Ascension, LLC is seeking a highly experienced Public Health Program Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Senior Policy Advisor to provide specialized public health policy analysis, program design, regulatory guidance, and governance advisory services supporting the State of Delaware’s Division of Public Health (DPH).

The ideal candidate is a seasoned public health professional with demonstrated expertise in interpreting federal and state public health policies, evaluating program requirements, developing evidence-based policy recommendations, and advising government leadership on program implementation and operational improvements.

This individual will play an important role in helping DPH strengthen public health programs, improve program accountability, enhance regulatory alignment, and develop practical policies and implementation strategies that support effective public health service delivery.

We seek a self-directed, analytically rigorous, and collaborative professional who can navigate complex public health policy environments, translate regulatory requirements into actionable recommendations, and communicate effectively with senior government officials, program administrators, and multidisciplinary consulting teams.

The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, anticipate policy and implementation challenges, evaluate alternative solutions, and provide credible technical guidance grounded in public health research, regulatory requirements, and established best practices.

Candidates with direct experience supporting state or federal public health agencies, developing public health policies, advising on program governance, or leading public health transformation initiatives are especially encouraged to apply.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Public Health Program SME / Senior Policy Advisor provides specialized consulting and technical advisory support for public health policy, regulation, governance, program design, and implementation initiatives.

The role supports DPH in analyzing existing policies and programs, identifying regulatory and operational gaps, evaluating proposed public health initiatives, and developing evidence-based recommendations that strengthen program effectiveness and accountability.

The advisor works collaboratively with DPH leadership, program managers, policy stakeholders, and Ascension consulting personnel to ensure that proposed policies, governance structures, and implementation approaches are technically sound, practical, and aligned with applicable public health requirements.

Responsibilities may include reviewing federal and state policy guidance, developing policy and governance documents, assessing public health program designs, providing implementation recommendations, and validating the technical accuracy of consulting deliverables.

This is a senior advisory role requiring sound professional judgment, subject-matter credibility, effective written communication, and the ability to provide targeted recommendations within a limited, part-time consulting schedule.

Primary Responsibilities and Anticipated Activities

Public Health Policy Analysis and Regulatory Advisory

• Analyze federal and state public health statutes, regulations, policies, guidance, and program requirements to identify implications for DPH initiatives.
• Review existing public health policies, administrative procedures, and governance practices to determine alignment with applicable requirements and program objectives.
• Evaluate proposed policy changes and assess their potential operational, regulatory, and programmatic impacts.
• Develop evidence-based policy recommendations and implementation considerations for DPH leadership and program stakeholders.
• Identify policy inconsistencies, regulatory gaps, and operational risks that may affect program implementation or compliance.
• Prepare policy analysis memoranda, technical reports, briefing papers, and recommendations supporting informed program decisions.
• Advise project teams on regulatory considerations affecting the design, modification, and implementation of public health programs.

Public Health Program Design and Implementation Support

• Assess existing public health program structures, service delivery approaches, administrative processes, and implementation practices.
• Develop recommendations for new or modified public health programs aligned with DPH priorities and applicable requirements.
• Evaluate proposed program designs for operational feasibility, program effectiveness, regulatory consistency, and sustainability.
• Support strategic planning, program assessments, and implementation readiness activities for public health initiatives.
• Recommend implementation strategies, operational improvements, and corrective actions to address identified program gaps.
• Collaborate with program managers and consulting personnel to translate policy recommendations into practical implementation activities.
• Review proposed program objectives, performance measures, and implementation milestones to assess alignment with intended public health outcomes.

Governance, Policy Development, and Documentation

• Develop or refine governance documents, policy frameworks, operating procedures, and program guidance materials.
• Assess program governance structures, roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
• Recommend improvements to policy administration, program oversight, accountability, and operational coordination.
• Draft policy documents, executive recommendations, program guidance, and governance-related deliverables.
• Validate that policy and governance documentation accurately reflects applicable regulatory and program requirements.
• Support the development of standardized processes and documentation that promote consistent program implementation.

Technical Consultation and Quality Validation

• Provide specialized subject-matter consultation to DPH program leadership and assigned project teams.
• Review policy analyses, program designs, implementation plans, and technical deliverables for accuracy, completeness, and public health relevance.
• Validate proposed recommendations against available evidence, applicable regulations, and recognized public health practices.
• Identify technical weaknesses, unsupported assumptions, and inconsistencies in public health program deliverables.
• Recommend revisions to strengthen the quality, defensibility, and practical application of consulting recommendations.
• Participate in technical review sessions, advisory discussions, and deliverable validation meetings.
• Document technical findings and recommendations to support final acceptance of assigned work products.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advisory Support

• Collaborate with public health program administrators, regulatory specialists, project managers, and government stakeholders.
• Facilitate policy discussions, technical working sessions, and program planning meetings when requested.
• Present findings, policy options, and program recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Coordinate with relevant federal, state, and local stakeholders to clarify applicable guidance and program considerations.
• Support the development of stakeholder-facing guidance, technical presentations, and decision-support materials.
• Communicate complex policy and regulatory concepts in clear, actionable language.