POSITION SUMMARY

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) seeks a Policy Analyst and a Senior Policy Analyst for its Policy and Advocacy Department. These full-time positions are based in our Washington, DC office with up to 25% travel required. Both roles involve monitoring regulations and agency activity, policy and budget analysis, Tribal Consultation, and technical assistance to Tribal leaders, federal agency officials, and policymakers through service on various federal Tribal Advisory Committees. The ideal candidate will understand health care delivery, public health, behavioral health, the federal trust responsibility, and the legal, policy, and political frameworks impacting the Indian health care system.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Both Policy Analyst and Senior Policy Analyst:

• Track, analyze, and report on current regulations, including those related to Medicaid, Medicare, and other policies and agency actions impacting AI and or AN health.
• Prepare talking points, testimony, comments, resolutions, technical reports, data analysis, and white papers on AI and or AN healthrelated issues.
• Organize, research, and draft official responses and comments related to proposed rules and requests for information issued by federal operating divisions (CMS, IHS, CDC, HHS, VA).
• Educate federal agencies on ways to improve health care and public health programs and services to AI and or ANs.
• Provide technical support and representation at relevant meetings and conferences, including federal Tribal Advisory Committee meetings.
• Assist Tribes and federal agencies in developing culturally appropriate policies that enhance Tribal health equity and improve access to healthcare.
• Identify opportunities to advance NIHB's strategic plan and legislative and policy priorities in the federal and congressional policymaking arenas.
• Draft content for newsletters, policy alerts, and blog posts.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with NIHB staff, Tribal stakeholders, federal partners, and other Indian health advocates.
• Support department grants and contracts, planning, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of deliverables.

Additional Responsibilities for Senior Policy Analyst:

• Oversee the creation and implementation of various projects integral to the Policy and Advocacy team.
• Propose and prepare advance analysis of specific topics relevant to AI and or AN health.
• Serve as a technical advisor and represent NIHB at TAC meetings with direct advisory role to Tribal representatives.
• Support NIHB Member Organizations by updating monthly and quarterly Board Reports.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external audiences on policy issues and advocacy efforts.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. An advanced degree in political science, health policy, health administration, law, or another relevant field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience working on federal Indian policy or with American Indian and or Alaska Native Tribal governments will be considered.

EXPERIENCE

Policy Analyst:

A minimum three years of experience working on federal Indian policy or with American Indian/Alaska Native Tribal governments. Familiarity with Indian country and Indian policy is essential. Candidates should have demonstrated experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including Tribal Leaders, Tribal health programs, intertribal organizations, legislative staff, federal agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Senior Policy Analyst:

A minimum five years of experience working on health policy, federal Indian policy, or with American Indianand or Alaska Native Tribal governments, as well as working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders (as noted above).

EXPERTISE PATHWAYS

Candidates should possess expertise in one or more of the following pathways:

• Healthcare Policy Pathway: Experience and familiarity with the Indian healthcare system and health policy issues, including knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Indian Health Service (IHS), and Tribal public health issues.
• Federal Indian Policy Pathway: Experience in Indian country federal policy across sectors (education, housing, economic development, environmental protection, etc.) with demonstrated knowledge of Tribal governance, the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), and Tribal policy landscapes.
• Combined Pathway: Experience in both healthcare policy and broader Indian country policy.

NOTE: While we value expertise in Medicare/Medicaid and ISDEAA/Indian health policy, these are not prerequisites. Candidates with strong Indian country policy experience from any sector who have successfully worked with Tribal leaders and understand Tribal policy landscapes are encouraged to apply.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including proven success with public speaking and meeting facilitation.
• Ability to learn quickly and efficiently, work with diverse teams, multitask, and manage priorities.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work within the customs and traditions of various Tribal nations.
• Strong appreciation for NIHB's vision and commitment to Tribal health equity and improving the health and wellbeing of AI/AN peoples.
• Experience with federal policy processes, regulatory analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

The National Indian Health Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must submit the following:

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter
• Writing sample (see requirements below) email jobs@nihb.org with the subject line

Writing Samples - Last Name, First Name

WRITING SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS

Policy Analyst:

Submit a writing sample demonstrating your policy analysis or advocacy work. This may include policy briefs, issue summaries, legislative analysis, grant writing, or other examples of clear, persuasive writing on policy topics.

Senior Policy Analyst:

Submit a writing sample that demonstrates advanced policy expertise and leadership capability. Preferred examples include position statements, policy briefing documents, testimony, white papers, or technical reports. The sample should showcase your ability to conduct in-depth analysis and communicate complex policy issues clearly to diverse audiences.

About National Indian Health Board

The National Indian Health Board serves as the unified voice of 574+ Federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, championing the cause of health equity. Before colonization, our people were among the healthiest on Earth, sustained by our traditional foods, clean water, and natural medicines. Today, NIHB is dedicated to helping Tribes reclaim that legacy of health and well-being. At the heart of our work is the belief that our traditions, languages, and practices are not merely remnants of the past, but the foundation of our health and resilience. By embedding cultural integrity into every aspect of our advocacy, we empower our communities to heal, grow, and thrive.