OPT Policy Analyst Jobs
Policy Analyst roles qualify for OPT work authorization when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in public policy, political science, economics, or a related field. Most employers in government agencies, think tanks, and nonprofits are experienced with OPT and STEM OPT extension timelines. Your 12-month OPT clock starts on your authorized start date.
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RHT Senior Policy Analyst - Strategy/Technology (MA5/SPI) - Project
71113912
This is a project position funded through 10/30/2030
The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Senior Policy Analyst, is the go-to expert on rural strategic planning and technology investments, overseeing contracts, and making sure vendors and partner agencies meet federal expectations for one of Washington’s largest grants. This position leads meetings with state partners and community representatives to provide guidance and technical support on how to administer projects and deploy federal funding to increase health care services in rural communities.
All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the division:
The Strategy, Policy, & Innovation division (SPI) of the Health Care Authority (HCA) is statutorily directed to study all state-purchased health care, alternative health care delivery systems and strategies for the procurement of health services, and to coordinate state agency efforts to develop and implement uniform policies across state purchased health care programs. SPI serves as the focal point for coordinating the agency’s strategy, affordability, and health policy efforts. The division is structured to provide expert direction, consultation, and support for these activities. SPI is responsible for driving policy design, development and implementation of health reform, and health transformation activities and program development and refinements for all programs.
About the position:
The RHT Senior Policy Analyst (Management Analyst 5) position will be an expert in rural strategic planning and technology investments and creating and managing contracts, holding state agencies, HCA staff, vendors, subcontractors, and subrecipients to CMS RHT requirements and reporting metrics and requirements. They will lead, facilitate, and support group meetings with internal and external stakeholders for Washington’s RHT Program. The RHT is a large rural health grant approved by the federal government for five years, representing a broad initiative of multiple projects coordinated across three state agencies.
This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to report on-site to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.
Duties
Some of what you will do:
- Bring expertise in both rural strategic planning and technology investments, which might allow for consideration, alternative solutions, the ability to address and assess the risks, benefits, and potential consequences that could be needed over the five-year grant. Especially given the need to work across different agencies and internal and external parties.
- Recommend contract language and statements of work ensuring consistency with both HCA’s submission and CMS mandates.
- Produce or oversee the production of complex reports evaluating the progress, cost effectiveness, and impacts of RHT funding related to rural strategic planning and technology investments across the three state agencies (HCA, DOH, DSHS), and targeted initiatives.
- Monitor and collect data from all RHT vendors, interagency and contracted partners. Track progress and consolidate the information to submit required quarterly reports to CMS.
- Research rural health care trends, reforms, innovative models, and connect with counterparts in other RHT states on these topics to find evidence-based policy and lessons that can inform Washington’s annual submission for continued funding.
- Create and lead multi-disciplinary project teams consisting of operational, management, and professional staff tasked with development and implementation of highly complex health care strategy and technology solutions for addressing Washington rural health care.
- Manage complex, highly visible projects and programs and reports. Manage project scope, budget, schedule, strategic and operational communications, and resources, including key internal and external stakeholders.
- Facilitate interactions between diverse groups, both internal and external, regarding policy development and implementation of activities spelled out in Washington’s RHT submission.
- Using expertise in rural strategic planning and technology investments to anticipate impacts of state and federal rural health laws and federal and state program development and potential impact on potential RHT funding, initiatives, and activities.
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
Master’s degree or higher in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration or a related field and three (3) years of demonstrated experience in two or more of the areas below.
Option 2:
Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration or a related field and five (5) years of demonstrated experience in two or more of the areas below.
Option 3:
Nine (9) years of demonstrated experience in two or more of the areas below.
Required experience:
- Using data to inform strategic decisions
- Managing internal and external client relationships
- Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
- Conducting business and/or policy analysis and developing requirements
- Leading business projects
- Managing business operations
- Business policy development
Required competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience working with:
- Management of contracts and external consulting resources.
- Rural strategic planning and technology investments.
- Rural health care providers, hospitals, and delivery systems.
- Primary care innovation and strategies.
- State and Federal laws and regulations related to health care policy and purchasing, including Medicare and Medicaid.
- Completed required state contracting training.
Knowledge of:
- State policies and regulations related to rural health care programs and health improvement initiatives.
- Principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.
- Federal grant process and requirements.
