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Entry Level Public Policy Analyst Jobs in Riverside, CA

Policy Analyst

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$30K/yr

Together, we have recognized the urgency and importance to the County of changing public policy to ... The Commission is seeking a Policy Analyst to assist with tracking and analysis of housing programs ...

Policy Analyst

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$30K/yr

Together, we have recognized the urgency and importance to the County of changing public policy to ... The Commission is seeking a Policy Analyst to assist with tracking and analysis of housing programs ...

... entry level to advanced level financial, budgetary, project management, administrative, and policy ... Public relations principles; Analytical methods; Report writing techniques. Thorough knowledge of ...

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Entry Level Public Policy Analyst information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$39.1K

$102.5K

$151.3K

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level public policy analyst in Riverside, CA is $102,465.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $137,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 Does an Entry-Level Public Policy Analyst Do?

The job duties of an entry-level public policy analyst involve collecting data, performing research, and analyzing issues related to public policy. In this career, you work as part of a team or under the supervision of a senior analyst while you gain experience. You study the effectiveness of regulations on various social issues and make recommendations about various subjects, such as crime prevention or social programs. An entry-level analyst often performs field work. You may survey community members, collect data from various sources, summarize or analyze it, and help your team or managers make recommendations based on the findings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy Analyst jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Public Policy Analyst jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Public Policy Analyst jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Public Policy Analyst jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Public Policy Analyst jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Public Policy Analyst jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Public Policy Analyst jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Public Policy Analyst job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Policy Analyst job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $102,465 per year, or $49.3 per hour.
Policy Analyst

Policy Analyst

The Kennedy Commission

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$30K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: The Kennedy Commission is seeking a full-time Policy Analyst. A qualified candidate will be an individual who has an understanding of Orange County community housing needs and how policy solutions can create opportunities and equity.

The Kennedy Commission advocates for systemic change, which will result in the increase of safe and affordable housing opportunities for families earning less than $30,000 annually in Orange County. The Kennedy Commission began in 2001 to address issues of inequity in housing costs in Orange County. The Commission collaborates with representatives from community development-related entities, public entities, health care, interested individuals, government, private and not-for-profit community organizations. Together, we have recognized the urgency and importance to the County of changing public policy to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods and increase new affordable housing opportunities for low-income families.

The Kennedy Commission develops, promotes, and implements innovative housing and community development policies, practices, and partnerships to create new affordable and healthy housing opportunities lower income families in Orange County. The Commission is seeking a Policy Analyst to assist with tracking and analysis of housing programs, policy and data. Our works aims to increase affordable housing options and improve equity and quality of life in low-income neighborhoods. Issues range from affordable housing, community development, equity in public investment, and community participation in land use and planning, among others. Our work will help mitigate community inequities and disparate impacts and work to encourage systemic change in policies and programs to improve the lives of low-income families.

Position Description:

Under supervision of the Executive Director, the Policy Analyst works in a team environment to provide technical assistance, policy analysis, and research on housing policy as it relates to affordable housing, equitable planning, and land use. This may include:

ยท Analyze, develop, and evaluate housing, community development policies, programs and issues.

ยท Independently compile, analyze, and organize data and other information on policies, programs, and other related topics.

ยท Provide technical assistance, talking points, presentations, and guidance to governmental partners and the public.

ยท Identify and recommend organizational improvements.

ยท Conduct public outreach and stakeholder engagement to a variety of audiences.

ยท Interaction with other policy knowledge areas, including, but not limited to land-use related issues, homelessness, and state and local housing planning and land use.

ยท Develop effective partnerships with community residents, leaders, housing providers, local government officials and others.

ยท Organize community forums, focus groups and surveys that identify potential housing and community equity issues and solutions.

ยท Recruit and develop the skills of community leaders; identifying as leaders, those residents who motivate and involve other members of the community.

ยท Assist community leaders in developing relationships with community agencies and institutions, which can help them, meet the community needs.

ยท Assist community leaders in developing events, which bring the community together and develop relationships among residents.

ยท Encourage public support for land use policy reform that addressing community planning inequities.

ยท Perform grant reporting requirements.

ยท Participate in the Commissionโ€™s organizational development and other project work as appropriate. Other duties may be required.

Company Description

The Kennedy Commission is a community-based non-profit that works with residents and community organizations to increase the production of homes affordable to lower income households in Orange County. Originally convened as an all-volunteer organization, the Kennedy Commission was formed in 2001 and named in honor of Ralph Kennedy, a pioneer for the homeless, affordable homes and human rights advocacy in Orange County.
The Kennedy Commission develops housing solutions that affirm the dignity of families with very low- and extremely low-incomes and unites communities across Orange County to development homes affordable to all.