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Policy Advocate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Child Care Aware

Policy Analyst

Richmond, VA · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Policy and advocacy work will be focused across systems that support young people in their homes, schools, and communities. Key Responsibilities: Job Duties: * Policy Leadership: Lead our policy work ...

New

Amazon

Manager, Public Policy

Arlington, VA · On-site

$136K - $166K/yr

They will develop and execute government affairs advocacy objectives and political priorities for Amazon related to employment and workforce policy at the state & local level. Understanding the big ...

Amazon

Manager, Public Policy

Arlington, VA · On-site

$136K - $166K/yr

Amazon is seeking a Manager, Public Policy to develop and execute the company's federal and state ... You will also coordinate advocacy work on these issues with consultants, trade associations, and ...

Amazon

Manager, Public Policy

Arlington, VA · On-site

$136K - $166K/yr

You will develop and execute government affairs advocacy objectives and political priorities related to employment and workforce policy at the federal level. Understanding the big picture, connecting ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $150K/yr

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Policy Analyst. This is a full-time position seated at the ... advocacy support for the development and coordination of N5 topics and related issues across DoD ...

Arenatechnologies

Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115 - $145/hr

Responsibilities The Senior Policy Analyst will support SPA's Navy Staff client in the development ... advocacy support for the development and coordination of N5 topics and related issues across DoD ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Policy Analyst. This is a full-time position seated at the ... advocacy support for the development and coordination of N5 topics and related issues across DoD ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Policy Analyst. This is a full-time position seated at the ... advocacy support for the development and coordination of N5 topics and related issues across DoD ...

Mobile Link

Sales Advocate (64425)

Bluefield, VA · On-site

Mobilelink - Sales Advocate With over 500 Cricket stores, Mobilelink is Cricket's largest ... Adhere to the Team Color policy while maintaining a neat and professional appearance. Working ...

Mobile Link

Sales Advocate (64326)

Bluefield, VA · On-site

$25K - $45K/yr

Our Sales Advocates have unlimited earning capacity with our lucrative commission plans. We will ... Adhere to the Team Color policy while maintaining a neat and professional appearance. Working ...

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All JobsPolicy Advocate JobsPolicy Advocate Jobs in Virginia

Policy Advocate information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$60.1K

$84.8K

How much do policy advocate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy advocate in Virginia is $60,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $68,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a policy advocate?

Policy Advocates are professionals who work to influence public policy and laws in order to bring about social, economic, or environmental change. They research issues, develop policy recommendations, and communicate with lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public to promote their causes. Policy Advocates may work for nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, think tanks, or government agencies. Their work often involves lobbying, coalition-building, public education, and analyzing the impact of existing or proposed policies.

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

To thrive as a Policy Advocate, you need a strong background in public policy, research, and communication, often supported by a relevant degree such as political science or public administration. Familiarity with legislative tracking tools, policy analysis software, and sometimes certifications in advocacy or lobbying are advantageous. Exceptional interpersonal skills, public speaking, and strategic networking set standout advocates apart. These abilities are crucial for effectively influencing policy decisions, building coalitions, and driving social or legislative change.

What are some common challenges policy advocates face when trying to influence legislation, and how can they overcome them?

Policy Advocates frequently encounter challenges such as navigating complex legislative processes, building consensus among diverse stakeholders, and addressing opposition from groups with competing interests. Success in this role often depends on strong communication and relationship-building skills, as well as a deep understanding of the policy landscape. Effective Policy Advocates stay informed, remain adaptable to shifting priorities, and collaborate closely with allies, legislators, and community organizations to advance their goals.

What is the difference between Policy Advocate vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy AdvocatePolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often in political science, law, or public policy; advocacy experienceBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; research skills
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, government agenciesGovernment agencies, think tanks, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by advocacy groups and nonprofits to influence policyUsed by government and research organizations to analyze policies

Policy Advocates focus on promoting and influencing policy changes through lobbying and public campaigns, while Policy Analysts conduct research and analyze policies to inform decision-making. Both roles require strong communication skills, but Policy Advocates are more engaged in advocacy efforts, whereas Policy Analysts emphasize data and policy evaluation.

Is public policy a high paying job?

Policy advocates can earn varying salaries depending on experience, location, and organization type. Entry-level positions typically pay modestly, while experienced professionals in government or large organizations can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and job stability.

What are popular job titles related to Policy Advocate jobs in Virginia?

For Policy Advocate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Policy Advocate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Advocate jobs in Virginia are:

Policy Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Advocate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,107 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Policy Analyst

Child Care Aware

Richmond, VA • On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Voices is hiring a Policy Analyst. The Policy Analyst will drive statewide, systems‑level change in one of our five core issue areas. Policy and advocacy work will be focused across systems that support young people in their homes, schools, and communities.

Key Responsibilities:

Job Duties:

  • Policy Leadership: Lead our policy work in domains related to child and youth wellbeing, working collaboratively with policy and engagement staff to create a multi‑disciplinary policy agenda. Provide policy analysis support to internal and external partners.
  • Community Relationship Building: Lead and participate in various coalitions within your focus area and serve as the main Voices liaison for partner organizations. Provide support and technical assistance to partner coalitions and state workgroups to mobilize change and create collective community impact. Work in partnership with the Director of Engagement and Virginia’s Youth in Action (VAYA) members to ensure that youth voice and lived expertise is centered in your policy recommendations.
  • Strategic Communications: Work with the Director of Communications on developing and executing communications that further advocacy objectives. These may include policy briefs, one‑pagers, blogs, etc. Conduct and participate in trainings and presentations on education and advocacy related to your issue area of focus.
  • Racial Equity: Promote racial equity across all dimensions of your work, ensuring that policies put forward are assessed for their impact on all races.

Required Qualifications:

  • Strong verbal and written communication: Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas. Confident and persuasive in public speaking.
  • Experienced lobbyist: Knowledge and understanding of the Virginia state legislative process and evidence‑based policy making with a minimum of 1 year’s experience working in state‑level policy advocacy.
  • Collaborator: Ability to build relationships with legislators, community members, partner organizations and other stakeholders. Able to work collaboratively with others with different backgrounds, beliefs, and values. Engages in conflict productively.
  • Ability to effectively analyze data and research to identify trends and inform policymaking.
  • Strong commitment to social, economic, and racial justice. Actively centers equity and inclusion and promotes equitable practice and solutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Highly organized, motivated, and detail‑oriented.
  • Knowledge and experience in the family economic security, health equity, youth mental health, and/or child welfare policy areas.
  • Experience with media/communications.
  • Experience with community engagement.

$60,000 – $70,000 / year

Benefits:

  • Excellent health insurance with fully covered health, dental, and vision employee premiums.
  • Access to health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
  • 30 days of PTO and 12 paid holidays, paid parental leave.
  • A retirement plan with 3% employer contributions (no required match).
  • Professional development stipend.
  • Monthly remote work stipend.
  • Flexible, hybrid work environment.
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