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Entry Level Public Policy Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Public Relations - Account Executive

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$60K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry level and new team members Requirements Skills & Qualifications Required * Undergraduate ... This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring ...

Public Relations - Account Executive

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$60K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry level and new team members Requirements Skills & Qualifications Required * Undergraduate ... This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring ...

Public Relations - Account Executive

Falls Church, VA

$60K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... entry level and new team members Requirements Skills & Qualifications Required * Undergraduate ... This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring ...

Jr. Process Improvement Consultant

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... this Entry Level role will support important activities that contribute to the growth of our ... Public Policy, Government, International Studies, Accounting, Finance, Business, IT, Computer ...

Jr. Process Improvement Consultant

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... this Entry Level role will support important activities that contribute to the growth of our ... Public Policy, Government, International Studies, Accounting, Finance, Business, IT, Computer ...

Jr. Process Improvement Consultant

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... this Entry Level role will support important activities that contribute to the growth of our ... Public Policy, Government, International Studies, Accounting, Finance, Business, IT, Computer ...

Federal Strategy Consultant 2027

Herndon, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... entry-level positions. You'll receive a status update email for each application, so be sure to ... Business Administration / Management or Public Policy * Organizational Development & Change ...

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Entry Level Public Policy information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$75.7K

$113.5K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level public policy in Virginia is $75,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $87,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level public policy job?

Entry level public policy jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of public policy, often recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These roles typically involve supporting policy research, data analysis, advocacy, and administrative tasks within government agencies, think tanks, non-profits, or consulting firms. Common job titles include policy analyst, legislative assistant, research assistant, or program coordinator. These positions provide foundational experience and exposure to the policy-making process, helping individuals build the skills and knowledge needed for advancement in the field.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level public policy professional?

As an entry-level public policy professional, you can expect to support research, draft policy briefs, and help analyze legislative proposals. Your daily work may include gathering and synthesizing data, monitoring policy developments, preparing reports, and assisting with stakeholder communications. You'll often collaborate with team members such as analysts, senior policy advisors, and external partners to contribute to broader policy initiatives. This role provides a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the policy-making process while developing your analytical and communication skills.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Public Policy professional, you need strong research, analytical, and written communication skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, data visualization software, and legislative tracking systems is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively help individuals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively evaluating policy impacts, communicating findings, and supporting the development of evidence-based policy recommendations.

How to become an entry level public policy analyst with no experience?

To become an entry-level public policy analyst with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant bachelor's degree such as political science, public administration, or economics. Gaining skills in research, data analysis, and policy writing through internships, volunteer work, or coursework can improve your prospects; familiarity with tools like Excel or statistical software is also beneficial.

How to begin a career in entry level public policy?

Starting a career in entry level public policy typically involves earning a relevant degree such as political science, public administration, or economics, and gaining experience through internships or volunteer work with government agencies, nonprofits, or advocacy groups. Developing skills in research, analysis, and communication, as well as familiarity with policy tools and data analysis software, can improve job prospects.

Is it hard to get into entry level public policy?

Entry level public policy positions often require a relevant bachelor's degree, strong research and communication skills, and internships or volunteer experience. Competition can be high, but building a solid understanding of policy analysis and networking can improve chances of entry.

What careers can you do with entry level public policy?

Entry level public policy roles typically lead to careers such as policy analyst, government affairs coordinator, legislative assistant, or research associate. These positions often involve research, data analysis, and stakeholder communication, and may require skills in policy writing, critical thinking, and familiarity with policy tools or databases.

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

The most popular types of Public Policy jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Public Policy jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Public Policy job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Public Policy job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,704 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Public Relations - Account Executive

Pinkston

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$60K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Account Executives at Pinkston regularly interact with members of the press and clients, coordinating interviews and facilitating meetings in addition to building a track record of media placements. Primary responsibilities include securing media coverage and developing written materials for clients. Account Executives remain updated on current events and news as they create unique opportunities for their clients within the news cycle.

Additional Details

  • Status: Exempt Salaried
  • Work Location: Falls Church, Virginia
  • Travel: 0-5%
  • Salary Range: $60k - $67k

Role Responsibilities (Pitching/writing, media intel, client relations)

  • Pitch stories to media contacts by email, social media and phone
  • Coordinate with team to draft and edit written materials, including press releases and strategic communication plans
  • Absorb and build a credible understanding of media outlets and audiences
  • Identify creative placement opportunities for media coverage and communicate to clients
  • Establish and develop working relationships with media contacts
  • Identify relevant topics for clients within the news cycle
  • Assist with the onboarding and development of entry level and new team members

Requirements

Skills & Qualifications

Required

  • Undergraduate degree or relevant experience in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field
  • 1-2 years of relevant communications and/or public relations experience
  • Possesses strong research, interpersonal, writing and editing skills
  • Adapts to change, meets deadlines and is able to prioritize client deliverables
  • Alignment with Pinkston’s guiding principles

Preferred

  • Public speaking experience

Culture

  • Possesses a sense of persistency in all tasks; seeks to push through challenges and ensure excellence in deliverables
  • Commitment to excellence and drive to exceed expectations
  • Seeks to see broader story of client work and understand how individual work contributes to a greater narrative
  • Possesses a collaborative spirit, values teamwork and has strong ability to give and receive feedback and instruction
  • Awareness of how actions impact internal organization and external stakeholders

Who We Are
Pinkston is a full-service branding, marketing, and communications agency offering integrated public relations, creative, digital, and research services to transform companies and organizations. As an outcome-driven agency, Pinkston is committed to delivering customized, strategic solutions that drive real-world impact.

Benefits

Pinkston offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes company-sponsored health, dental, and vision plans accompanied by employer-funded life insurance, HRA, and short-term disability plan. Optional long-term disability and additional Life Insurance are also available. Pinkston provides a 401k retirement plan and contributes to each employee’s retirement annually regardless of employee participation.

At Pinkston, we believe great things happen when people come together and are committed to building a collaborative in-person work environment. Pinkston is also committed to a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexibility through an innovative hybrid work model that gives team members the opportunity to work from home 30% of the time. Pinkston provides generous holiday and vacation policies, paid parental leave, and an additional week of paid “volunteer time off” to encourage employees to invest time in a 501C non-profit of their choice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pinkston is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Pinkston makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.