Job Description

The  Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC)seeks a Deputy Director to support 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. Addressing rising pharmaceutical pricing, spending, and patient access issues are a top focus for the HPC and leading state policymakers, culminating in the recent passage of historic legislation in Massachusetts that limited out-of-pocket costs for certain high-value drugs, required the licensure of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and established this new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis. 

 
Mission of the Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis  
Newly established within the HPC in 2025, the Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis (OPPA) conducts nation-leading research and develops 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 are 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 

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

• Researching and synthesizing current and future pharmaceutical industry trends, including expected innovations and market dynamics that may impact payer and/or pharmaceutical benefit manager contracting, employer coverage decisions, rebate negotiations, health care spending of public purchasers, commercial health insurance premiums, and patient access and affordability; 

• Supporting the development and achievement of agency strategic and research objectives as they relate to pharmaceutical policy and data analysis; 

• Developing legislatively-mandated reports, policy recommendations, white papers, and other associated collateral materials relating to pharmaceutical policy; 

• Engaging with industry leaders, advocates, and other stakeholders, as appropriate; 

• Collaborating internally with other HPC functions and departments on work related to pharmaceuticals; and 

• Providing supervisory support for a strong and committed team of research and policy staff with a wide range of experience. 

Requirements and Qualifications    

• 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; 

• Understanding of quantitative research methods, and strong critical thinking and analytic skills, preferably with direct research experience; 

• Supervisory experience;  

• 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 working on cross-functional, complex, long-term projects and initiatives in the context of a fast-paced work environment;  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate and distill complex information into cogent and compelling publications, and to tailor communication for various audiences; 

• 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; and 

• A dedication to public service and a desire to advance a more transparent, accountable, and equitable health care system for all Massachusetts residents.  

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. 

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

 
Compensation and Benefits  
Salary Range
$120,000-$160,000 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. 

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