Overview

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

Reporting to the Director, Health Programs, the Sr. Strategic Policy Advisor will join a team of Medicaid policy experts within AARP's Public Policy Institute (PPI) to provide research, analytic, and product development support related to health policy issues affecting the 50+ population generally and federal and state Medicaid issues specifically. It supports the work of the larger PPI Health team, as needed.

Issue areas include: state Medicaid expansion efforts, budget reductions to Medicaid at the federal and state levels, health equity as it relates to Medicaid, as well as additional topics, as needed. This position will determine work processes and methods for accomplishing assigned tasks and, therefore, requires a demonstrated facility with data analysis, strong writing skills. It also requires experience with Medicaid policy.

Responsibilities

• Identifies policy challenges and solutions related to Medicaid and other health issues.
• Uses appropriate methodologies and data to conduct original research on policy issues in AARP's areas of importance.
• Provides objective policy analysis and expert guidance for timely use by key internal clients. This includes evaluating current policy positions and providing input for "The Policy Book: AARP's Public Policies." Critiques legislative and regulatory proposals in area of expertise and provides objective policy analysis to inform AARP's public outreach and advocacy efforts.
• Serves as a subject matter expert to AARP staff, as well as to stakeholders and organizations outside AARP. Uses appropriate research methods to identify health policy problems, challenges/barriers, and to analyze policy solutions.
• Designs, writes, edits, and fact-checks reports and presentations in accordance to AARPs standards and using AARP's "People First" approach to research.esearches and prepares materials and reports to support management decision-making.
• Provides day-to-day project support for PPI Medicaid work, including supporting the enterprise-wide Medicaid strategy and related events and products. Supports activities including research, communications, strategy, project/event planning and implementation. Works directly with state AARP offices to identify data relevant to Medicaid expansion and protection.
• Serves as an active member of the planning and implementation teams and provides input and insight, as appropriate.
• Monitors and tracks time-sensitive projects and events to ensure timely and accurate completion and compliance.

Qualifications

• Completion of an advanced degree in public policy, social sciences, law, gerontology or a related discipline, and a minimum of 8 years of experience related to the position.
• Demonstrated understanding of Medicaid policy issues is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and partnership development skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively across levels and departments.
• Exceptional skill in analyzing public policy, synthesizing materials, and presenting information for all types of audiences. Demonstrated ability to communicate with audiences using different forms of communication (e.g. written, oral, print/broadcast media, and digital/social media).
• Ability to interpret and analyze data and exhibit fluency in quantitative research and statistical methods to conduct independent research, collaborate with colleagues, and/or provide oversight for contractors.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office is required; experience with statistical analysis packages is highly desired.
• This is an open-space office environment and the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise is required.

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.