Health Policy Analyst

Heartland Whole Health Institute is a non-profit that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being by working with health systems, employers, and communities to redesign health care delivery.

Job Description:

Job Title: Health Policy Analyst

Reports to: Vice President, Policy and Strategic Planning

FLSA Classification: Exempt
Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)

Date Reviewed: 1/7/2026

Who We Are

Heartland Whole Health Institute (HWHI) is dedicated to transforming health care – beginning in our home of Northwest Arkansas and scaling to disrupt the national health crisis. We advocate, educate, and guide the implementation of an innovative system, rooted in whole health and the realignment of financial incentives. Our team members are collaborative, analytical, mission-driven, and working together to change the status quo.

The Institute’s 85,000-square-foot facility is located on the campus of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art near Alice L. Walton School of Medicine.

About The Position

The Health Policy Analyst supports the Vice President of Policy and Strategic Planning by providing in-depth health policy research and analysis to inform institute-level strategy, positioning, and policy engagement. This role focuses on forward-looking health policy analysis, including health care payment reform and value-based care policy, to support leadership decision-making and external engagement.

The Health Policy Analyst monitors and evaluates health policy developments at the state and federal level, synthesizes complex policy and data inputs, and prepares materials that support HWHI’s strategic priorities. This position plays a key role in translating policy and payment reform concepts into clear, actionable insights while remaining distinct from day-to-day program execution and workforce implementation.

Success in this role requires strong analytical judgment, a solid understanding of health policy and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse audiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Health Policy and Payment Reform Analysis

• Analyze existing and proposed health care policies, regulations, and legislation, including those related to payment reform, reimbursement structures, and value-based care models.
• Conduct in-depth research on health policy issues, payment reform trends, and best practices using literature reviews, comparative analysis, and data-informed methods.
• Evaluate potential impacts of policy and payment reform proposals on access, quality, cost, population health, and care delivery systems.
• Monitor state and federal policy developments, regulatory changes, and emerging health policy trends.
• Maintain awareness of evolving health care policy landscapes, with particular attention to payment reform and value-based care initiatives.
• Identify emerging risks, opportunities, and strategic considerations for HWHI leadership.

Strategic Research and Insight Development

• Synthesize epidemiological, financial, demographic, and policy data to support evidence-based insights for leadership.
• Prepare policy briefs, issue analyses, background materials, talking points, and summaries to inform institute-level strategy and external positioning.
• Translate complex policy concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for executive and stakeholder audiences.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Support

• Support leadership engagement with policymakers, agencies, and external stakeholders by preparing research, analysis, and briefing materials.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including Policy and Workforce, Value-Based Initiatives, and Health Care Finance, to ensure alignment of policy analysis with organizational priorities.
• Contribute analytical insights to cross-functional discussions while maintaining a focus on strategy rather than program execution.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to HWHI’s mission to advance equitable, high-value health care through thoughtful, data-informed policy analysis.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment when working with sensitive or emerging policy issues.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, health policy, public health, health economics, political science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in health policy analysis, public policy research, government affairs, health economics, or a related field. Health finance and/or clinical health experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of health care systems, health policy, and health care payment reform, including value-based care models and reimbursement mechanisms.
• Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, and/or commercial insurance programs and their relevance to health policy and payment reform is preferred. Interest in alternative payment models and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) policies and reforms is a plus.
• Experience analyzing legislation, regulations, and policy proposals and assessing their potential impacts.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in policy analysis and written materials.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex policy, regulatory, and data-informed concepts and present insights clearly to varied stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex policy concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, etc.) and virtual meeting platforms.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professional integrity and the ability to handle sensitive issues and situations with utmost discretion.
• Natural problem solver with a creative, inquisitive, and open-minded approach, able to apply bold and innovative thinking to complex challenges.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and innovative environment where change is constant.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: In the work environment described, position requires sitting at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, and physical stamina to lift and transport a minimum of 10 pounds. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

Work environment: Work is performed full-time (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones. This role requires working in an open setting near colleagues. The noise level is typically low to moderate. The role also requires interaction with both the public and internal team members in a professional and courteous manner. Some local travel may be required, and a flexible schedule may be necessary to accommodate business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work hours.

Heartland Whole Health Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and a background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.