Policy Analyst

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.

The Hilltop Institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is seeking a Policy Analyst to support the Analytics and Research and Health Reform Studies teams in a grant-funded project that examines Medicaid managed care procurement processes across states, as well as the evolution of managed care rate-setting. Hilltop seeks a highly motivated and organized professional with a keen interest in Medicaid policy, outstanding quantitative skills, and a passion for advancing the health and wellbeing of people and communities. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Directors of Analytics and Research and Health Reform Studies. The team works with Arnold Ventures, the Medicaid program, the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission, the Maryland Health Care Commission, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, and other state agencies.

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $70,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed.

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 Policy Analyst will join a multidisciplinary research team examining Medicaid managed care across states, focusing on (1) procurement processes, developing a comprehensive, longitudinal evidence base to inform policy and program improvement and (2 ) whether managed care today functions as a true risk-bearing model. Managed care accounts for more than half of Medicaid program spending, yet key structural features remain understudied.

The Policy Analyst will support the project through document review, data collection, database development, and analytic activities, including:

• Document collection and review
  • Identify, organize, and review Medicaid managed care procurement documents across states with comprehensive risk‑based managed care.
  • Review and extract relevant information from Requests for Proposals, scoring criteria, administrative bulletins, award notices, and related materials.
  • Conduct structured content analysis of procurement design elements.
  • Review managed care rate certification reports, federal guidance, oversight reports, and other policy analyses
• Database development and management
  • Assist in building and maintaining a longitudinal database of procurement design characteristics
  • Code variables related to contract structure, scoring, plan eligibility, and other key features
• Analytic and project support
  • Support longitudinal analyses of procurement design and outcomes
  • Assist with drafting reports, infographics, and other project deliverables
  • Participate in internal and external meetings
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requires a master’s degree in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, political science, or a related discipline, and at least one year of relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree in health services research, public health, public policy/administration, economics, political science, or a related field and three years of experience with exposure to health services research, public health administration, and/or policy analysis may be substituted for the master’s degree. Must be proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiar with Medicaid policy; have strong analytical and communications skills (both verbal and written); strong organizational skills and the ability to manage large volumes of documents and data; experience conducting qualitative document review or content analysis.; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

The ideal candidate will possess the following professional and interpersonal competencies: familiarity with Medicaid managed care and state procurement processes; prior experience with multi-state research projects; experience developing data sets for research or evaluation purposes; 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

Contingent II positions may include some benefits. 

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

Salary: $70,000 - $82,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) 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.