Applied Public Policy Graduate Fellow: MassHealth Finance Team

Applied Public Policy Graduate Fellow- MassHealth Finance Team

Job Number: 2026-49792
Category: Other
Location: Westborough, MA
Shift: Day
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Business Unit: ForHealth Consulting
Department: ForHealth Consulting - Workplace Equity & Inclusion- W407980
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Code: Non Union Position -W60- Non Unit Professional
Num. Openings: 1
Post Date: April 30, 2026
Work Location: Hybrid
Salary Minimum: USD $68,000.00/Yr.
Salary Maximum: USD $74,000.00/Yr.
 

The Applied Public Policy Graduate Fellowship, under the direction of the Executive Director of Workplace Equity and Inclusion or Designee, offers a unique opportunity for currently enrolled graduate students and recent masters or doctoral graduates to gain hands-on experience in health and human services policy, financing, research, and service delivery.

This fellowship, lasting up to two years, places Fellows within the Massachusetts state health and human services agency (MassHealth), where they will contribute to meaningful projects that require advanced analytical, research, and communication skills.

This is a hybrid position requiring Fellows to work on-site at the MassHealth office in Boston two days per week. Remote work requires a private, secure space with reliable internet and adherence to data privacy standards.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the two-year program duration. Work authorization must extend beyond the host institution of the applicants current or previous degree program.

In order to be considered for the Fellowship, applicants must submit a resume and cover letter that specifically and clearly highlights their skills and background as it relates to the position.

The Fellow will be assigned to the MassHealth Finance Team:

The MassHealth Finance team manages approximately $23B in annual spending to ensure sustainable, high quality health coverage for nearly 2 million low income and disabled residents. The team oversees budgeting and forecasting, federal Medicaid financing, hospital payment rates, and financial planning in support of alternative payment models and delivery system reform.

The APP Graduate Fellow will:

• Analyze fiscal impacts of legislative, regulatory, and policy changes/proposals by using financial models to assess impacts of various scenarios and outcomes, and participate in rate-setting and risk-sharing processes for relevant programs.
• Conduct ongoing analysis of MassHealth enrollment, utilization, fiscal impacts and spending trends and support synthetization and presentation of findings.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information from internal and external stakeholders including other MassHealth units, other state agencies, and public and private entities.

Key competencies of the Fellow should include:

• Masters degree in a related field and 2 years experience working in a finance, analytical, or program capacity.
• Knowledge of Excel and experience analyzing and managing large datasets.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Structured thinking and ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional and matrixed environment

• Perform complex executive and administrative tasks with independence, prioritization, and decision-making.
• Utilizing evidence-based methodologies, conduct advanced research to support the development of innovative health and human services initiatives, policies, and departmental objectives.
• Coordinate and participate in stakeholder engagement activities to gather input and build partnerships that inform policy development.
• Perform in-depth data analyses, create comprehensive reports, and develop visualizations to communicate findings clearly and effectively.
• Manage and implement project tasks efficiently, ensuring completion within established timelines and maintaining regular communication with supervisors and mentors regarding progress.
• Participate in professional development, networking, and educational activities, and contribute to knowledge-sharing efforts within the fellowship cohort and the broader organization.
• Ensure compliance with all data privacy and security requirements, maintaining confidentiality and upholding organizational standards in all work environments.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support MassHealth's mission and departmental goals.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's Level Degree (or Masters Degree Candidate with 21+ Credits earned); Applicants must have completed their masters degree, or may be a currently enrolled graduate student with at least 21 earned credits.
• Advanced analytical and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to synthesize information from diverse sources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office tools.
• Reliability and ability to set consistent work hours.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Earned Doctorate, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies Applicants may have completed their masters degree, or doctoral coursework, Certificate of Advanced Graduates Studies (CAGS), or doctoral degree, or be in the final semester of their masters or CAGS, or in the final year of their doctoral or other advanced degree coursework.
• Experience working at the intersection of health care and social services.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts health care and/or social services sectors.
• Background in policy design, data analysis, or project implementation.

Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.

In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement). At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.

Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.

In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.

UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.