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Entry Level Political Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Analyst I

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking entry level college graduates to start their career in the Intelligence ... Political Science, Government Affairs or International Affairs preferred but not required OR three ...

Overview VTG is seeking entry level college graduates to start their career in the Intelligence ... Political Science, Government Affairs or International Affairs preferred but not required OR three ...

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Entry Level Political Scientist information

See salary details

$20.5K

$42.5K

$92K

How much do entry level political scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level political scientist in the United States is $42,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25,000.00 and $45,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level political scientist do?

An entry level political scientist typically assists in researching political systems, policies, and trends by gathering and analyzing data, conducting surveys, and preparing reports. They often support more senior researchers or analysts, help monitor current events, and contribute to policy recommendations. These roles are usually found in government agencies, think tanks, research organizations, or academic institutions, and may involve tasks like literature reviews, data entry, and drafting presentations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Political Scientist vs Research Assistant in Political Science?

AspectEntry Level Political ScientistResearch Assistant in Political Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Political Science or related field; some roles prefer a master'sBachelor's degree in Political Science or related field; often an entry requirement
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOs, research institutionsUniversities, research projects, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in policy analysis, research, and advocacy rolesSupports research projects, data collection, and analysis

Both roles typically require a background in political science and involve research and analysis. An Entry Level Political Scientist often has broader responsibilities, including policy development and analysis, while a Research Assistant focuses on supporting specific research projects. Both are common starting points in the political science field, with overlapping skills and work environments.

What types of projects and research assignments can an entry-level political scientist expect to work on?

As an entry-level political scientist, you will often assist senior researchers with data collection, literature reviews, and statistical analysis on topics like policy evaluation, voting behavior, or public opinion trends. You may contribute to drafting reports, preparing presentations, and summarizing findings for stakeholders or publication. Collaboration with team members is common, and you'll gain exposure to different areas of political science while developing analytical and communication skills. These foundational experiences can open pathways for advancement into specialized research or policy advisory roles.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Political Scientist, you need a strong background in political science or a related field, typically demonstrated by a bachelor's or master's degree and solid research and analytical skills. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), database management, and data visualization tools is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively are valuable soft skills. These competencies enable political scientists to conduct rigorous research, interpret data accurately, and present findings to inform policy decisions or academic discourse.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Political Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Political Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Political Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Political Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Political Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Political Scientist jobs include:
Program Associate, Democracy Initiatives

Program Associate, Democracy Initiatives

Brennan Center for Justice

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$56K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.  
Position Overview:
The Brennan Center seeks a Program Associate to join the Center’s Democracy Initiatives team, which launches and runs cutting-edge projects to defend and improve American democracy. Our current projects focus on two major issues: combating abuses of presidential power; and countering originalism and misuses of history in constitutional law, often in collaboration with the Brennan Center’s Historians Council on the Constitution. 
The Program Associate will be responsible for performing administrative, research, and operational duties that are central to our team’s ability to achieve our key goals. This individual will report to the Director of Democracy Initiatives and will work under the supervision of, and in collaboration with, other senior and mid-level program staff. This is a full-time position.
Individuals who have experience with history, political science, or related disciplines and an interest in pursuing a law degree might particularly excel in this role.
 

Note: This is an in-person position based at our headquarters in New York City.


Responsibilities:  

  • Provide research, writing, fact-checking, and proofreading assistance to support preparation of articles, speeches, reports, op-eds, blog posts, and other organizational materials, with opportunities for named authorship. 
  • Collect and synthesize information and assist in drafting outlines, memos, talking points and presentations, correspondence, and other communications. 
  • Provide administrative, logistics, and project management support for external events, meetings, and convenings. Organize internal meetings, including calendaring, distributing reference materials, timekeeping, note-taking, and following up with next steps. 
  • Manage scheduling, expense reports and invoices, travel arrangements, and team events and logistics. 
  • Work with key internal stakeholders including attorneys, communications and development professionals, and other program associates.  
  • Take on special projects and other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications:  
  • A bachelor’s degree (Because this is an entry-level position, we will not consider lawyers)
  • Preference for 1-2 years’ work experience
  • An undergraduate or graduate background in history, political science, or related disciplines is a bonus
  • A passion for defending and improving our democracy
  • Exceptional writing, research, and analytical skills 
  • Excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, keen attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines  
  • Event planning or project management experience
  • A high-level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and judgment  
  • Openness to receiving and implementing feedback, and to accepting strategic direction from organizational management 
  • Comfort with taking initiative 


We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application.    
If you're uncertain about meeting 100% of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  
Compensation and Benefits: 
This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $56,000 - $69,500 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from undergraduate school. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks. 

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320. 


Applications:
To apply visit <> and upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter explaining your interest in this role specifically, (2) resume, (3) two writing samples (up to 10 pages), and (4) contact information for three references. If applicable, include Internet hyperlinks to authored writing samples. Applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis and decisions will be made as soon as appropriate candidates are identified.
Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Program Associate, Democracy Initiatives” in the subject line, after registering in the online system. 
Compensation and Benefits: 
The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.  
This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $56,000 - $69,500 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from undergraduate school. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.   
In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.  

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

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