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Policy Analyst

Job Summary

We are seeking a Policy Analyst (Northwestern HR title: Clinical Research Associate) who possesses knowledge of LGBTQ health and social policy combined with strong technical and communication skills. The policy analyst will lead Impact Institute’s Data2Action initiative seeking to increase the impact of our scientific research on public policy and LGBTQ health. The policy analyst will monitor current public policy and health debates and issues relevant to LGBTQ communities, develop relationships with organizations serving LGBTQ communities to understand how Impact data and studies might address organizations’ priorities, work with researchers and statisticians to rapidly analyze these data, and collaborate with the Impact communications team and other partners to rapidly disseminate these findings to relevant decision makers.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Monitor current public policy and health debates and issues related to LGBTQ health.
  • Collaborate with LGBTQ-serving organizations on an ongoing basis to understand how Impact research could advance policies impacting LGBTQ health
  • Work with Impact faculty to identify studies/data that could be analyzed to contribute findings that would inform above issues
  • Work with data analysts to direct and conduct policy-relevant analyses and synthesize findings across studies to inform policy recommendations
  • Develop resources that summarize findings into policy-relevant products such as policy briefs, fact sheets, infographics, white papers, and reports that can help policymakers, clinicians, public health officials, and other stakeholders make informed decisions
  • Collaborate with Impact communications team to disseminate findings to relevant audiences
  • Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)
  • Master’s degree in relevant area (e.g., public policy, public health, public administration, public health law, health policy and management, political science) or related social, behavioral, or health disciplines
  • Competence and experience interpreting qualitative and quantitative research findings, and linking research or program data to public policy or practice through written, oral, or visual products (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, media toolkits).
  • Experience working with or strong demonstrated interest in LGBTQ health, HIV/sexual health, or related areas of health disparities (e.g., chronic illness).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize findings clearly and concisely for policy, community, and public audiences.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple rapid-turnaround projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Self-starter, ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

  • Familiarity with health policy at local, state, or federal levels, especially as they relate to LGBTQ communities.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of & experience working with LGBTQ communities in a culturally & linguistically responsive manner.
  • Experience working with community-based organizations, coalitions, or advocacy groups serving LGBTQ communities.
  • Publication record or substantial contributions to reports, briefs, or other research products focused on LGBTQ health or health equity
  • Experience conducting rapid-response analyses in time-sensitive contexts (e.g., policy debates, media cycles, or emergent public health events).
  • Experience with data visualization tools and platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, R Shiny) to develop clear and compelling graphics for broad audiences.
  • Experience conducting statistical analyses with large or complex health datasets (e.g., program, surveillance, or cohort data).
This is a hybrid role located in Chicago. Must work a minimum of 3 days per week in the office in order to effectively collaborate with research teams and Institute leadership.

How to Apply

To apply, email a CV and cover letter to Molly Delehant, Senior Program Coordinator, at molly.delehant@northwestern.edu. 

 Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.