Public Health Policy Advisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where health issues and policy intersect more prominently than ever, the focus on Public Health Policy Advisors has never been greater.

As public health challenges evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can shape, develop, and protect our health policies becomes ever more critical.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Public Health Policy Advisor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of public health policy,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Public Health Policy Advisor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Public Health Policy Advisor Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Policy Advisors play a vital role in shaping and implementing health policies that have widespread effects on the community.

They utilize their expertise in public health principles, legislation, and statistical analysis to advise on and help enact policies that improve public health and reduce health disparities.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing current public health issues and identifying needed changes in policy
• Conducting research to support policy recommendations and changes
• Advising government officials, health departments, and other stakeholders on potential impacts and effectiveness of proposed health policies
• Developing strategies for the implementation of health policies
• Monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of implemented policies
• Communicating complex public health and policy information to a range of audiences
• Building relationships with key stakeholders, including health service providers, community leaders, and policymakers
• Staying informed about relevant public health trends, research findings, and legislative developments
• Contributing to public health advocacy efforts
• Coordinating with other public health professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to public health policy-making

 

Public Health Policy Advisor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Public Health Policy Advisor to guide and influence the development and implementation of health policies that promote and protect public health.

The Public Health Policy Advisor will be involved in researching, analyzing, and proposing health policies that tackle public health issues.

They will also be responsible for promoting awareness and understanding of health policies among health professionals and the general public.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public health, policy analysis, and health promotion.

They should be up-to-date with the latest developments in healthcare legislation and able to communicate complex policies in a clear, understandable manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Research, analyze and propose health policies that address public health issues
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing health policies
• Advise on potential improvements or changes to health policies
• Collaborate with stakeholders in the public and private sectors to promote health policies
• Communicate health policies to health professionals and the general public
• Contribute to training and educational programs on health policy
• Participate in public health advocacy and awareness campaigns
• Prepare reports and presentations on health policy issues

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Health Policy Advisor or similar role in public health
• Knowledge of current health policy, legislation, and regulations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
• MSc or higher in Public Health, Health Policy, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Health Policy Advisor
• Work Environment: Office setting with some travel required for meetings and conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Public Health Policy.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $78,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Public Health Policy Advisor Do?

Public Health Policy Advisors typically work for governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, or healthcare institutions.

They may also be employed by universities or research organizations.

Their primary job is to analyze, develop, and advocate for policies related to public health.

They study data and trends related to health issues, from disease outbreaks to substance abuse, to understand the effectiveness of current policies and programs.

Public Health Policy Advisors may work with other professionals to develop strategies and propose new policies that promote health and prevent disease among populations.

They use their knowledge in public health, healthcare systems, and policy development to advise on best practices.

They are often involved in drafting policy proposals and legislation, as well as lobbying for their adoption.

They might also evaluate the impact of existing health policies, laws, and regulations on public health outcomes.

Their role involves a lot of communication, as they often present their findings and recommendations to policymakers, public health officials, and the public.

Public Health Policy Advisors also play a vital role in educating the public about health issues and policies.

In times of public health crises, they often play a crucial role in formulating response strategies and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of these strategies.

 

Public Health Policy Advisor Qualifications and Skills

A Public Health Policy Advisor should be equipped with a range of skills and qualifications that are crucial for successful planning, analyzing, and implementing of public health policies, which include:

• Strong knowledge in public health, social sciences, or a related field to understand and interpret health policies.
• Excellent research skills to gather and analyze data related to public health issues and policies.
• Good understanding of governmental operations, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, and government regulations.
• Outstanding communication skills to effectively convey health policy information to a variety of audiences, including policymakers, health professionals, and the public.
• Problem-solving skills to find feasible solutions to public health issues and identify the potential impact of health policies.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders, including government officials, health organizations, and community leaders.
• Project management skills to oversee policy development projects and ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
• Ability to use statistical software and databases for analyzing health data and trends.

