Research Director - Joint Committee Health Care Financing

Position: Research Director - Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
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Job Description - Research Director - Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

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Agency Overview

The Massachusetts House of Representatives ("House") is comprised of 160 independently elected Members, each representing a district of approximately 43,000 people.

Committee Overview

The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing is a standing legislative committee of the Massachusetts General Court responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and advancing all legislation relating to health care, including health care access, affordability, quality, and financing across the Commonwealth.

The Committee has jurisdiction over a broad range of health care issues and works on all bills referred to it, including primary and secondary referrals, as well as all amendments related to health care financing. Matters before the Committee include petitions related to Mass Health, primary care, health care workforce development, market oversight, medical debt, hospital and provider reimbursement, pharmaceutical access, drug cost and transparency, behavioral health services, alternative health care delivery models, and health care system sustainability.

Position Overview

The Research Director oversees and is responsible for performing research related to matters that come before the Committee. They lead committee research staff and interact with legislators, administrative officials, and stakeholders to support Committee priorities. Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to

Reports to the Chair of the Committee and, at the discretion of the Chair, to the Staff Director and Committee Legal Counsel.

Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Under the direction of the Chair, and with the support of committee staff, drafts and reviews legislative documents and outgoing communication such as amendments, press releases, hearing notices, letters of testimony, legislation, and talking points.

• Tracks bills through the legislative process.

• Maintains records and compiles background materials and information.

• Provides research and analysis on policy initiatives and pending legislation.

• Serves as office liaison to House committees and departments as well as external constituents and stakeholders.

• Meets with lobbyists, special interest groups and organizations, governmental agency representatives, constituency groups, and other stakeholders as assigned.

• Prepares briefing materials and bill summaries.

• Responds to inquiries from legislators, staff, agency representatives, constituency groups and the general public regarding bill content and status.

• Attends hearings, events and meetings.

• Monitors and reports on legislative action on the House and Senate floor.

• Prepares and oversees committee polling.

• Completes administrative tasks on LAWS and paperwork with the House Clerk to support committee legislative activities.

• Organizes committee hearings, provides support throughout the hearing process such as recording votes, filing amendments, posting hearing notices, reserving hearing rooms, and obtaining necessary supplies.

• May supervise one or more employees, interns and volunteers.

• Utilizes research databases.

• Utilizes Microsoft Office Suite.

• Can operate in a fast‑paced professional office environment; handle or operate standard office equipment, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds.

Qualifications

Required Skills / Attributes

• Ability to interact and work with different communities and personalities in a professional and helpful manner.

• Ability to multi‑task effectively, work independently taking initiative, and meet deadlines on short notice.

• Experience presenting complex data, analyses and information in easily understood formats.

• Excellent research, analytical and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to communicate with members and colleagues effectively and provide and receive feedback professionally.

• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology.

• Ability to follow‑up and complete tasks.

Education / Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Prior work experience as a…