ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Conservative Think Tank Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEI

Fall Intern: Education Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

The intern will also be responsible for providing assistance to AEI's Conservative Education Reform ... think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Education Policy

Washington, DC

The intern will also be responsible for providing assistance to AEI's Conservative Education Reform ... think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a GPA of 3.5 or higher from a top-ranking ...

People also search for

All JobsConservative Think Tank Jobs

Conservative Think Tank information

See salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do conservative think tank jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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.
More about Conservative Think Tank jobs
What cities are hiring for Conservative Think Tank jobs? Cities with the most Conservative Think Tank job openings:
What states have the most Conservative Think Tank jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservative Think Tank jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Conservative Think Tank jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Conservative Think Tank jobs are:
Conservative Think Tank jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservative Think Tank job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 60% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 35% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,994 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Texas Scholars Program 2026 - Highschool Fellowship

Texas Scholars Program 2026 - Highschool Fellowship

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Austin, TX • On-site

Internship

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
The Texas Scholars Program (formerly the Richardson Youth Liberty Fellowship) is an initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), a public policy think tank driving conservative policy solutions in Texas and the nation as a whole. The Foundation does this by providing academically sound research and creative policy solutions for our state and nation's biggest challenges.
With the future in mind, the Texas Scholars Program seeks to bring the immense knowledge and resources of TPPF to the next generation of the conservative movement.
PROGRAM INFO
The Texas Scholars Program is a semester-long program designed for students entering their high school junior or senior year.
Accepted Fellows will be placed on teams and given specific roles and responsibilities with the ultimate goal of simulating a public policy think tank environment. Throughout the semester, Fellows will engage in policy seminars and professional development taught by some of the most highly regarded industry experts in Texas.
Each week, the Fellows will have the chance for the direct application of those lessons as they work towards the final capstone project alongside their teammates.
THE STRUCTURE
All students will be expected to attend two full-day, in-person events in Austin on the Saturday at the beginning and the Saturday at end of the program, as well as ten virtual weekly meetings that will take place on Wednesday evenings.
Students who expect to miss either Saturday or more than two Wednesday meetings should not consider applying.
THE ACCOMPLISHMENT
At the close of the program, there will be an awards reception at which certificates will be presented to Fellows along with awards for outstanding work done during the program. Parents and relatives are invited and encouraged to attend this event.
THE COST
Thanks to the generous donations of those invested in our future leaders, the Fellowship is available FREE OF CHARGE to accepted Fellows. (Fellows will need to arrange their own travel to attend the opening and closing summit at the Texas Public Policy Foundation's office in downtown Austin. Need-based travel scholarships available.)
APPLICATION PROCESS
As a part of the application, we ask students to complete five short-answer essay questions (150 words each) and one long essay (no more than 500 words). The prompts can be found here. We recommend applicants write their responses BEFORE filling out the application.
Additionally, students will need two recommendation letters from a mentor or authority figure other than a family member. The recommender (NOT THE STUDENT) must fill out the form. Please do not submit a formal letter. Recommendations will only be accepted through the recommendation form sent upon your application's receipt.
APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
PROGRAM DATES 2026
  • Saturday, August 29, 2026 - Full-Day, first meeting, in-person at 901 Congress in Austin, TX
  • Wednesday, September 2, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, second meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, third meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, fourth meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, fifth meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, sixth meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, seventh meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, eighth meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, ninth meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST, tenth meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, November 4, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST online, eleventh meeting, virtual-online
  • Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST online, twelfth meeting, virtual-online
  • Saturday, November 14, 2026 - Full-Day, thirteenth (capstone) meeting, in-person at 901 Congress in Austin, TX

Apply