 

Public Health Policy Advisor Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Public Health Policy Advisor typically require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in the field of public health, policy analysis, or a related field.

Such experience can be gained through internships, fellowship programs or through roles such as a Public Health Analyst, Health Policy Researcher, or Healthcare Consultant.

Candidates seeking mid-level roles as a Public Health Policy Advisor often require at least 5 years of experience in the field of public health, preferably with significant experience in policy development or analysis.

They may have held roles such as Health Policy Analyst, Public Health Consultant, or Public Health Project Manager, and may have also gained experience in managing teams or coordinating large-scale public health projects.

Those aspiring for senior-level roles may need more than 7 years of experience and may require experience in leadership roles within public health policy.

They may have held positions such as Director of Health Policy, Senior Public Health Policy Analyst, or similar roles.

These individuals typically have a strong background in strategic decision-making, policy evaluation, and leading public health initiatives.

In all levels, a degree in public health, health policy, health administration or a related field is usually required.

Advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctorate may also be desired, especially for more senior roles.

 

Public Health Policy Advisor Education and Training Requirements

To become a Public Health Policy Advisor, individuals usually require a master’s degree in Public Health or a related field such as Public Policy, Public Administration or Health Administration.

This advanced degree should ideally be complemented with coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services, health education, behavioral science, and environmental health.

In addition, having a sound understanding of healthcare legislation, regulations, and policies is vital for the role.

Therefore, a law degree or courses in health law can also be advantageous.

Besides formal education, relevant work experience in public health or healthcare administration is highly valued.

A successful Public Health Policy Advisor would typically have significant experience in developing and evaluating health policies.

Some employers may require their Public Health Policy Advisors to hold a certification such as Certified in Public Health (CPH) issued by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.

Strong analytical skills, communication abilities, and a deep understanding of the relationship between healthcare policies and public health outcomes are critical competencies for this role.

Continuing education is also essential as health policies and regulations can change rapidly.

Therefore, remaining up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the field is necessary.

 

Public Health Policy Advisor Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Public Health Policy Advisor is $78,500 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can fluctuate depending on factors such as the level of experience, educational background, location, and the specific organization that they work for.

 

Public Health Policy Advisor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Public Health Policy Advisor need?

Public Health Policy Advisors need to have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

They need a strong understanding of public health and healthcare systems, and should be able to use statistical tools to analyze public health data.

Communication and interpersonal skills are also critical as advisors must often present complex health information to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public in a clear and concise manner.

 

Do Public Health Policy Advisors need a degree?

Yes, Public Health Policy Advisors typically need at least a master’s degree in public health, healthcare administration, or a related field.

Some positions may require a doctoral degree.

Relevant work experience in public health, policy making, or healthcare is also highly valued.

 

What should you look for in a Public Health Policy Advisor resume?

When reviewing a Public Health Policy Advisor resume, look for a strong educational background in public health or a related field, as well as experience in policy making or healthcare.

Strong analytical skills, as shown through past roles or projects, are a must.

You should also look for experience in project management, research, data analysis, and policy development.

Demonstrated ability to communicate complex health information to various stakeholders is also crucial.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Policy Advisor?

A good Public Health Policy Advisor is detail-oriented, analytical, and has a deep understanding of public health issues and healthcare systems.

They should be able to work independently and as part of a team, and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.

They should be comfortable presenting and advocating for policies to diverse groups, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Public Health Policy Advisor?

Hiring a Public Health Policy Advisor can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires candidates with a unique blend of skills in public health, policy making, and data analysis.

However, with a detailed job description and a thorough recruitment process, it is possible to find highly qualified candidates for this role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it means to truly be a Public Health Policy Advisor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about analyzing health policies.

It’s about shaping the future of public health, one policy at a time.

With our go-to Public Health Policy Advisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up.

But why stop at just that?

Dig further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting laser-focused listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every health policy is a step towards a healthier society.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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