Job Description
Health and Equity Policy Advisor, Governor Gretchen Whitmer
The Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is seeking a Health and Equity Policy Advisor. This advisor will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a policy agenda that aligns with the governor’s vision to ensure all Michiganders have access to quality, affordable healthcare no matter who they are.
The policy advisor position takes a long-term, strategic view on health, including a focus on women’s health, and the inequities and biases facing Michiganders. They will work with the governor, policy team, leadership staff, and cabinet to pursue the policies, programs, and tools that can make the governor’s vision a reality. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to build strategic plans and foster coordination and collaboration among colleagues and with external stakeholders. They will be committed to maintaining focus on priority initiatives aimed at reaching the governor’s goals, and getting results in a fun, fast-paced environment while managing a heavy workload with competing priorities.
Job Responsibilities:
The Health & Equity Policy Advisor reports to the Policy Director and is responsible for the following: • Create and manage a process for developing the governor’s long-term and annual health policy agenda and receiving, evaluating, and responding to requests for policy decisions. • Create and manage a process for developing the governor’s long-term and annual equity policy agenda and receiving, evaluating, and responding to requests for policy decisions. This will include working closely with the governor’s senior environmental, education, and racial justice advisors. • Act as a strategic partner to staff within the executive office to accomplish the governor’s goals in these areas. • Monitor, research, and analyze current events and policy issues to make informed recommendations on priorities and adjustments to the health and equity policy agenda. • Foster partnerships with key leaders in the public, private and philanthropic sectors, and convene key external stakeholders and national thought leaders to identify and define policy problems, gather input, and identify health and equity policy solutions. • Manage health and equity policy in the executive office and liaison with key departmental staff by: o Serving as both a health and equity specialist on the governor’s key priorities, and working closely with departmental leads o Acting as a resource for and liaison to departments to help drive the governor’s health and equity agenda o Engaging with key stakeholders to help develop and implement health and equity policy o Staffing and briefing the governor for key meetings o Monitoring and staffing state-level boards and commissions to further the governor’s agenda • Define metrics, milestones and prepare reports to measure progress on health and equity policy implementation. • Be willing to have a collaborative mindset and ability to work on multiple issues in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications: • Demonstrated ability to access and synthesize research on policy topics quickly and communicate recommendations accurately and succinctly. • Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, and ability to work well with a team. • Ability to set, communicate, and meet goals and deadlines. • Ability to turn policy into action and deliver results.
What Else You Should Know: This position is full time, based in Lansing, MI, and requires occasional travel. Salary dependent upon applicant's qualifications and previous experience. State employee benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage, paid leave, and an employer contribution to your retirement fund.
How to Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, recent writing sample, and references to Marc Rehmann at policyjobs@michigan.gov by Friday, November 19. E-mail Subject line must include Health and Equity Advisor.