National Institute of Reproductive Health - Director of Policy and Research

Director of Policy and Research

The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) and the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund (NIRH Action Fund), advocacy groups that fight for just and equitable access to reproductive health care, are seeking a full-time Director of Policy and Research to help them in building political power for reproductive freedom.

This is a benefit eligible, full time, exempt position that will require 35 hours of work, with flexibility, during normal business hours, Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM. The annual salary for this position is between $115,000 - $125,000 commensurate with experience.

WHO WE ARE

The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) and the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund (NIRH Action Fund) are advocacy groups that fight for just and equitable access to reproductive health care and build political power for reproductive freedom. For decades, our strategy has been to go on the offensive, at the state and local level, so we have a long track record of passing laws that are safeguarding and advancing access.

In states and cities across the country, we launch campaigns, change policy, and elect candidates who champion our cause, all by working hand-in-hand with reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations; health care providers; and other groups invested in this fight. We partner in communities where change is needed and where we can make a difference. At the national level, we engage in groundbreaking public opinion research, proactive policy initiatives, and innovative advocacy campaigns to help reshape the national conversation about reproductive freedom.

Our approach to advocacy, policy, and politics strives to center the people who are most impacted by barriers to care, historically underserved, and often under-represented — Black women and Black communities, Indigenous and other communities of color, low-income people, and immigrants.

We don’t just push back against restrictions on reproductive autonomy; we fight for a society in which everyone has the freedom and ability to control their reproductive and sexual lives.

THE ROLE

Reporting to, and partnering closely with, the VP of Policy & Research, the Director of Policy and Research will lead and coordinate NIRH’s policy work across the organization’s three campaign priorities: ensuring access to abortion care through policies that improve affordability; ensuring people have access to culturally congruent and affirming pregnancy care; and protecting and reducing the criminalization of pregnant people and reproductive health care providers by improving data privacy.

This role brings deep policy expertise to campaign architecture, working alongside state and local partners to develop legislation, secure administrative and regulatory changes, and build the policy infrastructure that makes durable wins possible across state and political contexts.

The Policy Director will shape strategy for NIRH’s public funding and coverage work, with a particular focus on Medicaid, insurance coverage, and appropriations across multiple states. The role applies an intersectional and reproductive justice lens to all policy development and advocacy efforts.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead policy and advocacy strategy to develop legislation, regulations, and other policy solutions that expand coverage and funding for reproductive health care, including pregnancy care and abortion and ensure those solutions are implemented

• Identify creative, strategic pathways to advance policy and serve as a thought partner and subject-matter expert on emerging policy opportunities

• Co-develop policy and campaign strategy with state-based partners, serving as a peer strategist and subject-matter expert on public funding and coverage, bringing deep policy knowledge into shared problem-solving and ideation

• Generate replicable policy frameworks, model legislation, and advocacy resources drawing from Lab cohort work and from active engagement in Medicaid, health equity, budget, and appropriations spaces and coalitions

• Build NIRH’s profile as a trusted expert in reproductive health policy by contributing substantive expertise in external meetings, convenings, and collaborative spaces

• Draft and review legislative, regulatory, and advocacy materials, including policy memos, testimony, comments, and partner-facing guidance.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 7 to 12 years of policy and advocacy experience, including at least 3 years of state level advocacy experience

• Demonstrated success advancing state legislation and/or securing administrative or regulatory policy changes

• Demonstrated experience working at the intersections of policy issues such as Medicaid and reproductive health, including birth justice

• Deep expertise in at least one, preferably two, of the following areas:

• State Medicaid programs and coverage policies related to reproductive health care State appropriations and budget processes across multiple states

• Administrative advocacy with Medicaid programs, insurance commissioners, and other relevant state regulatory bodies

• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex legal and policy concepts into actionable guidance

• Strong relationship-building skills and experience working collaboratively with external partners, coalitions, and cross-functional teams

• Commitment to applying an intersectional and reproductive justice lens to policy recommendations and advocacy

• Preferred but not required:

• Experience working at the intersection of policy advocacy and political or electoral strategy, including coordinating policy positions with campaign timelines, candidate engagement, or legislative peaks

• Law degree

• Experience working in a state or local administrative agency.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance

• Generous time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick days, personal days and your birthday off

• 401k employee matching

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Fully remote from anywhere in the US

• Work from home stipend

• Subscription to DeleteMe to protect employee’s personal information

• Annual professional development budget available for each employee

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and answer the application questions to be considered. The priority application deadline is September 11, 2026.

This search is being supported by NRG Consulting Group. Please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions.

NIRH/NIRHAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at NIRH/NIRHAF will be based on merit, qualifications, abilities, and on the needs of NIRH/NIRHAF. This organization does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status or other military status, alienage or citizenship status, genetic carrier status, AIDS, AIDS-related complex or HIV status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or local law.