Description

ATA Services, Inc. is currently seeking to hire a full-time Policy Analyst to work on a temporary position. This position is remote, however, the selected candidate must live in New Mexico.

• Pay rate: $45.67 per hour with weekly pay
• Start date: ASAP
• Full-time: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
• Contract Length- 8 months
• Remote candidate must live in New Mexico

The Policy Analyst for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Office of Tribal Liaison (OTL) supports the Department's government-to-government relationships with the 24 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos in New Mexico, as well as Urban Indian and Tribal-serving organizations. The analyst provides research, policy analysis, coordination, and technical assistance to ensure NMDOH programs uphold the StateTribal Collaboration Act, support Tribal public health priorities, and advance equitable health outcomes for American Indian/Alaska Native populations.

Key Responsibilities

Tribal Policy Research & Analysis

• Conduct policy research related to Tribal public health, data governance, health equity, and state/Tribal consultation requirements.
• Analyze federal, state, and Tribal laws, regulations, executive orders, and health initiatives that impact Tribal Nations and the Department.
• Develop policy briefs, issue analyses, and recommendations to inform NMDOH leadership and program decision-making.
• Track emerging policy changes that may affect Tribal health delivery systems, public health programs, Medicaid/Medicare policy, or federal grant requirements.

Support for StateTribal Collaboration Act (STCA) Implementation

• Assist OTL in facilitating and documenting annual Tribal consultation, collaboration, and communication activities across NMDOH programs.
• Support STCA reporting requirements, including preparing sections for the agency's annual report and monitoring program compliance.
• Provide technical assistance to NMDOH divisions to ensure culturally responsive engagement and compliance with consultation protocols.

Data Governance & Data-Related Coordination

• Collaborate with Tribal Epidemiology Centers, NMDOH epidemiologists, and Tribal health partners on data access processes, data sharing agreements (DSAs), and Tribal data governance best practices.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and coordinating DSAs with Tribal Nations, IHS Areas, and Tribal epidemiology partners.
• Prepare data summaries, memos, and explanatory materials for use by Tribal leaders and NMDOH program staff.
• Ensure all data activities center Tribal priorities, confidentiality protections, and sovereign rights regarding health data.

Intergovernmental & Program Coordination

• Serve as a connector between NMDOH divisions/programs and Tribal governments, helping to align state public health initiatives with Tribal priorities.
• Coordinate with NMDOH programs on requests from Tribal Nations, ensuring timely, respectful, and accurate follow-up.
• Assist OTL in tracking cross-agency initiatives, grant programs, and health priorities impacting Tribes.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Tribal health departments, IHS, Tribal Epidemiology Centers, Indian organizations, and other state agencies.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Draft communication materials, consultation notices, meeting summaries, briefing documents, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Support logistical planning and facilitation of Tribal roundtables, policy meetings, site visits, and leadership engagements.
• Ensure communication is culturally informed, responsive, and aligned with OTL protocols.

Reporting, Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain organized project files, policy documentation, consultation records, and tracking tools.
• Prepare regular reports on policy developments, Tribal engagement activities, and progress on OTL strategic priorities.
• Contribute to grant reporting and legislative updates when required.

Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives

• Support OTL's work on Tribal public health priorities such as data modernization, emergency preparedness, behavioral health, environmental health, maternal and child health, and chronic disease.
• Assist with long-term initiatives to advance Tribal data accessibility, Tribal-led public health strategies, and government-to-government coordination.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission of the Office of Tribal Liaison.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty, public health systems, and stateTribal relations.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to work diplomatically, collaboratively, and respectfully with Tribal Nations and diverse partners.
• Experience with policy development, data governance, or public health is preferred.

PI280882100