Director, DDA Analytics and Policy

The Hilltop Institute 

The Hilltop Institute conducts research and policy analysis to support health care financing and delivery system reform in Maryland and other states. With access to an extensive onsite data repository that includes Medicaid and Medicare administrative data, hospital discharge data, nursing home assessment data, and all-payer claims data, Hilltop conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform health care payment, program design, monitoring, and evaluation. Widely recognized for its expertise in Medicaid, Hilltop is at the forefront of national efforts to find data-driven solutions to complex problems facing state policymakers.

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Aging & Disability Studies, the Director of DDA Analytics and Policy will lead Hilltop’s analytic and policy support for Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration. This role oversees data analysis, policy research, reporting, and analytics interpretation that inform DDA program operations, waiver administration, fiscal monitoring, and strategic planning. The incumbent will work closely with a dedicated DDA accountant to integrate policy, program, and financial perspectives and serve as Hilltop’s primary analytic and policy partner for DDA leadership.

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $140,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

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For 16 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

The successful candidate will perform tasks such as:

• Interpreting state and federal policy changes and assessing operational and analytic implications.
• Leading analytic and policy work related to DDA programs, waivers, and service delivery models.
• Overseeing production of analytic deliverables including dashboards, reports, and briefing materials.
• Working in close partnership with a DDA-dedicated accountant to integrate financial and utilization perspectives.
• Providing analytic and policy decision support for DDA leadership, CMS communications, and legislative requests.
• Leading planning and development of materials for internal and external stakeholder meetings and engagements.
• Ensuring data quality, documentation, and methodological rigor across DDA analytics.
• Serving as Hilltop’s primary analytic and policy point of contact for DDA staff.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Requires an MA or PhD in public policy, public administration, health policy, economics, statistics, data science, or a related field and at least 8 years of related experience. A BA in public policy, public administration, health policy, economics, statistics, data science, or a related field and at least 10 years of related experience may be substituted for the MA or PhD.

Must have experience working directly with Medicaid programs, waiver programs, or developmental disabilities services; significant professional experience in policy analysis, program evaluation, or applied analytics, preferably in public health, human services, Medicaid, or long-term services and supports; demonstrated experience translating complex analytic findings into clear, actionable guidance for non-technical stakeholders; experience managing analytic projects, including prioritizing work, overseeing deliverables, and ensuring methodological rigor; experience working collaboratively across disciplines (e.g., policy, analytics, finance, and operations).

The ideal candidate will possess an MA or PhD in public policy, public administration, health policy, economics, statistics, data science, or a related field and at least 10 years of related experience. A BA in public policy, public administration, health policy, economics, statistics, data science, or a related field and at least 12 years of related experience may be substituted for the MA or PhD.

The ideal candidate will also possess the following preferred professional and interpersonal competencies: experience supporting or advising state agencies, legislators, or federal partners using analytic and policy evidence; supervisory or team leadership experience, including mentoring analysts; experience working in a research institute, consulting environment, or policy organization serving government clients; well-honed problem-solving skills; ability to communicate orally and in writing to diverse audiences; ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and be flexible in a fast-paced environment; and excellent interpersonal skills.

A background check will be required. 

Upload a cover letter and a resume.  

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Benefits offered align with type (Regular, Contingent II, etc.) of position. 

Salary: $140,000 - $158,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Grant Funded - This position is Grant Funded, wherein employment is contingent upon award renewal.