Senior Director, Policy Strategy and Research

Job Description

Summary:

This role is responsible for developing and executing BCBSA's policy research agenda and supporting the deep development and rich analysis of policy solutions. This role bridges data-centered insights and advocacy, ensuring that policy research and strategy support lobbying, communications and public affairs efforts - all with the ultimate goal of driving adoption of our solutions with policymakers.

Posting Range: $ - $

• Strategic Policy Leadership:
  • Directs short- and long-term strategic planning aligned with BCBSA's mission and advocacy goals, including environmental scanning, forecasting, and impact analysis.
  • Collaborates with senior leadership and cross-functional policy and advocacy teams to identify emerging issues, assess risks and opportunities, and develop actionable solutions.
  • Leads the creation and execution of advocacy action plans, ensuring alignment with legislative, regulatory, and health policy priorities.
  • Facilitates engagement and consensus-building with Plans, executives, committees, and cross-organizational teams to unify BCBSA's policy positions.
• Policy Research, Data, and Evaluation:
  • Oversees the design and execution of high-impact research initiatives, including micro‑simulation modeling, internal and external data analysis, and publication of white papers, blogs, and policy briefs.
  • Leverages BCBSA's proprietary data assets to generate insights that inform policy development and advocacy strategies.
  • Leads the Blue Cross Blue Shield Center for Policy Research, translating complex data into actionable insights for policymakers, partners, and media on key issues such as affordability, coverage, public programs, drug pricing, and market dynamics.
• Policy and Research Promotion:
  • Engages with congressional offices, federal agencies, and state-based organizations to advance advocacy goals through evidence-based research.
  • Partners with communications and public affairs to represent BCBSA in media interviews, op‑eds, and public forums, amplifying policy solutions and research findings.
  • Builds strategic alliances with research institutions to enhance BCBSA's credibility and influence in the policy research community.
• Team and Operational Leadership:
  • Manages a multidisciplinary team of researchers and policy analysts, fostering collaboration and professional development.
  • Coordinates with finance, procurement, and executive leadership to oversee budgets, contracts, external consultants, and project reporting.

Education:

• Required Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• Preferred Master's Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field.

Experience:

• 12+ Years in a related government relations environment, preferably in a healthcare organization, reflecting progressively responsible roles and demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the federal marketplace and the political and legislative environment and processes.

• Innovative thinker with ability to leverage data assets to advance strategy and policy initiatives.
• An understanding of the healthcare marketplace and industry is essential, as is an understanding of how the related federal regulatory and legislative issues could impact BCBS business strategies.
• Requires excellent oral and written communications skills with the capabilities to negotiate, persuade, and make effective presentations to varying audiences internal and external to BCBSA.
• A high level of executive presence for interacting with and influencing key leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for building and fostering key relationships.
• Must be able to effectively represent BCBS in various forums and with various audiences.
• The ability to establish credibility and drive decisions and results while balancing considerations/priorities is critical.
• Applies judgment and critical thinking skills to problem analysis/resolution at both the strategic and functional levels.
• Must have demonstrated leadership skills relative to staff…