Director, Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis

The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) seeks a Director to lead a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis within the HPC, an independent state agency on the forefront of health care policy and cost containment in Massachusetts. This is an opportunity to establish and lead a groundbreaking new Office within the HPC, which will analyze and monitor pharmaceutical trends and policy in Massachusetts – a top area of focus for the HPC.

Mission of the Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis

The HPC’s Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis (OPPA) will conduct nation-leading research and develop key policy recommendations related to pharmaceutical drug access and affordability, serving as the hub of expertise on pharmaceutical drug policy for the Commonwealth. The main functions of OPPA will be to collect and analyze pharmaceutical spending data and information, develop and share reports and cutting-edge analyses of trends related to access, affordability, and spending on pharmaceutical drugs in the Commonwealth, and issue recommendations on pivotal matters related to pharmaceutical policy.

Role And Responsibilities

The Director will have the remarkable opportunity to build OPPA and its functions from the ground up, leading the HPC’s significant research efforts related to the growth of pharmaceutical drug spending, and developing policy recommendations in support of the Commonwealth’s health care cost containment goals. The Director will provide subject matter expertise and leadership across three main workstreams: (1) conducting research and reporting on findings; (2) convening and managing relationships with subject matter experts and stakeholders; and (3) synthesizing information from research, reports, and relevant stakeholders to generate and issue actionable policy recommendations for more sustainable growth in pharmaceutical spending in the Commonwealth.

Duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Leading the development and achievement of agency strategic and research objectives as they relate to pharmaceutical market oversight and spending;
• Overseeing production of legislatively-mandated reports, policy recommendations, white papers, and other associated collateral materials relating to pharmaceutical policy;
• Publicly representing the work of OPPA to policy leaders, advocates and stakeholders, including:
• Developing and maintaining relationships with national, state, and local organizations to support the HPC’s work on pharmaceutical spending;
• Convening and consulting with stakeholders; and
• Coordinating with other state agencies, including the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), the state’s Medicaid program (MassHealth), the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA), and the Division of Insurance (DOI).
• Collaborating internally with other HPC functions and departments on work related to pharmaceuticals, including evaluations relating to MassHealth drug pricing
• Building and supervising a strong and committed team of research and policy staff with a wide range of experience.
  
  
Requirements And Qualifications

Desired Qualifications (knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors):


• A minimum of ten years’ experience in pharmaceutical policy, research, or program management, preferably with direct experience in state or federal government.
• Significant subject matter expertise in pharmaceutical pricing and policy, especially related to access, affordability, and implications for spending growth.
• Supervisory experience, and preferably prior experience building and developing nascent teams or early-stage initiatives.
• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data sources related to the development and pricing of pharmaceutical drugs and therapies, as well as pharmaceutical benefit designs.
• Experience convening and synthesizing input from pharmaceutical experts, manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, stakeholders, and government partners.
• A commitment to understanding and responding to inequities in the access to and affordability of pharmaceutical drugs based on race, ethnicity, language, disability status, and other factors.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional, complex, long-term projects and initiatives, including internal and external stakeholder engagement, in the context of a fast-paced work environment.
• Strong analytic and communication skills, including the ability to translate quantitative and qualitative information into cogent policy recommendations.
• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration amongst diverse viewpoints, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
• A dedication to public service and a desire to advance a more transparent, accountable, and equitable health care system for all Massachusetts residents.

The HPC operates a hybrid work schedule, with employees working two days a week from the downtown Boston office.

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range

$160,000-$200,000 annually

Salary is commensurate with experience. The HPC may adjust title, responsibilities, and salary depending on the experience and expertise of the individual selected. 

Benefits

The HPC offers an outstanding and comprehensive package of employee benefits which should be considered toward overall compensation. These include:

• 12 paid holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal time
• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Health, dental, and vision plans offered through the Group Insurance Commission
• Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Assistance, and Commuting Assistance programs
• Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities
• Extended sick leave program participation
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Qualified employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program
• A suite of well-being benefits
  
  

Our Commitment

The HPC is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. We recognize that diversity in the workplace is a source of strength, vital to its ability to effectively advance its mission. The HPC is committed to:

• Actively promoting diversity in our workforce, including greater racial and ethnic diversity, at all levels of the organization;
• Fostering a work environment in which all employees are inspired to do their best, strengthened by their different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences;
• Ensuring that no employee’s growth, achievement, or advancement is hindered because of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, genetic information, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or disability;
• Holding ourselves to a high standard of inclusion and opportunity that will serve as a model for other public and private employers throughout the Commonwealth;
• Promoting our core values of equal opportunity, equal justice, and inclusion in HPC actions and initiatives.