Position: Reproductive & Sexual Health Attorney or Policy Analyst
Washington DC
Reports to: Reproductive and Sexual Health Director
Status: Full-time Exempt
Start Date: As soon as possible
THE ORGANIZATION
The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and advances the health rights of low-income and underserved individuals. Our teams (in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Chapel Hill, N.C.) engage in national, state, and local advocacy efforts, including analyses of federal and state laws, policy advocacy, litigation, continuing legal education, and individual technical support. We work with lawyers and advocates, community-based entities, federal and state policymakers, health care providers, and clients.
NHeLP is committed to health equity—ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to be healthy—and to cultivating an internal environment that empowers an exceptional and diverse staff. For more information, see our Equity Stance. To promote social justice and best achieve our mission, NHeLP is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. NHeLP particularly encourages applications from members of racial and ethnic minority groups, women, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and others whose backgrounds may contribute to the effective representation of low-income people and underserved communities.
THE POSITION
We are seeking a full time, experienced Attorney or Policy Analyst for our Washington DC office. The position will involve a broad range of advocacy on Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other low-income health care programs, primarily through a reproductive health lens. The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of the Medicaid program at the national or state level and have experience as a reproductive and sexual health advocate. This candidate will think proactively and strategically and respond quickly to changing circumstances; have an interest in and willingness to listen and learn in partnership with state advocates; demonstrate strong leadership, communication, research, and writing skills; and be able to work individually and in teams. The Attorney or Policy Analyst will help to develop and implement NHeLP’s legal, policy, and advocacy strategies for advancing access to quality reproductive and sexual health services, including a particular focus, at least in the foreseeable future, on contraceptive access strategies. The ideal candidate will have experience working within communities of color and will demonstrate an understanding of the issues of contraceptive equity and reproductive justice as they impact low-income people, women of color, and other underserved populations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
This position entails performing the following functions:
Analyze state and federal legislation, regulations, and other policies as they impact Medicaid and reproductive health and rights;
Represent NHeLP on reproductive health issues with the administration, federal agencies, Congress, and within coalitions;
Review and draft legislation and regulations on proactive and defensive strategies to advance and protect access to high quality Medicaid and reproductive health services;
Expand and maintain partnerships with national, state and local advocates to advance Medicaid and reproductive health policies in the states;
Develop publications including fact sheets, memoranda, and articles concerning legal and policy developments, legislation, and regulations concerning Medicaid, reproductive health, contraceptive access, and other issues in NHeLP’s priority areas;
Respond to requests for legal analysis from staff as well as external sources, including Congressional and administrative staff, state legislators and administrative agencies, policy makers, coalition partners, attorneys and advocates, and scholars;
Maintain and expand relationships with the media and represent NHeLP’s perspective to the press, as appropriate; and
Provide timely input on communications strategies and fundraising proposals and reports as needed.
Contribute to the overall development and culture of the organization as a whole.
MUST-HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCES
Graduate degree (J.D., M.P.H., M.A. or similar) or previous relevant experience
At least 5 years of legal or policy experience
Knowledge of health law, especially Medicaid and the ACA, and how they intersect with sexual and reproductive health, and reproductive justice
Commitment to NHeLP’s mission and values, including a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills
NICE TO HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCES
Knowledge of contraceptive access and equity policy, especially contraceptive coverage issues
Legislative or administrative advocacy experience
An ability to talk about legal and other complex issues in clear, persuasive terms for non-lawyer audiences
A high level of independence and initiative, good judgment, excellent presentation skills and written communication abilities, creativity, ability to find joy and humor even when health rights are under attack, and a willingness to work with others
COMMITMENT
Full-time, immediate availability
COMPENSATION
Competitive with other public interest organizations and commensurate with experience, in accordance with NHeLP’s pay scale. For example, for an attorney with 5 years’ legal experience, the starting salary is $91,934. For an attorney with 6 years’ legal experience, the starting salary is $97,496. For an attorney with 7 years’ legal experience, the starting salary is $102,770. Generous benefits are available, including employer-paid medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, as well as pre-tax savings plans, and a retirement savings opportunity. NHeLP also offers generous paid time off including holidays, sick time, personal time, family and medical leave for eligible employees, 150 hours (20 days) of vacation per year, and more.
LOCATION
All NHeLP offices are fully remote, subject to job requirements and team-based determination of meeting needs. This position is largely remote, but will require regular in-person attendance at meetings in Washington DC with NHeLP teams, external partners, at coalition meetings, and possibly with members of the federal administration or their staff. Some travel outside of Washington DC will be required. There is also an expectation that all NHeLP staff will gather in-person at least once and possibly twice a year.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants should email a cover letter, resume, list of references, and a writing sample (preferably related to contraceptive care, administrative or legislative advocacy, Medicaid, or the ACA) in a single PDF document to [email protected]. The email’s subject should describe the position the applicant is seeking, i.e., “Reproductive & Sexual Health Attorney or Policy Analyst.” Please add your name to the application attachment that you send. For example, Sanchez,Jane.PDF.
No phone calls, please. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at: [email protected].
DEADLINE
May 22, 2023 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis if received later).