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Conservative Think Tank Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conservative Think Tank information

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How much do conservative think tank jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for conservative think tank in the United States is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Conservative Think Tank vs Policy Analyst?

AspectConservative Think TankPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Political Science, Public Policy, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, think tank offices, policy advocacyResearch, analysis, report writing, often in government or consulting settings
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit think tanks, advocacy groups, political organizationsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, research organizations

While both roles involve policy research and analysis, a Conservative Think Tank primarily focuses on developing and promoting conservative policy ideas within a think tank environment. A Policy Analyst may work across various sectors, including government or private firms, analyzing policies from multiple perspectives. The roles overlap in skills and credentials but differ in focus and work setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at a conservative think tank, and why are they important?

To thrive at a conservative think tank, you generally need strong research, analytical, and writing skills, often supported by a degree in political science, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, data visualization software, and experience publishing policy briefs or reports is highly valuable. Effective communication, networking, and the ability to engage in respectful debate are crucial soft skills for influencing policymakers and public discourse. These abilities are essential for producing credible research, shaping policy debates, and advancing the think tank's mission.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a conservative think tank?

Professionals at conservative think tanks often face the challenge of balancing rigorous policy research with effective public communication. They must stay up-to-date on policy developments, anticipate political shifts, and respond quickly to current events. Additionally, building consensus among stakeholders and navigating differences of opinion within teams can be complex. Collaboration with researchers, policy analysts, and communications teams is essential to ensure that research findings are both accurate and accessible to policymakers and the public.

What is a conservative think tank?

A conservative think tank is an organization that conducts research, analysis, and advocacy on public policy issues from a conservative or right-leaning perspective. These institutions aim to influence legislation, promote free-market principles, limited government, and traditional values. They often publish policy papers, host events, and provide commentary to inform lawmakers, the media, and the public. Conservative think tanks play a significant role in shaping policy debates and advancing conservative ideas at local, national, and international levels.
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What states have the most Conservative Think Tank jobs?

States with the most job openings for Conservative Think Tank jobs include:

Infographic showing various Conservative Think Tank job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,994 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Texas State Director, Right On Crime

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

RIght On Crime is looking to fill State Director vacancy in Texas with someone up to the task of advancing effective criminal justice policy, and poised to assume the role as the leading conservative thought leader around conservative criminal justice policy.
About Right On Crime & TPPF:
Right on Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation promoting conservative solutions for reducing crime, restoring victims, reforming offenders, while lowering taxpayer costs. The movement was born in Texas in 2007, and in recent years has since expanded to Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
ROC has the support of more than 90 prominent conservative leaders who have endorsed the principles of conservative criminal justice reform. These leaders include former Governors Rick Perry, Jeb Bush, and Bill Haslam, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Concerned Women for America President Penny Nance, former U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, and former United States Attorneys General Ed Meese and Alberto Gonzales.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit research-based think tank in Austin, Texas. Established in 1989, TPPF promotes conservative principles and develops free-market approaches to public policy challenges affecting Texans and all Americans. To achieve its mission, TPPF analyzes complex issues, creates legislative policy solutions, and advocates for those solutions at the Texas Legislature, Congress, and other public forums.
Life at Right On Crime & TPPF:
The Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization that shapes the future of Texas & beyond through innovative thought leadership. At TPPF, you will have the opportunity to be part of an engaged team whose mission is to create a freer future for all Texans and Americans. We look for individuals who are passionate about advancing conservative public policy and embody servant leadership. With a strong belief in personal responsibility, we trust our people and want to empower them to make the right decisions for the right reasons - this is why it is crucial we bring the right people on board. We value our team and work to cultivate a culture of hard work, entrepreneurship, intellectual curiosity, and collaboration. As a team, we support one another and strive to create an environment in which our team members are inspired to excel, motivated to innovate, and empowered to be servant leaders for the cause of liberty.
The Role:
The Texas State Director for ROC will serve as the face of the organization within the state. Ultimately, ROC anticipates that our state directors will position themselves as the leading conservative voice on criminal justice policy in their respective states. This requires an ability to build the ROC brand throughout the state, but particularly amongst lawmakers and stakeholders. The Texas State Director will either develop or assist stakeholders in their development of legislative agendas for each legislative session, as well as long-term goals for the advancement of ROC's principles. This will require active research, authorship of policy papers, testimony before legislative committees, coalition building, policymaker education and lobbying, outreach, and media campaigns.
The Texas State Director must be willing to reside in, or within commuting distance from Austin.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Testifying before legislative committees, general educational outreach to lawmakers, and lobbying. Note: this also includes identifying any legislative efforts that affect Texas criminal justice system, and articulating any positive or negative affect to lawmakers or other stakeholders;
  • Developing legislative priorities with the TPPF Policy Team and ROC leadership that advance evidence-based criminal justice reform in Texas;
  • Building coalition support amongst organizations within Texas;
  • Project management;
  • Research and writing policy briefs, perspectives, research studies, commentaries, testimony, blog postings, and opinion editorials, and;
  • Conceptualizing and organizing policy events/activities designed to educate policymakers, stakeholders, the media, and the general public.

Qualifications:
  • At least 5 years of direct policy experience strongly preferred;
  • Experience navigating Texas' legislative and political climate preferred;
  • Excellent writing, editing, and public presentation skills;
  • Experience and proficiency in interacting with legislators, media, stakeholders, as well as the general public;
  • Ability to identify, analyze, and articulate complex legislative and regulatory issues; and
  • Ability to advocate for ROC principles and recommendations.