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$53.5K

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How much do environmental policy research jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental policy research in the United States is $100,949.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Policy Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Policy Researcher, you need a strong background in environmental science, policy analysis, and research methodologies, often supported by an advanced degree in environmental studies, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as R or SPSS), GIS systems, and experience interpreting regulatory frameworks are typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help researchers effectively convey findings and influence policy decisions. These competencies are vital for producing credible research that shapes sustainable policies and addresses complex environmental challenges.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in Environmental Policy Research roles?

One of the most common challenges in Environmental Policy Research is balancing scientific rigor with the need for timely policy recommendations. Researchers often work with incomplete or evolving data while policymakers require actionable insights on tight deadlines. Additionally, translating complex research findings into clear, accessible language for diverse stakeholders can be demanding. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams—including scientists, government officials, and advocacy groups—is essential, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

What is environmental policy research?

Environmental policy research involves studying and analyzing laws, regulations, and policies that impact the environment. Researchers in this field assess the effectiveness of existing environmental policies, explore potential improvements, and provide recommendations to policymakers. Their work often includes collecting data, evaluating environmental impacts, and collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, or academic institutions. The goal is to inform decision-making that promotes sustainable environmental management and protection.

What is the difference between Environmental Policy Research vs Environmental Analyst?

AspectEnvironmental Policy ResearchEnvironmental Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in environmental policy, public policy, or related fieldsOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, analysis, or related areas
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, think tanksGovernment agencies, consulting firms, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for developing policies, analyzing legislation, and strategic planningUsed for data collection, environmental assessments, and reporting

Environmental Policy Research focuses on analyzing and developing policies to address environmental issues, often involving in-depth research and policy analysis. Environmental Analysts typically conduct assessments, collect data, and support environmental compliance. While both roles require knowledge of environmental issues, Policy Researchers are more involved in strategic policy development, whereas Analysts focus on data-driven environmental evaluations.

More about Environmental Policy Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Environmental Policy Research jobs? Cities with the most Environmental Policy Research job openings:
What states have the most Environmental Policy Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Environmental Policy Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Policy Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Policy Research jobs are:
Environmental Policy Research jobs near you

Director of Global Policy & Research

OpenMined

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Other

PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Director of Global Policy & Research leads OpenMined's work at the intersection of frontier AI, data governance, and the public interest.

You will own three things:

  • Research direction. Set OpenMined's research agenda on the most consequential questions in frontier AI, particularly data availability, access, and governance, and ensure our work shapes how policymakers, civil society, and industry think about them.
  • Policy positions. Develop and communicate substantive policy proposals on data access, privacy-preserving AI, and adjacent issues, ensuring AI systems and their interactions with data are transparent, competitive, and rights-respecting.
  • Engineering alignment. Work closely with OpenMined's engineering leadership to identify where our protocols can be deployed in the public interest, and ensure the data networks we build and support are operated for public benefit.

This is a management role where you will lead a team, build OpenMined's external profile in policy circles, and contribute to organizational strategy. This role reports to the VP of Growth & Impact.

Responsibilities
  • Direct OpenMined's policy and research agenda, aligning it with engineering goals and organizational priorities
  • Spend meaningful time with engineering leadership to ground policy work in what OpenMined is building, and identify opportunities where our protocols can serve public-interest outcomes
  • Lead and manage members of the policy and research team
  • Develop and publicly communicate policy positions on priority topics, including data access and privacy-preserving AI
  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, civil society organizations, standards bodies, and adjacent networks across the world
  • Represent OpenMined in select external venues, including policymaker convenings and major AI governance forums

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years demonstrated experience leading policy and/or research work at the intersection of AI, data governance, and public interest, ideally at a frontier AI lab governance team, an AI-focused think tank, a regulator, or comparable organization
  • Minimum 2 years of experience managing a small team
  • Track record of publishing thought-leading work that has shaped policy debates or public understanding
  • Existing professional relationships with policymakers, civil society, or standards bodies, and the credibility to build them in others
  • Strong technical literacy; comfortable engaging directly with engineering teams on cryptography, machine learning, and PETs, and translating that substance for policy audiences
  • Excellent written communication
  • Comfort operating in a startup environment with ambiguity and broad scope
  • Comfort traveling to the US and other policy hubs on average once a month

About OpenMined

At OpenMined, we are dedicated to building a world where everyone can access the full potential of data to drive meaningful societal change while ensuring privacy and ethical stewardship. As a nonprofit, our mission is to create the first public network for non-public information: a secure, open-source ecosystem where individuals, institutions, and governments can collaborate on critical insights without compromising privacy. We envision a future where privacy-enhanced tools empower people to make informed decisions for the greater good.

Since our founding in 2017, OpenMined has grown into a thriving, fully distributed global community of open-source contributors, engineers, researchers, and policy experts. Our collaborations with leading organizations like the United Nations, Microsoft, Anthropic, Reddit, Twitter, and Dailymotion underscore our commitment to innovation and impact. If you're passionate about privacy, open-source technology, and building tools that shape a more ethical and connected future, we invite you to join our mission.

Benefits

  • US Healthcare Benefits: We offer healthcare benefits for employees located in the United States
  • Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, focused on social impact rather than profit, offering the chance to make a meaningful difference in the world.
  • Open Source Contribution: Make a real impact by contributing to an Open Source project that benefits a broad community.
  • Collaborative Global Team: Join a dynamic, international team that values collaboration and diversity.
  • Flexible Work Hours: Enjoy the autonomy to structure your work hours around what best fits your life and productivity.
  • Fully Remote Work: Work from anywhere in the world-no office or commute required.
  • Results-Driven Culture: Thrive in an environment that values efficiency and results over bureaucracy.
  • Flexible Paid Time Off: Take the time you need with flexible vacation days, alongside recognition of local national holidays.
  • Competitive Compensation: Receive competitive pay, with equity in salary across different regions.

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