Senior Policy Analyst - State Programming

Overview

The National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to join its State Programming team. This individual will play a key role in delivering high-impact programming to Medicaid Directors and senior state leaders across the country. The role involves managing relationships with state and national stakeholders, designing peer learning opportunities, and supporting strategic initiatives that strengthen Medicaid operations and policy implementation.

The ideal candidate brings strong program design and facilitation experience, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and a deep interest in supporting the state Medicaid community through innovative, state-informed programming that represents and reflects the diversity of all 56 state and territory Medicaid programs and the contexts in which they operate.

About NAMD

NAMD is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, professional association representing leaders of state Medicaid agencies and Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) across the country. Members from the 56 states and territories drive major innovations in health care while overseeing Medicaid and CHIP, two of the nation’s most vital health care programs serving millions of beneficiaries.

Position Description

The Senior Policy Analyst, State Programming will report to the Director of Medicaid Programming and serve as a core member of the team that designs and implements programming for senior Medicaid leaders. This individual will serve as a strategic partner to state officials, helping to surface best practices, coordinate peer learning, and elevate insights from the field. The role also includes managing key partnerships and supporting national initiatives aligned with Medicaid priorities.

The individual will also work collaboratively across teams to align programmatic activities with broader organizational priorities and contribute to NAMD’s ongoing mission of supporting Medicaid leaders across all states and territories.

Position Responsibilities

The Senior Policy Analyst will play a central role in designing and delivering high-impact programming to Medicaid Directors and senior Medicaid leaders. Specific responsibilities include:

Program Design & Delivery

• Lead and manage programming for senior Medicaid leaders with operational responsibility in areas such as IT systems and eligibility. This includes developing peer learning opportunities, facilitating calls and convenings, and liaising directly with Medicaid staff.
• Design and execute ad hoc learning collaboratives, workgroups, and virtual/in-person convenings that promote cross-state knowledge sharing and innovation.
• Contribute to planning and content development for NAMD’s major conferences and events, including member-only sessions and programming with national partners and federal agency leaders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management

• Manage partnerships with national organizations and technical assistance providers working in Medicaid operational areas, ensuring programming aligns with state priorities and national efforts.
• Support implementation of NAMD’s cooperative agreement with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including programming focused on rural health, preventive care, and other shared priorities.
• Represent NAMD in external meetings and collaborative forums to elevate the perspectives and experiences of state and territory Medicaid leaders.

Policy Integration & Strategic Collaboration

• Work closely with NAMD’s Federal Policy team to ensure state-level programming insights inform the association’s federal engagement and policy work.
• Monitor trends and emerging issues in Medicaid operations to proactively identify programming opportunities and support strategic planning.
• Collaborate across NAMD teams to align programming with organizational priorities, including communications, policy, and events.

Knowledge Sharing & Content Development

• Develop written resources—such as issue briefs, blogs, and memos—that highlight state innovations across the diversity of state and territory contexts and share insights from NAMD’s programming with other Medicaid agencies and public audiences.
• Translate programmatic insights into accessible content that supports learning and engagement across the Medicaid field.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in political science, public policy, public health or other related area of study.
• At least 5-7 years applied work experience in public policy, public health, government, or related areas.
• Demonstrated strength in project management, with the ability to balance multiple priorities, coordinate with diverse stakeholders, and meet deadlines independently.
• Ability to work in a cooperative, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas clearly, concisely, and in a neutral, accessible manner.
• Ability to work in a non-partisan environment and represent the diverse viewpoints of all 50 states, D.C. and the territories. Experience working with a diverse array of state and territory government leaders a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple competing tasks and self-direct workflow.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a practical, solutions-oriented, and service-driven approach.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; familiarity with virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for NAMD meetings and events outside the Washington, DC area.
• Lived experience with the Medicaid program is greatly valued by NAMD.