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Policy Advisor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior ERISA Advisor

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$151K/yr

Technical Qualification 1: Expert Knowledge of ERISA and Employee Benefits Policy Demonstrated ... and advise senior executives on agency-wide strategies, priorities, regulatory initiatives ...

Policy Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... external advisors. * Prepare materials for coalition meetings, legislative visits, regulatory ... Support executive leadership with policy briefings and decision memorandam Preferred Qualifications

Policy Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$110K - $120K/yr

... external advisors. * Prepare materials for coalition meetings, legislative visits, regulatory ... Support executive leadership with policy briefings and decision memorandam Requirements * Currently ...

Policy Manager

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$110K - $120K/yr

... external advisors. * Prepare materials for coalition meetings, legislative visits, regulatory ... Support executive leadership with policy briefings and decision memorandam Requirements * Currently ...

Policy Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$110K - $120K/yr

... external advisors. * Prepare materials for coalition meetings, legislative visits, regulatory ... Support executive leadership with policy briefings and decision memorandam Requirements * Currently ...

Policy Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... external advisors. * Prepare materials for coalition meetings, legislative visits, regulatory ... Support executive leadership with policy briefings and decision memorandam * Currently in the final ...

New

POLICY COORDINATOR

Chicago, IL

$111K - $120K/yr

Policy Manager Department/Program: Programs Organizational Context: Forefront is one of few ... their advisors. Members are its primary customers. Within the context of the mission, Forefront ...

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Showing results 1-20

Policy Advisor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.4K

$108K

$161.3K

How much do policy advisor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy advisor in Chicago, IL is $107,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a policy advisor?

Policy advisors research and analyze the policies in a specific field. As a policy advisor, your job duties involve reviewing current policies, developing more effective strategies, and communicating these changes to those in charge. Policy advisors often work for schools, medical facilities, and government agencies. Positions are also available as political policy analysts with the federal government, political think tanks, and private firms. Your exact job responsibilities as a policy advisor vary greatly depending on your field and specific employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a policy advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Advisor, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of public policy, and typically a relevant degree such as in political science, public administration, or law. Familiarity with data analysis tools, legislative tracking systems, and policy research databases is important to conduct thorough evaluations. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder management are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are vital for effectively shaping policy recommendations, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring policies are evidence-based and impactful.

How does a policy advisor typically collaborate with various stakeholders when developing new policies?

Policy Advisors frequently work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, subject matter experts, advocacy groups, and community representatives. Effective collaboration involves conducting consultations, facilitating meetings, and synthesizing feedback to ensure policies are both practical and broadly supported. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, as Policy Advisors must balance differing interests while maintaining alignment with organizational objectives. This collaborative approach is crucial for creating well-informed and implementable policy recommendations.

What is the difference between Policy Advisor vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy AdvisorPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; often advanced degrees preferredBachelor's or master's in public policy, political science, economics, or related areas
Work EnvironmentAdvises government officials or organizations, often in office settings, attending meetings and briefingsResearch-focused, analyzing data and policy options, working in offices or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, think tanks, consulting firmsGovernment departments, research organizations, think tanks, consulting firms

While both Policy Advisors and Policy Analysts work within the policy field, Policy Advisors primarily provide strategic advice and recommendations to decision-makers, whereas Policy Analysts focus on researching, analyzing, and evaluating policy options. The roles often overlap, but Advisors tend to have more direct influence on policy development and implementation.

What education is needed to be a policy advisor?

A policy advisor typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, law, economics, or a related field. Many roles prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical, communication, and research skills. Relevant experience and knowledge of government processes or policy analysis are also important.

What is the typical policy advisor salary?

The salary for a policy advisor typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior policy advisors or those in specialized fields may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Advisor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Policy Advisor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Policy Advisor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Policy Advisor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Policy Advisor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,999 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Principal Business Economist/Regional Policy Advisor

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

CompanyFederal Reserve Bank of ChicagoThe Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is one of 12 Reserve Banks that, along with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., constitute the Federal Reserve System, which was established by Congress in 1913.
The fundamental mission of the Federal Reserve System is to foster the stability, integrity and efficiency of the nation's monetary, financial and payment systems and to promote optimal economic performance.
To this end, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago serves the public interest by participating in the formulation and implementation of national monetary policy; supervising and regulating state member banks, bank holding companies and foreign bank branches; providing financial services to depository institutions, designated financial market utilities, and the U.S. government; and promoting consumer protection and community development.
The Chicago Fed serves the Seventh Federal Reserve District, a five-state region comprising all of Iowa and most of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
As a Regional Policy Advisor and senior member of a collegial team, you will play a critical leadership role in supporting monetary policy and outreach by gathering and sharing information about the regional economy and its key sub-geographies and sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, and industrial cities. You will serve as a recognized expert on regional economic conditions and sector-specific trends, providing strategic insights that inform monetary policy decisions. You will work with policy professionals across the Chicago and Detroit offices, leading high-level engagement with different constituents, representing the Bank at major conferences and events, and mentoring junior team members in economic analysis and outreach activities.
This position applies advanced knowledge of regional economics, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and deep expertise in at least one key District industry or geography. The incumbent works independently with minimal supervision and provides guidance to less experienced team members. This position may have project leadership responsibilities but does not have direct reports.

