Policy Fellow (Finance)

Salary: $58,656 (includes benefits)

Application Deadline: December 31st, 2024 (will close sooner if a candidate is selected before deadline)

Position Summary:
Methodist Healthcare Ministries is excited to announce the opportunity for a Policy Fellowship, a 12-month program based in San Antonio, designed to cultivate the next generation of public policy and health care advocates. Running from January 2025 to December 2025 this fellowship aims to enhance advocacy and research skills among individuals who are either currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate or doctoral program within the last two years.

The Policy Fellow will contribute to all stages of the legislative and regulatory processes, from research and policy development to lobbying and implementation. This role is perfect for driven individuals eager to apply academic insights to real-world policy challenges in public health, affordable housing, or public infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have strong research, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights and have demonstrated interest in public policy, healthcare advocacy, and legislative processes.

Essential Duties:

Public Policy & Advocacy:

• Engage in the drafting of advocacy documents used with organizations and legislative offices, including fact sheets, advocacy alerts, reports, position papers, presentations, newsletters, and coalition letters.
• Monitor and track legislative hearings, regulatory agencies, and coalition meetings, developing timely notes, summaries, reports, and briefs.
• Conduct outreach to community partners, healthcare stakeholders, and elected officials on healthcare issues, meetings, and events.
• Perform comprehensive, detailed research and statistical analysis focused on specific policy area(s) to inform public policy recommendations, priorities, best practices, and current and future programs.
• Assist with the organizing of the Bexar Health Coalition, including the development of coalition charter, drafting operating principles, and develop a policy coordination framework.

Fellowship Capstone:

• Design and conduct a research project focused on creating a legislative or regulatory solution to an issue within the chosen public policy priority.
• Analyze and review existing and new research, applying quantitative and/or qualitative methods to develop final recommendations.
• Present research findings and final recommendations to the senior leadership team.

Administrative:

• Adhere to document storage protocols for all research and education materials.
• Develop content for multiple channels and follow brand / communication standards in all publications.
• Assist with the scheduling and planning of legislative and advocacy meetings and events.
• Assist the team with day-to-day logistics, including administrative responsibilities related to policy and advocacy work.
• Attend MHM mandated events and Policy & Advocacy Department sponsored events.

Operational Excellence:

• Travel to Washington, DC for advocacy meetings within the selected policy area, as appropriate, to gain experience in federal-level advocacy.
• Actively participate in the Texas Legislative session during odd-numbered years, including observing and assisting with session activities in Austin.
• Participate in weekly meetings with supervisor for feedback, mentoring, and guidance on project progress.
• Work closely with the policy and advocacy team, contributing to the development and implementation of policy strategies.
• Attend professional development events to be decided by supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

Enrolled in or recent completion (within the last two years) of a Master's or Doctoral program required. Degrees in Public Health, Political Science, Public Policy, Health Administration, Social/Behavioral or Government-related preferred.

Experience:
Experience working on behalf of underserved populations and/or specifically addressing disparities that impact the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities is strongly preferred.

Language Ability:
Must have strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret health status and policy reports, publications, professional journals, and governmental regulations. Ability to interpret and prepare policy positions via white papers and presentations. Ability to speak effectively and respond to questions from diverse audiences. Fluent in English; Spanish bilingual strongly preferred.

Reasoning Ability:
Must have strong analytical and organizational skills. Must have critical thinking skills and able to define problems collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Must be able to analyze and interpret an extensive variety of local, state and federal public policies and comprehend implications for populations served by MHM.

Certificates and Licenses:
None

Computer Skills:
Demonstrates advance working knowledge of the Internet, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Able to customize toolbars, import and insert graphs, develop spreadsheets and complex reports.

Travel:
Must be available to travel at least 25 % of the time as job duties require, depending on biennial state legislative sessions, including overnight stays. Must work some evenings, weekends and holidays as job duties may require, depending on biennial state legislative sessions. Must be able to drive and have access to a vehicle; maintain valid driver's license and auto liability insurance.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the team member is exposed to an office environment and community settings having direct contact with people on a regular basis. Position may necessitate bending, stooping, twisting, turning, walking, sitting, and standing for periods of time. Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 25 pounds.