Ability to:
- Embrace ambiguity and innovation, responding with initiative, creativity, and agility.
- Support a team-oriented approach that relies on the success and coordination of multiple teams over the success of one or more individual’s contributions.
- Think at a systems level, including an understanding of how different programs, agencies and investments can best work toward a common goal.
- Collaborate with program staff, leadership, and other partners with a high level of political awareness and emotional intelligence.
- Analyze and resolve complex problems related to health care programs.
- Interpret and apply health data and information from a variety of sources to the solution of complex problems.
- Create and propose policy and other solutions in the absence of established protocols, models, or processes.
- Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in written form.
- Evaluate systems and provide qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate programs and contracts.
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:
- A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
- Current resume
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
- Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Supplemental Information
About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.
What we have to offer:
- Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve
- A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered
- A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
- A great total compensation and benefit package
- A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
- And free parking!
Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
Description
RHT Senior Policy Analyst - Strategy/Technology (MA5/SPI) - Project
71113912
This is a project position funded through 10/30/2030
The Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Senior Policy Analyst, is the go-to expert on rural strategic planning and technology investments, overseeing contracts, and making sure vendors and partner agencies meet federal expectations for one of Washington’s largest grants. This position leads meetings with state partners and community representatives to provide guidance and technical support on how to administer projects and deploy federal funding to increase health care services in rural communities.
All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.
About the division:
The Strategy, Policy, & Innovation division (SPI) of the Health Care Authority (HCA) is statutorily directed to study all state-purchased health care, alternative health care delivery systems and strategies for the procurement of health services, and to coordinate state agency efforts to develop and implement uniform policies across state purchased health care programs. SPI serves as the focal point for coordinating the agency’s strategy, affordability, and health policy efforts. The division is structured to provide expert direction, consultation, and support for these activities. SPI is responsible for driving policy design, development and implementation of health reform, and health transformation activities and program development and refinements for all programs.
About the position:
The RHT Senior Policy Analyst (Management Analyst 5) position will be an expert in rural strategic planning and technology investments and creating and managing contracts, holding state agencies, HCA staff, vendors, subcontractors, and subrecipients to CMS RHT requirements and reporting metrics and requirements. They will lead, facilitate, and support group meetings with internal and external stakeholders for Washington’s RHT Program. The RHT is a large rural health grant approved by the federal government for five years, representing a broad initiative of multiple projects coordinated across three state agencies.
This position is eligible to telework but is occasionally required to report on-site to meet business need. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location.
Duties
Some of what you will do:
- Bring expertise in both rural strategic planning and technology investments, which might allow for consideration, alternative solutions, the ability to address and assess the risks, benefits, and potential consequences that could be needed over the five-year grant. Especially given the need to work across different agencies and internal and external parties.
- Recommend contract language and statements of work ensuring consistency with both HCA’s submission and CMS mandates.
- Produce or oversee the production of complex reports evaluating the progress, cost effectiveness, and impacts of RHT funding related to rural strategic planning and technology investments across the three state agencies (HCA, DOH, DSHS), and targeted initiatives.
- Monitor and collect data from all RHT vendors, interagency and contracted partners. Track progress and consolidate the information to submit required quarterly reports to CMS.
- Research rural health care trends, reforms, innovative models, and connect with counterparts in other RHT states on these topics to find evidence-based policy and lessons that can inform Washington’s annual submission for continued funding.
- Create and lead multi-disciplinary project teams consisting of operational, management, and professional staff tasked with development and implementation of highly complex health care strategy and technology solutions for addressing Washington rural health care.
- Manage complex, highly visible projects and programs and reports. Manage project scope, budget, schedule, strategic and operational communications, and resources, including key internal and external stakeholders.
- Facilitate interactions between diverse groups, both internal and external, regarding policy development and implementation of activities spelled out in Washington’s RHT submission.
- Using expertise in rural strategic planning and technology investments to anticipate impacts of state and federal rural health laws and federal and state program development and potential impact on potential RHT funding, initiatives, and activities.
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
Master’s degree or higher in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration or a related field and three (3) years of demonstrated experience in two or more of the areas below.
Option 2:
Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration or a related field and five (5) years of demonstrated experience in two or more of the areas below.
Option 3:
Nine (9) years of demonstrated experience in two or more of the areas below.
