SENIOR POLICY & RESEARCH COORDINATOR - 78649

Tennessee Department of Human Services; Tennessee; Hybrid; USD 78,528 - 101,448; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Department of Human Services is seeking a Senior Policy & Research Coordinator. This hybrid position in Nashville will focus on advancing policy initiatives related to human services and workforce development.

Key responsibilities include collaborating with leadership, analyzing policies, conducting research, and managing special projects. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree and have over 4 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and 4+ years of full-time professional staff administrative experience or related work.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Senior Policy Advisor to develop strategies for policy goals.
• Serve as lead Policy & Research Coordinator.
• Analyze policies for areas of concern for the Department.
• Generate reports and conduct meetings for special projects.
• Consult with public information and legislative offices on initiatives.

Skills

Project management skills

Research and writing background

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Executive Service

SENIOR POLICY & RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Department of Human Services

Commissioner's Office

Nashville, TN

Annual Salary: $78,528.00 - $101,448.00

Closing Date: 07/13/2026

This is a hybrid position

Job Overview

This vacancy is within the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS), Division of The Commissioners Office. The Senior Policy & Research reports to the Senior Policy Advisor. This position is responsible for assisting the Senior Policy Advisor in developing, implementing, and managing the Department's statewide policy and research initiatives related to alignment of Tennessee's human services and workforce development sectors. This position is integral to the Department's development and implementation of a departmentwide strategy to create pathways to education and employment for the DHS customer base while maximizing the efficient delivery of services to support Tennesseans. This role will specifically be tasked with advancing policy initiatives, conducting research and analysis, writing policy briefs, and assisting with communications and messaging of programmatic initiatives. This position is currently designated as AWS (Alternative Workplace Solution), with travel to main office as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Senior Policy Advisor and members of the Executive Leadership Team to develop and execute strategies that accomplish the Departments short and long-term policy and legislative goals.
• Serve as the lead Policy & Research Coordinator, with a focus on a portfolio of DHS programs and all special projects, as assigned.
• Analyze federal, state, and local policies to identify areas of concern or interest for the Department.
• Serve as a liaison with state agencies and community partners, and as a backup to the Senior Policy Advisor, providing leadership and support for new and ongoing cross divisional and cross-departmental relationship.
• Coordinate and lead development of assigned special projects. This may include facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholders, drafting reports, and conducting focus groups.
• Conduct research on best practices and emerging practices related to the intersection of human services and evidence-based programs in support of the Departments programmatic, legislative, and policy priorities.
• Analyze trends and partner with programs to create innovative solutions to enhance performance of DHS programs across divisions.
• Consult and assist the DHS Public Information and Legislative Office with any policy initiatives requiring communications or legislative initiatives, as well marketing and outreach campaigns to encourage public awareness of DHS programs.
• Coordinate with assigned program team and other stakeholders to support the programs needs.
• Translate research findings and policies into concise and actionable written products and presentations for multiple audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and 4+ years of full-time professional staff administrative experience or related work.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated understanding of research or program evaluation methods.
• Strategic lens and understanding of how priority initiatives relate to strategic goals.
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to think critically, problem solve, and take initiative on projects.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. Strong research and writing background.
• Strong interpersonal skills dealing with all levels within the organization and external stakeholders, including some in executive level positions as well as private entities.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.