Reports to: Executive Director of the Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab
Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid — 3+ days/week in person); remote options for candidates with exceptional experience and qualifications
Employment Type: Full-time
About the Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab: The Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab will launch in 2026 as an independent, nonpartisan policy lab to collaborate with stakeholders to develop actionable, model public policies at the state and federal levels to help older adults and individuals with disabilities access care, live independently, and age well. The Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab will be headquartered at the National Academy of Social Insurance and is made possible by funding from The SCAN Foundation.
Position Summary: We are seeking one or more highly motivated and detail-oriented research analysts to advance health policy through research, policy analysis, and coordination with organizations across the country. The position is part of the new Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab.
The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational and communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for public policy to a small, mission-driven team. This is a fast-paced environment where flexibility, a sense of humor, and a commitment to making the world a better place are highly valued. This position is well-suited for someone early in their career who is eager to gain policy experience with Medicaid, Medicare, and other state and federal programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Research & Writing
- Research the lived experiences, priorities, and preferences of older adults and people with disabilities
- Analyze opportunities to improve Medicaid, Medicare, and other health programs
- Independently assemble, organize, and synthesize research, writing, and feedback
- Write and meticulously edit research briefs and policy analysis
Project Management & Communications
- Develop collaborative partnerships with a wide array of external organizations to advance health policy by:
- Identifying and analyzing health policy priorities of organizations across the country
- Managing incoming and outgoing communications
- Coordinating projects and meetings with a wide array of organizations
- Track project timelines and help ensure deliverables and deadlines are met
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative working environment
- Strong research and writing skills; research experience in a related field is a plus
- Strong interest in public policy; understanding of public health insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid
- Some experience in an administrative, research, communications, or project coordination role
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent communication skills
- Lived experience with disability, caregiving, or enrollment in public insurance programs is highly valued
- Advanced degree in public policy, health policy, health law, or similar preferred (but not required)
- Experience with state or federal legislative processes preferred (but not required)
Compensation & Benefits: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience Consistent with the District of Columbia’s Wage Transparency Act, the minimum and maximum salaries for this position are $70,000 and $115,000. The Academy offers a competitive benefits package.
To Apply: Please send a resume and a short cover letter in a single PDF outlining your interest and relevant experience to TEngelhardt@nasi.org, along with contact information for three references. Please use the subject line: Last Name: Research Analyst – Aging & Disability Health Policy. No phone calls, please.
The National Academy of Social Insurance values diversity. Women, BIPOC individuals, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of social insurance and related programs are encouraged to apply.
About the National Academy of Social Insurance: The National Academy of Social Insurance is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership of more than 1,300 of the nation’s leading experts on social insurance. Our mission is to advance solutions to the challenges facing the nation’s social insurance programs, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, disability policy, and related areas.
About The SCAN Foundation: The SCAN Foundation envisions a society where all of us can age well with purpose. The SCAN Foundation pursues this vision by igniting bold and equitable changes in how older adults age in both home and community. The SCAN Foundation’s grants and impact investments prioritize communities that have been historically marginalized with an emphasis on older people of color, older adults with lower incomes, and older residents in rural communities. Learn more at https://www.thescanfoundation.org/.