Your Responsibilities

  • Gathers timely economic intelligence through planning and facilitating economic roundtables (the team conducts approximately 32 per year), contributing to survey programs including the quarterly Agricultural Land Values and Credit Conditions Survey and monthly Chicago Fed Survey of Economic Conditions (CFSEC), and conducting strategic calls, emails, and site visits with senior business leaders and key constituents across the district to deepen understanding of economic trends and build senior-level contacts

  • Participates in our Advisory Council activities, including meeting facilitation, member engagement, and contributing to the application process for new members

  • Contributes to preparation of the Seventh District's section of the Beige Book, the Federal Reserve's report on anecdotal information regarding current economic conditions, by synthesizing anecdotal information from roundtables and surveys, and coordinating with other Reserve Banks

  • Prepares contact engagement summaries and sector-specific analysis (such as automotive or agriculture updates) for FOMC preparation materials

  • Delivers economic outlook presentations on national and regional topics at conferences, industry events, and community forums

  • Serves as a subject matter expert on a sector of the regional economy such as manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, or real estate or a local area such as Detroit or Chicago

  • Contributes to planning and execution of conferences

  • Conducts research on topics relevant to the district economy with goal of publishing in specialized outlets and Chicago Fed publications and contributing regional economic content to the Chicago Fed website

  • Supports travel by Bank senior leadership by contributing ideas for engagement opportunities, preparing briefing documents on local economic conditions, and participating in visits as needed

  • Mentors junior team members on economic analysis and engagement

Your Background

  • Graduate training in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or related field preferred

  • Minimum five years of experience in economic research, analysis, public policy, or related field

  • Demonstrated expertise in regional economic analysis, with specialization in one or more key sectors (manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, regional development) or geographies

  • Proven track record of sharing written analysis in professional outlets

  • Advanced knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, economic survey design and analysis, and proficiency with statistical software

  • Strong understanding of the US economy, monetary policy, and the Federal Reserve System

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex economic information to diverse audiences including senior business leaders, policymakers, and the public

  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with external parties including business leaders, government officials, and other constituents.

  • Advanced project management and strategic planning capabilities

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously

  • Experience with or interest in agricultural sectors, including crop production, dairy, livestock, or rural economies a plus

What we Offer

  • Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, 401k savings plan, retirement plan, paid time off, transit benefit, onsite gym and subsidized cafeteria

  • A learning environment with opportunities to gain new skills and grow your career

  • Unique opportunity to contribute to monetary policy and work on issues of national and regional economic importance

  • The Chicago Fed offers benefits to support overall health and financial security. Learn more about our benefits here: https://www.chicagofed.org/careers/thebenefits

Additional Requirements:

  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

  • This position hasadditionalscreening requirements due to the information accessed while performing the job. Theseadditionalscreenings would beinitiatedat the time of offer acceptance and can take approximately two months to be completed. The screening covers areas such as education/employment verification, criminal history, credit history, and reaches out to your references and people that know you well.

  • As a condition of employment, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago employees must comply with the Bank's ethics rules, which generally prohibit employees, their spouses/domestic partners, and minor children from owning securities, such as stock, of banks or savings associations or their affiliates, such as bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies. If you or your spouse/domestic partner or minor child own such securities and would not be willing or able to divest them if you accepted an offer of Bank employment, you should raise this issue with the recruiter for this posting, whocanprovide you contact information for our ethics official if necessary.

  • This documentindicatesthe general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualificationsrequired ofemployees assigned to this job. An employee's responsibilities, tasks, and duties might differ from those outlined in the job description, and other duties, as assigned, are a part of the job. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reserves the right tomodifythe elements of this job description, as business needs require.

The expected starting salary range for the position of Principal Business Economist is between $196,700 and $232,700 annually in addition to annual performance-based discretionary bonuses. Final salary and offer will be determined based on the applicant's relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographic and other market data.

The expected starting salary range for the position of Regional Policy Advisor is between $213,900 and $253,000 annually in addition to annual performance-based discretionary bonuses. Final salary and offer will be determined based on the applicant's relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographic and other market data.

The Chicago Fed offers benefits to support overall health and financial security. Learn more about our benefits here:https://www.chicagofed.org/careers/thebenefits

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.

Full Time / Part TimeFull timeRegular / TemporaryRegularJob Exempt (Yes / No)YesJob CategoryEconomics/Research Family GroupWork ShiftFirst (United States of America)

The Federal Reserve Banks are committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and job applicants in compliance with applicable law and to an environment where employees are valued for their differences.

Always verify and apply to jobs on Federal Reserve System Careers (https://rb.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/FRS) or through verified Federal Reserve Bank social media channels.

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