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Economic Think Tank Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$64K - $92K/yr

... economic competition. The Role As the Graphic Designer at SCSP, you will play a pivotal role in ... think tank, or similar organization. • Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop ...

Manager, Public Policy

Arlington, VA · On-site

$136K - $166K/yr

This position will also be responsible for leading engagements with trade associations, think tanks ... Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Economic Development) - 8+ years of ...

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Economic Think Tank information

See Virginia salary details

$45.6K

$81.4K

$121.4K

How much do economic think tank jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic think tank in Virginia is $81,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,400.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an economic think tank?

An Economic Think Tank job involves conducting research, analyzing economic policies, and providing recommendations to influence decision-making in government, business, or public institutions. Professionals in this role assess economic trends, draft reports, and contribute to discussions on issues like taxation, trade, and labor markets. They often work for nonprofit organizations, research institutes, or advisory firms. Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills are essential for success in this field.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for professionals working at an economic think tank?

Economic think tanks often offer well-defined career pathways, starting from research assistant or analyst roles and progressing to senior researcher, project leader, or even director positions. Many professionals gain valuable experience and visibility by publishing research, presenting at conferences, or collaborating on policy initiatives. Advancement can also involve specializing in a key research area or expanding into public policy advising or communications. Think tanks value proactive team members who contribute innovative ideas and demonstrate leadership potential, so there are numerous opportunities for growth within the organization and in the broader policy or academic communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an economic think tank position?

To thrive in an economic think tank, you need strong analytical skills, a background in economics or a related field, and experience in research methodologies. Familiarity with statistical software such as STATA, R, and econometric modeling tools is often required, along with advanced degrees like a master's or PhD sometimes preferred. Excellent communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are vital for producing rigorous, influential policy research and effectively conveying complex ideas to decision-makers or the public.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Think Tank jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Economic Think Tank jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Economic Think Tank jobs in Virginia? For Economic Think Tank jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Think Tank jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Think Tank jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Economic Think Tank jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Economic Think Tank job openings:
Infographic showing various Economic Think Tank job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,361 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Potomac Institute Internship Program (Fall Semester Due Date: July 31, 2026)

Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

Arlington, VA • On-site

Internship

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Overview:

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, 501(c)(3), nonprofit science and technology policy think tank that has a robust andenduringinternship program. Excellence in research and objective analysis is the motto for the program. The Potomac Institute Internship Program (for undergraduate, graduate, or recently graduated students) hostsscholarswith a variety of academic backgrounds that relate to the science, technology, and national security missions of the Institute. The Institute strives to provide a versatile experience for each internship participant. Interns will be assigned toprovide directsupporttostaff, Senior Fellows, and/or academic programs within PIPS. Some unique qualities of the program areacknowledgements in publications,networking, academic credit, as well asaccess toin-house seminars, events,and conferences.

Internship Description:

Internshave the opportunity toconduct fast-paced research on Institute mission areas.You will learnand developvaluableprofessionalskills to improve your research, writing, and analysis that are applicableacross career fields. You will coordinate your schedule with your assigned scholar and are expected to be at the Institute two days per week. Interns will work16-20 hours per week during the fall/spring and 28-32 hours per week during the summer.The internship typically lasts the duration of an academicsemester,but exceptions can be made in certain circumstances.


Intern Duties:

Conducting research as directed; Compiling bibliographies; Collecting and assembling data; Copy editing and proofreading; Event planning and support; Attending Congressional hearings and other think tank events; As well asprovidinga full range of administrative support. (estimated50% research, 50% administrativesupport)

Requirements:

3.5 or higher GPA with a background or interest in political science, national security, defense, science and technology, economics, international affairs, public policy, and law are preferred, though others accepted. Candidates should have relevant research, writing, and editing experience, excellent organization and communication skills, strong MS Office skills, and the ability to prioritize a heavy workload.

Must be aUS Citizenand able topass a backgroundinvestigationin order toobtain asecurity clearance.

Deadlines:
This is a highly competitive and sought after position. Failure tosubmitthe materialslisted belowwill result in disqualification from moving to the next round.Failure tosubmit an application by the deadline will result in disqualification.

Complete application packages should be sent by the following deadlines:


Spring- (January to May) October 13
Summer- (May to September) March 16
Fall- (September to December) July 31

Applicants will need:
1. A letter of interest. In your letter, be sure to reference relevant Institute research areas and preferred scholarassignment.
2. Current resume
3. One to two-page writing sample
4. Unofficial transcript
5. Two (2) letters of recommendation. This does not meanincludeareferencespage.

Academic Credit:

We are more than happy toassiststudents with receiving academic credit through their respected Institution upon successful completion of the internship. Some educational institutionsrequireprior approval before the start of an internship for academic credit. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position.

This positioncomplies withtheUS Departmentof Labor and theFair Labor Standard Act.