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Entry Level Policy Analyst Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Junior FOIA Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Perform entry-level FOIA processing under supervision, including reviewing and logging incoming ... Ensure responses comply with statutory timelines and agency policy * Process Simple and Backlogged ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Policy Analyst information

See Reston, VA salary details

$55.8K

$105.2K

$121.9K

How much do entry level policy analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level policy analyst in Reston, VA is $105,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level policy analysts when transitioning from academic studies to a professional policy environment?

Entry level policy analysts often find the transition from academia to the workplace challenging due to the fast-paced nature of policy work and the need to produce concise, actionable briefings for decision-makers. Unlike academic research, which can be in-depth and theoretical, professional policy analysis requires synthesizing information quickly, meeting tight deadlines, and clearly communicating complex ideas to non-expert audiences. Collaborating with more experienced colleagues and adapting to shifting priorities within a policy team are also common aspects new analysts must learn to navigate. Support from mentors and proactive engagement in team discussions can ease this transition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Policy Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Policy Analyst, you need strong research, analytical, and written communication skills, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools like Excel, policy analysis software, and experience with legislative tracking systems are common technical requirements. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to clearly present complex information make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure well-informed policy recommendations, effective communication with stakeholders, and contribute to successful policy development and evaluation.

What Does an Entry-Level Policy Analyst Do?

As an entry-level policy analyst, you study and analyze how laws and regulations can affect public policy. A significant amount of these jobs involve working with the federal government. Your responsibilities include analyzing information surrounding laws and regulations, evaluating how they affect the public, and creating written presentations about your findings. Your duties may also include either writing or assessing a proposal for new laws and regulations.

What are entry level policy analysts?

Entry level policy analysts are professionals who assist in researching, evaluating, and developing policies for organizations, government agencies, or think tanks. They collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and help assess the effectiveness of current or proposed policies. Typically, these roles are suited for recent graduates and those with limited professional experience, offering opportunities to build expertise in policy research and analysis. Entry level policy analysts work under the supervision of senior analysts and may contribute to policy recommendations and briefings.

What is the difference between Entry Level Policy Analyst vs Policy Associate?

AspectEntry Level Policy AnalystPolicy Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related fieldBachelor's degree, often with some experience or internship in policy work
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOs, consulting firmsNonprofits, government offices, research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in public sector and policy researchUsed across similar sectors, often interchangeable with policy analyst roles
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for entry-level policy research rolesIndividuals exploring similar entry-level policy positions

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve policy research, analysis, and reporting. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers; 'Policy Associate' may sometimes imply a slightly broader or different organizational context, but both are entry-level roles focused on policy analysis and research.

What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Analyst jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Policy Analyst jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Policy Analyst jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Policy Analyst jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Policy Analyst jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Policy Analyst jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Policy Analyst jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Policy Analyst job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Policy Analyst job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,217 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Intelligence Analyst - Washington, DC

MSCCN

Washington, DC • On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description


PotomacWave is looking for an Intelligence Analyst to join our team supporting a Federal client in Washington, DC. The individual in this role will perform intelligence research support, analysis, and written production focusing on topics related to a core analytic mission area, depending upon the specific need of the office, such as nuclear or radiological issues, and/or energy security.
Responsibilities:
  • Developing, coordinating, and conducting all- source research and analysis to produce finished intelligence products for consumption by agency headquarters officials, field and laboratory experts, and the Intelligence Community.
  • Directly interface with senior officials and technical experts to produce customized intelligence products and briefings that draw upon analytic expertise and detailed knowledge of the global landscape.
  • Inquire with other agency representatives to obtain clarification on reporting, as necessary and coordinate on interagency products.
  • Directly interface with laboratory experts to develop technically sound and analytically rigorous assessments that draw upon the individual's expertise and external intelligence reporting.
  • Monitor intelligence and open source reporting for relevance to missions, providing initial assessments of reports in regards to established or developing threat streams.
  • Maintain situational awareness of developing global and national events, informing IN and the broader community of items of interest or concern.
  • Respond to incoming inquiries from within the agency and the broader intelligence communities regarding IN's equities.
  • Develop materials in support of briefings to senior personnel, as well as senior policy customers in the US government and the Intelligence Community.
  • Complete individual and team-based tasks from management in support of strategic missions, resulting in both draft and finished products.
  • Attend interagency working group meetings related to mission focus.

Qualifications:
  • A background and demonstrated experience in the analysis and evaluation of technical and scientific data or information.
  • Ability to internalize technical facts and reporting, spot issues, process data, develop well-reasoned and sophisticated intellectual arguments or conclusions, and clearly package or present these arguments orally and in writing.
  • Strong grasp of international affairs and global security issues.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with a proven ability to perform in an outstanding manner and deliver high-quality work products under tight deadlines.
  • The ability to write, peer-review, and present a variety of recurring and special reports, messages, briefings, and information papers.
  • Some proficiency working with large quantities of information and understanding of the basic science and concepts relevant to the analytic focus area.
  • Proficiency with automated data processing capabilities and their uses including Microsoft Office applications.
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university college with a major in a field relevant to the analytic focus area. Possession of a Master's Degree is a plus.
  • Minimum of two (2) years' experience proposing, researching, writing, and briefing all-source intelligence analyses on issues within the Intelligence Community, including demonstrated excellence at the entry-level in all-source analyses including relevant tradecraft.
  • The selection of an individual for this position may be conditioned upon his or her successful completion of a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.
  • Must have an active DOE Q or Top-Secret clearance.

Salary range $60,000 - $100,000
To apply for this position, please go to: https://potomacwaveconsulting.applytojob.com/apply/BHk6gq1zPp/Intelligence-Analyst?source=VetJobs
Equal Opportunity Employer/Race/Sex/Religion/Disability/Veteran Status/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Age.