R&D Policy & Strategy Advisor (ARPA-H)

Do you have expertise with federal R&D policy and experience in strategic planning for science programs? Are you interested in making an impact with health research programs?

Are you a skilled government policy expert with a sharp acuity for navigating the complexities of the legislative landscape? Do you also possess a passion for science and a drive to make a real-world impact?

Ripple Effect is seeking multiple Federal R&D Policy & Strategy Advisors to join our team and play a critical role in supporting the groundbreaking work of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

ARPA-H's mission is to revolutionize healthcare by funding high-risk, high-reward R&D with the potential to transform the lives of millions. In this dynamic role, you'll be on the forefront of Congressional and legislative policy interpretation, tracking, development, and implementation. You’ll use your expertise to facilitate strategic planning efforts for large, federal health research programs. Through collaboration with key stakeholders across ARPA-H, HHS, and Congress, you'll help shape impactful health policy that fuels medical advancements and secures the resources needed to bring ARPA-H's groundbreaking vision to life.

If this position sounds of interest, there is a place for you here at Ripple Effect! We are a diverse, progressive, and engaging work environment. We offer a multitude of incentives and flexible work options that work for you and your lifestyle.

General Information

• Job Code: PRO-PA-03, 04T, 05T
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular
• Telework: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in-office)
• Travel: Occasionally to DC or for site visits
• Clearance: Public Trust
• Number of Openings: Multiple
• Salary Range: $74,892 - $124,020 (how we pay and promote)

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate proposed and enacted legislation and report language impacting ARPA-H and HHS programs for annual health bills and other relevant initiatives.
• Research, identify and track non-HHS funded programs and conduct cross walk with ARPA-H programs and/or as new programs are launched to identify agency outreach targets
• Support the legislative process by assisting ARPA-H staff with drafting Congressional testimony, impact statements, and summaries of member/committee actions related to technology interests. Serve as a key liaison with Congress.
• Research and prepare analyses on various legislative issues and policies related to ARPA-H and HHS programs.
• Serve as strategic planning analyst to support drafting, editing, socialization, validation, and finalization of the agency strategic plan
• Provide ongoing support for process design and implementation of the agency's policy development approach
• Develop and deliver high-quality reports, memos, presentations, and other materials to support the program, ensuring adherence to formatting and accessibility guidelines.
• Brief senior program leaders on approaches and respond to feedback and questions.
• Perform additional program-related tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in communications, policy, or other related areas
• 5 years of relevant work experience, involving federal policy related to health research programs

Basic Requirements

• Experience in tracking legislation and identifying relevant provisions
• Experience working with federal agencies
• Ability to analyze complex information, including legislation and regulations, and communicate effectively in writing and verbally with all levels of an organization and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated understanding of public policy language and experience with Congressional requests.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint) and ability to learn and navigate other business electronic systems.

To be successful at Ripple Effect, you must be able to pay attention to details, clearly communicate, work independently, and have an eagerness to learn. Learn more about what it takes to become a Rippler here.

Skills That Set You Apart

• Master’s Degree in relevant area
• Experience in strategic planning for federal scientific research programs
• Experience working with Congressional staffers
• Government contracting experience
• Experience with the Federal Budget process and appropriations bills

If you don’t have all the skills above, don’t be discouraged—no resume paints a complete picture of a person. There’s a good chance you’re more wonderful than you think, so please apply!

About Ripple Effect 

Ripple Effect is an award-winning women-owned small business providing professional consulting and exceptional talent for federal, private, and non-profit clients. We deliver multi-disciplinary solutions across Communications & Outreach, Research & Evaluation, Program Management & Policy, Digital Transformation, and Technical & Scientific Support solutions with a focus on science, research, and healthcare domains. 

Hiring Process | Life at Ripple  

Benefits

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences. 

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know by contacting our HR department at HR@rippleeffect.com or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified using E-verify.