Sr. Policy Analyst

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

North Carolina experienced health workforce shortages long before the COVID-19 pandemic and now faces dual challenges: addressing severe shortages today and preparing to serve a growing and aging population.

In 2021, NC Area Health Education Centers, NC Institute of Medicine, and the Sheps Center for Health Services Research developed a concept for a statewide center focused on the persistent, strategic development of our state's health workforce.

The NC Center on the Workforce for Health is now working collaboratively across professions, settings, sectors, and regions to tackle today's crises and prepare for the future. As the Center grows, it will further serve as a hub of reliable information and a catalyst for action.

Flexible work arrangements, including virtual/hybrid work locations, are an integral part of the School of Medicine's Working Forward initiative. As such, this position's work location is designated as hybrid. Please note that the designated work location is subject to change based on the unit's business needs.
The Statewide North Carolina Workforce for Health Initiative provides a forum for health employers, workers, educators, regulators, policymakers, and others throughout North Carolina to address today's health workforce shortages and plan for the future. The Initiative works to bring together the best data, ideas, and opportunities to advance potential solutions and further organize workforce efforts across the complex health ecosystem in a way that ultimately supports North Carolina's health needs. There is broad consensus that sustained collaborative work will be necessary to create a statewide plan and system of workforce development that meets the needs of the population and prioritizes whole-person care, including the social drivers of health.

This Senior Policy Analyst, inside the Workforce for Health Initiative, reports to the Associate Director of the Workforce for Health Initiative. The Senior Policy Analyst will lead policy research and analyze relevant policy developments to identify interventions that will improve how North Carolina recruits, trains, and retains its health workforce.

The Senior Policy Analyst's duties include but are not limited to:
- Supporting the development and monitoring of a statewide health workforce strategic plan
- Developing and implementing a policy research agenda focused on the intersection of health policy, education, and workforce development
- Researching policy interventions and proposals across the country to inform potential solutions in North Carolina
- Identifying evidence-based and promising practices relevant to statewide and regional health workforce development.
- Monitoring and analyzing state and local legislative and regulatory policy initiatives relevant to health workforce
- Working with the data analyst to improve collection, analysis, and application of relevant primary and secondary data sources
- Drafting reports, policy briefs, white papers, manuscripts, presentations, blog posts and web content that summarizes findings in a concise, easily digestible way for decision makers
- Leading discussions with stakeholders and developing summaries and related content for internal and external purposes
- Coordinating similar efforts among counterparts at partner organizations

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g. Public Policy, Health Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Government, Law) + relevant work experience or a master's degree in relevant subject area (e.g. Public Policy, Health Policy, Public Health, Public Administration, Government, Law) + relevant experience. Strong research and writing experience. Policy analysis and research skills, including the ability to synthesize content from a broad range of sources. Strong written communication skills and the ability to transform complicated information into easy-to-understand materials. Ability to interact professionally with senior-level individuals (e.g., local, state, and national policymakers), stakeholders, and organizations. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities and able to respond flexibly to changing needs. Proficient in use of standard computing software (including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint); capacity to learn additional job-specific programs as required.

Prior demonstrated experience with health, education, and/or workforce policy and demonstrated experience in project management are desirable.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.