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Freelance Think Tank Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Groundwork Collaborative

Policy Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

You have experience in the progressive economic policymaking or data analysis community, such as for an economic policy research organization/think tank, legislative body or executive agency, or ...

Brennan Center for Justice

Assistant Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous ... As a vehicle for developing and disseminating original research and innovative reforms, they ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Development

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

... a top-tier think tank and join a dynamic team with a unique and highly successful fundraising model. The intern will assist with researching prospective donors, executing donor outreach ...

Valnet Inc.

Freelance Tech Writer (Smart Home)

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

$20.50 - $26.25/hr

Write original, well-researched smart home feature articles * Pitch timely, practical story ideas ... Links to previously published work We will get back to you as soon as possible if we think you'd ...

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Freelance Think Tank Researcher information

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How much do freelance think tank researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance think tank researcher in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do freelance think tank researchers typically manage collaboration and communication with multiple clients or teams?

Freelance Think Tank Researchers often work with several organizations or project teams simultaneously, requiring strong communication and project management skills. They use tools like email, video conferencing, and collaborative platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Slack) to stay aligned with clients’ expectations, share findings, and receive feedback. Regular check-ins and clear documentation help ensure that research objectives and deadlines are met. Adapting to the preferred communication style of each client is key for building trust and maintaining productive partnerships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance think tank researcher?

To thrive as a Freelance Think Tank Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, advanced research skills, and expertise in a relevant field, typically supported by a relevant degree such as political science or economics. Familiarity with data analysis tools, academic databases, and reference management software is often required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and time management skills help you deliver insightful, impactful research independently. These skills ensure the production of high-quality, evidence-based reports that inform policy and decision-making.

What is the difference between Freelance Think Tank Researcher vs Policy Analyst?

AspectFreelance Think Tank ResearcherPolicy Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees in political science, economics, or related fieldsUsually holds a master's or higher in public policy, political science, or economics
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, often remoteOften employed by government agencies, think tanks, or NGOs, with more structured hours
Employer & Industry UsageWorks with multiple think tanks, NGOs, or as an independent consultantEmployed by government, research institutes, or policy organizations
Search & Comparison IntentInterested in independent research, consulting, or project-based workFocused on policy development, analysis, and recommendations

While both roles involve research and policy analysis, Freelance Think Tank Researchers typically work independently on diverse projects, whereas Policy Analysts are often employed by organizations with a focus on developing and advising on policies within structured environments.

What is a freelance think tank researcher?

Freelance think tank researchers are independent professionals who conduct research, analysis, and policy recommendations for think tanks on a contract or project basis. They often work with multiple organizations, contributing expertise in areas such as economics, social policy, international relations, or technology. Their work includes gathering data, writing reports, and presenting findings that help inform public policy or organizational strategy. This role typically requires strong analytical skills, subject-matter knowledge, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
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Freelance Think Tank Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Think Tank Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Managing Editor, Think Global Health

Council on Foreign Relations

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
CFR's David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country's largest foreign policy think tanks with a widely respected and influential research staff. The Studies Program's aim is to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.
Think Global Health (TGH) is a CFR-sponsored online magazine that examines the ways that health shapes economies, societies, and everyday lives around the world. In its first five years of operation, the site published more than 1,500 articles from nearly 1,400 authors, representing 115 countries on six continents, and has attracted 10 million page views. TGH analysis has been nominated for two Webby awards and cited and linked over 1,000 times, including by The Atlantic, BBC, New York Times, and the Washington Post; US congressional committees, foreign ministries, and the World Health Organization; and retweeted by thousands of people, including prominent figures and experts. TGH leads all Council newsletters in subscriber growth and is the most subscribed newsletter published by CFR's David Rockefeller Studies Program.
CFR is seeking a Managing Editor who is passionate and deeply knowledgeable about global health and international affairs. Reporting to the Director of the Global Health Program, the Managing Editor will be responsible for managing the magazine's operations and staff, including writing, soliciting, and editing content, coordinating the work of contributors, and promoting the site and its content.
This full-time position is based in CFR's New York City or Washington, DC, office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR's remote working schedule is subject to change.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
  • Oversee the Think Global Heath website and the daily work of its staff.
  • Manage a small Think Global Health team, including managing performance and fostering professional development.
  • Oversee the solicitation of contributors, plan and approve assignments for writers and editors.
  • Oversee the editing and preparation of content for the site and its weekly newsletter, including editing copy.
  • Write on emerging global health issues for the site and conduct interviews of leading policymakers, front-line health workers, and other experts in the field.
  • Oversee administrative functions for the site, including freelancer budget and contracts, advertising, and analytics.
  • Maintain and updating, as needed, the procedures for editing, verifying facts, ensuring TGH contributors adhere to deadlines and style guidelines.
  • Oversee TGH content strategy and the posting of articles on CFR's content management system to create, build, publish, and tag site content.
  • Oversee the use of photography databases to select photographs to accompany articles and coordinate data visualizations for the site.
  • Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelors degree or higher

Experience
  • At least eight years' experience in global health, science, or international affairs journalism
  • Experience with digital publishing, social media, and multimedia editing
  • Proven history of successful people management experience, including managing performance and supporting professional development.

Related Skills & Other Requirements
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills
  • A demonstrated knowledge of and a passion for global health and international affairs
  • Familiarity with content management systems, HTML, Illustrator, Adobe Premiere, and Figma. Wordpress experience preferred
  • Prior work with data visualization, particularly Datawrapper experience, preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to manage projects in a deadline driven environment
  • Entrepreneurial self-starter with proven ability to work with small groups and senior staff, and on projects spanning different time zones and cultural contexts

Required Application Materials
  • Please submit a rĂ©sumĂ© and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

Compensation and Benefits
  • The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000, depending on experience.
  • In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

About CFR
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States' role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.

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