Research Director I - Health Policy/Regulations Specialist

Research Director I - Health Policy/Regulations Specialist Job no: 504049 Work type: Regular Full-Time Location: Washington, DC Capability Area: Health Care Programs JOB SUMMARY: NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a talented Research Director I to support the Health Care Programs Research Department. The role will focus on researching, interpreting, and implementing federal and state healthcare data sharing and privacy policies and regulations, particularly those related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). Responsibilities include developing program policies and procedures, monitoring regulatory changes, assessing their operational impact, identifying documentation gaps, and recommending corrective actions and process improvements. The role also requires translating complex regulatory guidance into practical procedures, training materials, and job aids, while clearly communicating findings and recommendations to internal teams, government clients, and external partners. Location : This is a hybrid role based in either our Chicago Loop or Washington DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. Due to the requirements of this position supporting critical work for a federal government client, qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the last five years, and be eligible to obtain and maintain a federal government client badge and Public Trust background investigation/clearance. NORC’s Health Care Programs team provides a wide array of services and expertise to support federal and state government and foundation clients in addressing health system transformation and delivery, payment reform and implementation, health equity, and a range of policy issues facing public health insurance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace coverage. Our subject matter experts employ a variety of methods and approaches to inform client needs, including: research design and implementation, qualitative and quantitative data collection, policy analysis and program design, technical assistance and operational support, data management, linkage, and analysis of large complex administrative and health data sets, and monitoring of quality and performance data. RESPONSIBILITIES: Contribute to a team that provides technical assistance to researchers seeking access to health data by clarifying federal and state requirements related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). Develop and author program procedural documentation and work with the client to establish and implement within the program, ensuring alignment with customer and company standards, processes, and requirements. Work with project leadership to develop and maintain awareness of current policies and regulations and proactively identify downstream impacts and offer solutions. Identify gaps in documentation and participate in a process for corrective action as well as provide recommendations to enhance training materials, job aids, and operational documents. Compile and interpret regulatory and sub-regulatory guidance to develop and implement program policies and procedures Summarize information and effectively communicate findings, both in writing and verbally, within internal team and to external government and partners. REQUIRED SKILLS: Master’s degree in public policy, public health, health services research, health administration, or related field. At least 4 years’ experience in positions of increasing responsibility in health policy or related field. Strong analytic ability, writing and organizational skills are required. Strong proficiency with MS Office software. Excellent interpersonal skills. Authorized to work and lived in the US for 3 of the last 5 years. Eligible to obtain a federal government client badge and successfully obtain and maintain a Public Trust background investigation/clearance. SALARY AND BENEFITS: The pay range for this position is $71,500 to $79,000. This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC’s comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to: Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment Dental and vision insurance A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate’s placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs. WHAT WE DO: NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge. WHO WE ARE: For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which we’re known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale. EEO STATEMENT: NORC is an equal opportunity employer. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, and other legally protected characteristics. Advertised: November 3, 2026 Eastern Standard Time Applications close: Open until filled #J-18808-Ljbffr