vendors and negotiates contract details including work steps and pricing with the vendors on behalf of the assigned functional area. 11. Works with internal and external contacts to solve problems that range from routine to complex in nature. 12. Represents the University in discussions and negotiations with various governmental agencies. 13. Directs a staff of exempt and nonexempt employees. 14. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in related field. Seven years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Posting Date

09/29/2025

Job Category

Manager

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Leader (28)

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Work Model

Hybrid

Location

87 Trumbull Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.