Required experience:
- Using data to inform strategic decisions
- Managing internal and external client relationships
- Analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations
- Conducting business and/or policy analysis and developing requirements
- Leading business projects
- Managing business operations
- Business policy development
Required competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Preferred qualifications:
Experience working with:
- Management of contracts and external consulting resources.
- Rural strategic planning and technology investments.
- Rural health care providers, hospitals, and delivery systems.
- Primary care innovation and strategies.
- State and Federal laws and regulations related to health care policy and purchasing, including Medicare and Medicaid.
- Completed required state contracting training.
Knowledge of:
- State policies and regulations related to rural health care programs and health improvement initiatives.
- Principles and practices of program planning and evaluation.
- Federal grant process and requirements.
Ability to:
- Embrace ambiguity and innovation, responding with initiative, creativity, and agility.
- Support a team-oriented approach that relies on the success and coordination of multiple teams over the success of one or more individual’s contributions.
- Think at a systems level, including an understanding of how different programs, agencies and investments can best work toward a common goal.
- Collaborate with program staff, leadership, and other partners with a high level of political awareness and emotional intelligence.
- Analyze and resolve complex problems related to health care programs.
- Interpret and apply health data and information from a variety of sources to the solution of complex problems.
- Create and propose policy and other solutions in the absence of established protocols, models, or processes.
- Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in written form.
- Evaluate systems and provide qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate programs and contracts.
How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files:
- A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
- Current resume
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
- Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
Supplemental Information
About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.
What we have to offer:
- Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve
- A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered
- A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
- A great total compensation and benefit package
- A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
- And free parking!
Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.
HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.
See all 40+ OPT Policy Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Policy Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Policy Analyst
Target employers with federal contract experience
Government contractors, consulting firms, and federally funded research organizations hire policy analysts regularly and tend to have HR teams familiar with OPT authorization. These employers are less likely to be caught off guard by your work authorization timeline.
Lead with your degree field, not just your visa status
Policy analyst roles require a specific academic background in economics, public policy, or political science. Frame your qualifications around your degree match first. This positions you as a qualified candidate before the conversation about work authorization even starts.
Address your OPT end date proactively with a plan
If your OPT expires within the year, come prepared with a clear explanation of H-1B visa sponsorship timelines and the cap-subject lottery cycle. Employers respect candidates who understand the process and can explain what the transition requires from them.
Use your thesis or capstone as a portfolio piece
Policy analyst hiring decisions often hinge on writing samples and analytical depth. A well-executed policy memo or thesis demonstrates research and communication skills that directly match job requirements. Submit it alongside your resume whenever the application allows.
Focus applications on think tanks and nonprofits early
Mission-driven organizations in the policy space often have longer hiring cycles and are open to candidates on OPT. Applying three to four months before your ideal start date gives these employers enough runway to move through their process comfortably.
Search Migrate Mate for policy analyst roles filtered by OPT sponsorship
Migrate Mate surfaces policy analyst jobs at employers actively open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by work authorization type saves significant time compared to manually vetting each posting for sponsorship willingness before applying.
Policy Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do policy analyst jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as economics, statistics, or data science, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Public policy and political science degrees are generally not STEM-designated. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
How do I find policy analyst employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists policy analyst roles at employers who have indicated openness to OPT and visa sponsorship, so you are not wasting time on postings that will screen you out at the authorization question. Government contractors, research nonprofits, and consulting firms with federal clients tend to be the most OPT-experienced employers in this field.
Can I work as a policy analyst at a federal government agency on OPT?
Most federal agencies require employees to be U.S. citizens, which makes direct federal employment off-limits for OPT students. However, federally funded research institutes, think tanks with government contracts, and state and local government agencies operate under different hiring rules and regularly employ international students on OPT.
Does a policy analyst role count as a qualifying OPT job?
Yes, provided the position requires a degree in a field directly related to your major. A policy analyst role tied to your economics, public policy, or political science degree satisfies USCIS requirements for OPT employment. The work must be directly related to your degree field, not just adjacent to it. Your DSO should confirm the connection before you accept an offer.
What should I do if a policy analyst employer asks about work authorization during the application process?
Be straightforward. State that you are currently authorized to work on OPT and specify your authorization end date. If you are eligible for a STEM extension or plan to pursue H-1B sponsorship, mention it briefly so the employer can assess long-term fit. Employers who work with federal agencies and contractors often have legal teams that handle OPT situations routinely.