Policy Analyst

Opening Date: July 17, 2024

Closing Date: July 31, 2024

Job Class Code: 0653
Grade: 22
Salary: $47,147.40 – $65,832.00/Year
Position Number: 149000003

The Office of Affordable Health Care is responsible for tracking and analyzing health spending in Maine, and proposing solutions with the potential to reduce costs for consumers and improve their experience with the health system. The office, which was established in 2023, is an independent agency working under the general policy direction of an Advisory Council and the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance, and Financial Services. More information about the office’s work can be found at maine.gov/OAHC.

The Policy Analyst will join the Executive Director and Senior Analyst as the third member of the team. They will support research and analysis across a wide range of policy topics including health insurance coverage and costs, health care spending, provider and prescription drug access and prices, and delivery system reform. They will have the opportunity to contribute to the office’s legislative agenda, engage with stakeholders, and gain hands on experience with the policymaking process. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. health care system, prior experience developing, analyzing, and/or advancing legislation, and a drive to make health care more affordable and accessible for Maine people.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Research a wide range of health policy topics, providing summaries and recommendations to the Executive Director.
• Author and contribute to reports, blog posts, stakeholder presentations and other public-facing work products.
• Monitor and report back on relevant legislation, including attending work sessions and public hearings, tracking amendments and bill status, and following floor debate.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to solicit feedback on policy proposals and to advance the office’s agenda.
• Under the direction of the Senior Analyst, assist with data analysis and data visualization projects.
• Perform some limited administrative tasks including taking minutes during Board and Advisory Council meetings, assisting with the planning and execution of special events, and making website updates.

Skills or knowledge required:

• Foundational understanding of the United States health care system, including detailed knowledge of public and private insurance programs and reimbursement models.
• Ability to absorb and synthesize information quickly and accurately.
• Familiarity with legislative processes; prior experience working with the Maine legislature preferred.
• Excellent writing skills, including experience summarizing laws, policies, or other complex subject matter.
• Demonstrated effective communicator.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and in team settings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Minimum qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree in Business or Public Administration, Planning, Economics, or related area and three (3) years of related work experience. Equivalent related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.