Policy Fellow

Role Overview & Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Policy Fellow is a full-time, 12-month fellowship role within Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Policy & Advocacy Department, designed to develop emerging public policy and healthcare advocates. The Fellow supports all stages of the legislative and regulatory process, including research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation, with a focus on advancing health equity in Texas.

Salary

 $58,656 (plus benefits)

Scope and Impact

• Supports statewide and federal policy and advocacy efforts aligned with MHM’s strategic priorities

• Contributes research and policy recommendations that inform organizational strategy and leadership decision-making

• Fellowship operates at 40 hours per week and includes significant engagement during the Texas Legislative Session (odd-numbered years)

• No budget authority; project work may influence state or federal policy outcomes

Decision-Making Authority

Works under the direction of the Director of Policy & Advocacy and department leadership. Exercises independent judgment in conducting research, drafting policy materials, and developing recommendations, with regular guidance, feedback, and approval from leadership.

Interactions / Working Relationships

• Internal: Policy & Advocacy Department, MHM leadership team, and other internal stakeholders (ongoing)

• External: Community partners, healthcare stakeholders, coalition partners, legislative offices, regulatory agencies, and national policy organizations (frequent)

• Participates in bi-weekly mentorship meetings with department directors

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct policy research and analysis within an identified policy area at the state and federal level (30%)

• Draft advocacy and policy materials including fact sheets, reports, position papers, presentations, newsletters, advocacy alerts, and coalition letters (20%)

• Monitor and track legislative hearings, regulatory agencies, and coalition meetings; prepare timely notes, summaries, briefs, and reports (15%)

• Design and complete a capstone research project proposing a legislative or regulatory solution aligned with MHM priorities and equity principles (15%)

• Assist with planning, scheduling, and participation in legislative and advocacy meetings, events, and coalition activities (10%)

• Conduct outreach to community partners, healthcare stakeholders, and elected officials related to healthcare and policy initiatives (5%)

• Present research findings and policy recommendations to senior and executive leadership (5%)

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Enrolled in or recent completion (within the last two years) of a Master’s or Doctoral program from an accredited institution

• Licenses/Certifications: None required

• Experience:

  • Demonstrated interest in public policy, healthcare advocacy, and legislative processes

  • Research, analytical, and writing experience through academic or professional work

• Other Required Skills/Knowledge:

  • Strong analytical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace

  • Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable policy insights

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Political Science, Health Administration, or a related field

• Experience working with underserved populations or addressing health disparities

• Experience with legislative sessions, advocacy organizations, or policy research

• Spanish bilingual proficiency

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Collaboration and relationship-building across diverse stakeholders

• Policy analysis and applied research skills

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

• Professional writing and presentation skills

• Time management and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Ability to apply an equity lens to policy development and analysis

Language Skills

• Fluent in English (required)

• Spanish bilingual strongly preferred

Technology and Tools

• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Google Workspace

• Internet-based research tools and databases

• Presentation and reporting tools

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work Setting: Corporate office environment with regular community, legislative, and advocacy settings; primarily on-site with travel

• Travel Expectations: Up to 25%, including Austin during legislative sessions and occasional travel to Washington, DC; some evenings, weekends, and holidays required

• Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move for extended periods

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds