Policy Specialist

Introduction

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Enterprise Services (DES) is recruiting for a Policy Specialist.

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.
  
  

This position offers the option to work remotely 4 days per week and is headquartered in the 201 E. Washington Ave. office in downtown Madison. This schedule may vary based on training or operational need.

Position Summary

Responsibilities

As the Policy Specialist, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for policies that impact general governmental operations enterprise-wide. You will work closely with the DES Business Manager, DES Administrator’s Office, DES directors, cross-division policy and budget staff, and communications staff to guide and/or coordinate activities and achieve goals. Responsibilities include:

• Being responsible for participating with members of the DES leadership team to advise on government operations and policy analysis, projects, assignments, and goals to meet department objectives or the support of enterprise objectives that impact DHS.
• Cross-division collaboration with peers to support projects identified for DES or DHS completion, including the coordination with other operational policy staff within the divisions and their business areas.
• Working collaboratively with the DES Business Manager, the Deputy Administrator and lead DES staff, other subject matter experts, and state agency operational partners on operational policy initiatives through the stages of development, enactment/adoption, and/or implementation.
• Developing and supporting the operational policy work across DES and DHS.
  
  

Salary Information

The starting pay is between $37.00 and $41.00 per hour (approximately between $76,900 and $85,200 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Program and Policy Analyst – Advanced and the pay schedule and range is 07/03.

Job Details

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

For positions that allow remote working flexibility, working outside of Wisconsin or in bordering cities will not be allowed except in extremely limited circumstances due to the need to report to an office location in Wisconsin on short notice.

Employees must have access to both a private workspace and secure high-speed internet for remote work option. Mileage reimbursement to the employee’s headquarter location is not provided. Remote work flexibility will be discussed in more detail during the interview process.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience analyzing and developing policy, including preparing memos, papers, or briefings to provide analysis and share findings and recommendations.
• Project management experience (e.g., developing project activities, setting project objectives, evaluating project goals and status, etc.).
• Experience consulting or providing technical assistance to others in the interpretation of policies and procedures.
  
  

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience developing communications, including templates, strategies, and webpages.
• Experience developing and providing training, including training materials and marketing of trainings.
• Experience working collaboratively with internal and external partners to support policy work.
• A degree in public policy or similar field.
  
  

Your letter of qualifications is limited to two (2) pages and your resume is limited to two (2) pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.

Helpful Information

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above.
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Allyvia Vang in Human Resources at allyviam.vang@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
  
  

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is September 29th by 11:59 pm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.