Policy Fellow

Policy Fellow

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.

$58,656 (plus benefits)

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

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.

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

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%)

This position does not supervise others.

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

None required

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

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

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

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

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

Fluent in English (required)

Spanish bilingual strongly preferred

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

Google Workspace

Internet-based research tools and databases

Presentation and reporting tools

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

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

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

Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds