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Entry Level Public Policy Analyst Jobs in Virginia

NABCA

Public Policy Research Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Public Policy team is responsible for policy research and analysis on public policy, public health and public safety issues that are foundational to NABCA's mission. The intern will perform ...

OBAN Corporation

Policy Analyst (Jr.)

Vienna, VA · On-site

Job Title: Policy Analyst (Jr.) Disclaimer: This position is being recruited in support of ... Strong public presentation skills. * Provides editorial and content feedback. * Evaluates policy ...

OBAN Corporation

Policy Analyst (Jr.)

Vienna, VA · On-site

Job Title: Policy Analyst (Jr.) Disclaimer: This position is being recruited in support of ... Strong public presentation skills. * Provides editorial and content feedback. * Evaluates policy ...

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All JobsPublic Policy Analyst JobsEntry Level Public Policy Analyst JobsEntry Level Public Policy Analyst Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Public Policy Analyst information

See Virginia salary details

$37.2K

$97.4K

$143.8K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level public policy analyst in Virginia is $97,373.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,400.00 and $130,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level public policy analyst do?

An Entry Level Public Policy Analyst assists in researching, evaluating, and developing public policies for government agencies, non-profits, or private organizations. Their duties typically include gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports, and helping to assess the potential impacts of policy proposals. They often work under more experienced analysts, contributing to policy recommendations and supporting advocacy or legislative efforts. Strong analytical, research, and communication skills are important in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level public policy analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Public Policy Analyst, you need strong research, analytical, and writing skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools such as Excel, SPSS, or Stata, as well as experience with policy databases and legislative tracking systems, is often required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking help you synthesize information and present findings clearly to stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for producing impactful policy recommendations and supporting informed decision-making in the public sector.

What types of projects and daily tasks can an entry level public policy analyst expect to be involved with?

As an Entry Level Public Policy Analyst, you will typically assist with researching current policies, analyzing data, drafting reports, and preparing presentations for senior analysts or stakeholders. You may also help track legislative developments, attend meetings with policymakers, and contribute to policy recommendations. Collaboration is common, with frequent opportunities to work alongside senior analysts, subject matter experts, and external partners. This role offers broad exposure to different policy areas and can provide a strong foundation for growth into more specialized or senior positions.

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

AspectEntry Level Public Policy AnalystPolicy Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related fieldBachelor's degree; some roles prefer related internships or coursework
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOs, research institutionsNonprofits, advocacy groups, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in public sector and policy research organizationsUsed across advocacy, nonprofit, and policy research sectors

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve research, policy analysis, and report writing. While the Public Policy Analyst often focuses on analyzing and developing policy recommendations, the Policy Associate may assist with research, outreach, and supporting policy projects. Both positions serve similar industries and environments, with slight differences in responsibilities and focus areas.

How hard is it to get a job as an entry level public policy analyst?

Securing an entry level public policy analyst position can be competitive, often requiring a relevant bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. Strong research, analytical skills, and familiarity with policy analysis tools can improve chances, but competition varies based on location and economic conditions.
More about Entry Level Public Policy Analyst jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia?

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For Entry Level Public Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Entry Level Public Policy Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Policy Analyst job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,373 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Public Policy and Comment Analysis Specialist (Hybrid role, Reston, VA)

Reston, VA • Hybrid

ICF
Business Management Consulting • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about ICFexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

PUBLIC POLICY & COMMENT ANALYSIS SPECIALIST

Are you interested in assisting Federal agencies by analyzing public feedback on current and emerging federal policy issues and regulatory programs? Do you want to apply your education and experience to help government agencies improve the way they develop and implement regulations, policies, and programs? Our Regulatory, Policy and Economics (RPE) portfolio has over 30 years of experience supporting the design, implementation, and improvement of federal programs and is seeking an experienced public policy analyst and comment analysis project contributor/manager to join them.

Join our multidisciplinary team of regulatory specialists, policy analysts, economists, and attorneys. We combine legal, policy, economic, and scientific research and analysis to solve unique public policy challenges through innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services. Our dynamic work environment involves working on multiple projects simultaneously and providing a wide range of support services for a variety of federal clients.

This full-time position is available immediately and primarily located in Reston, VA (i.e., in the DC Metro area) with flexibility for telework considered.

Job Responsibilities:

The Public Policy and Comment Analysis Specialist will be focused primarily on the review, processing, and analysis of public comments on highly scrutinized and often controversial public policy topics. The Public Policy and Comment Analysis Specialist will contribute to and assist in directing teams of ICF staff on individual tasks and whole projects associated with comment analysis support for Federal regulatory initiatives. This position will also interact directly with federal agency clients to understand their goals and objectives for each project, confirm and clarify client direction, and to ensure that ICF's analysis and deliverables meet a high level of quality. Duties also include contributing to federal rulemaking documents, policy papers, and technical background documents, as well as technical writing and editing, report production, and assist in managing discrete tasks and small teams of staff to work toward a milestone or deliverable. The Public Policy and Comment Analysis Specialist will work within and help manage interdisciplinary teams supporting federal government client agencies that develop and implement regulatory programs affecting public health, the environment, energy, homeland security and immigration, labor and workforce issues, transportation, and other national priorities.

What you will do:

  • Support federal agency efforts to transparently analyze public comments received on proposed agency rules and initiatives
  • Provide advice to clients relating to the analysis, processing, and management of public feedback received on agency initiatives
  • Participate in short- and long-term engagements to support federal clients whose responsibilities are to develop policies and craft regulations that implement a desired policy, explain the rationale of the rulemaking to interested parties, and implement the regulatory requirements
  • Perform detailed quality control reviews of draft deliverables prior to submittal to clients
  • Assist agencies in drafting, editing, and formatting federal rulemaking documents
  • Provide day-to-day technical direction to project staff
  • Immerse oneself rapidly in varied projects for multiple clients
  • Assist in managing project/task teams and develop and monitor project budgets and schedules
  • Assist in managing day-to-day client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and working to develop long-term client relationships
  • Drafting reports and presentations

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree (in Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field).
  • Minimum 3 years of related work experience in a government agency, professional services firm, or related environment; OR
  • Master's degree (in Public Policy or a related field) or equivalent (e.g., JD, MPA) plus a minimum of 2 years of related work experience in a government agency, professional services firm, or related environment.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and experience providing comment analysis support for federal agency rulemakings and initiatives.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required per federal contracts.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a moderate-level government security clearance.

Professional skills we are looking for:

  • 1+ years of experience working on comment analysis projects related to federal regulatory programs and issues.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, time management, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects under strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and collaborative approach.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Experience providing day to day oversight of individuals or teams.

#Indeed

#LI-CC1

#RPEJBS


Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contactCandidateaccommodation@icf.comfor assistance.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$60,967.00 - $103,643.00Reston, VA (VA30)

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