Every year, $60 billion of public benefits such as SNAP (food assistance) and Medicaid go untapped. At the same time, millions of people struggle to pay for food, housing, and healthcare. Many are eligible for assistance but don't know it or are deterred by the complicated enrollment process. Benefits Data Trust (BDT) uses data, digital and non-digital products, targeted outreach, and policy and practice change to connect people to benefits and services proactively. BDT harnesses the potential of these programs to reduce hunger and poverty, improve health outcomes, and advance racial equity and economic mobility.

Benefits Data Trust (BDT) seeks a Policy Manager to advance policy and practice change to provide dignified, equitable, and efficient access to benefits. This person will develop innovative strategies to streamline access, promote these promising practices in public reports, and support technical assistance projects across multiple states. As part of the Office of Strategy, the Policy Manager will support program design, process improvement, and evaluation efforts to ensure consistent application of policy rules in all benefit programs. They may supervise and coach one or more Policy Analysts and interns to ensure the Policy Department is responsive to all internal and external stakeholders' needs.

The Policy Managerreports to the Director of Policy.
Due to COVID-19, Benefits Data Trust (BDT) is currently operating under a remote-working protocol, following governmental requirements and CDC guidelines. We are open to candidates in the Philadelphia region or other geographical areas and candidates looking for a permanent remote position. BDT has adopted a mandatory vaccination and testing policy to safeguard the health of our employees from the hazard of COVID-19. Employees may request an exemption from the policy by providing documentation for medical or religious reasons if needed.

Responsibilities:

External Policy Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a strong knowledge of laws and regulations related to public benefits
• Perform various aspects of BDT's policy technical assistance, including but not limited to assisting the Director of Policy and Senior Policy Manager to identify what information state agencies and other partners need to improve benefits access and to think innovatively about how best to convey this information effectively
• Serve as a technical expert at meetings and conferences and help propel BDT as a thought leader in the benefits access space
• Participate in key national and state coalitions to keep abreast of and help shape policy developments
• Lead the development of new BDT publications highlighting research findings, lessons learned, and policy recommendations
• Lead (and/or support) the submission of formal comments on proposed federal and state regulations related to public benefits, horizontal integration, and cross-agency data sharing

Internal Policy Responsibilities

• Manage goals and deliverables for BDT's policy and systems change agenda
• Support program design, process improvement, and evaluation efforts
• Think strategically about the opportunities for data use and data sharing by and between health and human services agencies
• Assist with policy-related funding opportunities, including research and proposal writing as necessary
• May include supervising and supporting the professional development of Policy Analyst(s)
• May coordinate and oversee the work of other team members on technical assistance and other projects

Requirements:

• Minimum of five years of related, full-time work experience in a health and human services government agency, ideally conducting policy analysis and/or managing projects. If the candidate does not have five years of applicable experience, they may substitute a Master's degree in public administration, public policy, public health, or a related discipline for two years of experience
• Knowledge and familiarity of the public benefits landscape, with in-depth knowledge of SNAP (and Medicaid or WIC)
• Creative problem-solver who will find innovative methods for assisting in creating and implementing BDT's policy agenda
• Demonstrated ability to read and understand statutes, regulations, and policy manuals
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, change courses quickly, adapt to tight deadlines,
• and work independently
• Proficiency in MS Office (including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Commitment to improving the lives of people experiencing poverty
• Comfortable with limited travel as public health guidance permits

The salary range starts at $70,000 and is commensurate with relevant experience.

About BDT:

Benefits Data Trust (BDT) harnesses the power of data, technology, and policy to provide efficient and dignified access to assistance, improving people's health and financial security. Together with a national network of government agencies and other partners, we streamline public benefits systems and directly connect eligible families and individuals to programs that help pay for food, healthcare, housing, and more. A nonprofit since 2005, BDT has secured more than $7.5 billion in benefits for households across the country, building pathways to economic mobility and a more equitable future. Learn more about BDT -- a proud recipient of a Top 2021 Best Workplaces USA Award -- at BDTrust.org