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Policy Analyst Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Systems Planning and Analysis

Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$115K - $145K/yr

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Policy Analyst. This is a full-time position seated at the client site at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. #KS Responsibilities The Senior Policy Analyst ...

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 client site at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. #KS Responsibilities The Senior Policy Analyst ...

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 client site at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. #KS Responsibilities The Senior Policy Analyst ...

Armada Ltd

Policy Analyst

Falls Church, VA · On-site

The Policy Analyst will coordinate with external stakeholders to include identifying and recruitment of local non-federal hospitals for National Disaster Medical System enrollment and participation

Armada Ltd

Policy Analyst

Falls Church, VA · On-site

The Policy Analyst will coordinate with external stakeholders to include identifying and recruitment of local non-federal hospitals for National Disaster Medical System enrollment and ...

Analytic Services Inc.

Policy Analyst

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$99 - $144/hr

Position Summary ANSER is seeking a Policy Analyst to support program analysis, acquisition planning, budgeting, and operational coordination activities for biometric systems and field support ...

Analytic Services Inc

Policy Analyst

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$99K - $144K/yr

Position Summary ANSER is seeking a Policy Analyst to support program analysis, acquisition planning, budgeting, and operational coordination activities for biometric systems and field support ...

Analytic Services Inc

Policy Analyst

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Position Summary ANSER is seeking a Policy Analyst to support program analysis, acquisition planning, budgeting, and operational coordination activities for biometric systems and field support ...

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 of Navy and Joint plans, programs, and policies. The analyst will be required to provide advice and ...

New

ManTech

Policy Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$119K - $199K/yr

The Policy Analyst advises, assists, leads, manages, and works all policy development, review, coordination, adjudication, promulgation, communication, and compliance in accordance with NGA's Policy ...

ManTech

Policy Analyst

Springfield, VA

$119K - $199K/yr

The Policy Analyst advises, assists, leads, manages, and works all policy development, review, coordination, adjudication, promulgation, communication, and compliance in accordance with NGA's Policy ...

ManTech

Policy Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$119K - $199K/yr

The Policy Analyst advises, assists, leads, manages, and works all policy development, review, coordination, adjudication, promulgation, communication, and compliance in accordance with NGA's Policy ...

ManTech International

Policy Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$119K - $199K/yr

The Policy Analyst advises, assists, leads, manages, and works all policy development, review, coordination, adjudication, promulgation, communication, and compliance in accordance with NGA's Policy ...

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Policy Analyst information

See Virginia salary details

$53K

$100.1K

$116K

How much do policy analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy analyst in Virginia is $100,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a policy analyst?

Policy analysts research and evaluate current or future public policies. They most often analyze the effectiveness or impact of political policies, such as those relating to immigration or the environment, and how they have or will affect constituents. Their responsibilities include collecting and interpreting data from various sources, like surveys, focus groups, or election results.

What does a policy analyst do?

A Policy Analyst researches, evaluates, and develops policies to address specific issues facing governments, organizations, or businesses. They collect and analyze data, assess the impact of existing or proposed policies, and provide recommendations based on their findings. Policy Analysts often prepare reports, briefings, and presentations to communicate their insights to stakeholders and decision-makers. Their work helps inform the creation of effective and evidence-based policies.

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

To thrive as a Policy Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and a relevant degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (like Excel or SPSS), policy modeling software, and experience with regulatory databases are typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex information make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for developing evidence-based recommendations and effectively communicating policy implications to stakeholders.

What are some common challenges policy analysts face when working with diverse stakeholders?

Policy Analysts often collaborate with stakeholders who have differing priorities, backgrounds, and values, which can lead to challenges in achieving consensus. Effectively communicating complex policy proposals in accessible language and balancing competing interests are essential skills. Additionally, Policy Analysts must remain objective and fact-based while navigating political sensitivities, which requires diplomacy and adaptability. Building strong relationships and understanding stakeholder perspectives are key to overcoming these challenges and developing effective policy recommendations.

What is the difference between Policy Analyst vs Policy Advisor?

AspectPolicy AnalystPolicy Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; often a master's is preferredBachelor's or master's in public policy, political science, or law; experience in policy development
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, analyzing data and policy options, often in government agencies or think tanksAdvising policymakers, communicating policy implications, often in government or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, research institutionsGovernment departments, consulting firms, advocacy groups

While both roles involve understanding and developing policies, Policy Analysts primarily focus on research and analysis, whereas Policy Advisors provide strategic advice and communicate policy recommendations to decision-makers.

How do you get a job as a policy analyst?

To become a policy analyst, typically a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field is required, with many roles preferring a master's degree. Relevant skills include research, data analysis, and strong communication, often supported by experience through internships or entry-level positions. Familiarity with policy research tools and a good understanding of government or organizational processes are also beneficial.

How much do policy analysts make in the US?

Policy analysts in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions generally start lower, while experienced analysts or those working in high-cost areas may earn higher compensation, often supplemented with benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Is policy analyst a hard job?

A policy analyst role involves analyzing and developing policies, which can be intellectually demanding and require strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills. The job often involves tight deadlines, detailed report writing, and staying updated on current issues, making it challenging for some individuals.
More about Policy Analyst jobs

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

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

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

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

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Cities in Virginia with the most Policy Analyst job openings:

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For Policy Analyst jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Policy Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Analyst 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 $100,083 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Policy Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

$115K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The SLA Analysis Group provides objective analyses, plans, and strategies to USN, USAF, Australian Defence, and DARPA clients to support acquisition, delivery, and sustainment decisions. Embedded within the group lies the core SPA thought leadership on Undersea Strategy, Software Development, and Cost Estimating with additional benchmark capabilities in AI/ML & Decision Analytics, Modeling and Simulation, and Future Force Assessments.

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Policy Analyst.  This is a full-time position seated at the client site at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. #KS

Responsibilities

The Senior Policy Analyst will support SPA's Navy Staff client in the development of Navy and Joint plans, programs, and policies. The analyst will be required to provide advice and analysis regarding inter-agency plans and policies, Navy plans on force employment and posture, how the Navy  will meet anticipated national security requirements, and Navy-wide coordination and integration with the Coast Guard and Marine Corps. He/she will employ multidisciplinary analysis to find objective and rigorous answers on these topics; draft, review, and analyze plans and policy documents; assist Navy Staff in responding to taskers and requests for information; and coordinate and participate in reviews and other meetings, developing information papers and briefings, wargaming support, coordination of off-site activities, facilitation of planning conferences, coordinating policy positions across Navy stakeholders, advocacy support for the development and coordination of N5 topics and related issues across DoD and DON. Additional activities include delivering presentations to senior leaders.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's degree from an accredited university in the field of military science, operations research, maritime policy,

    international relations, national security affairs, strategic studies of Government, or related fields; Project Management Professional is preferred

  • Ten (10) years or more of progressive DoD experience to include experience in Echelon 1 policy and planning; fluency in OSD and Naval organizations; familiarity with current U.S. Service, Joint and DoD Capstone Strategies and Policies; OPNAV documentation, editorial, analytic and research standards; prior OPNAV and/or SECNAV experience preferred
  • Previous experience working in OPNAV or comparable Navy staff roles, including familiarity with tasker process, action memos, and other workflows
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, the ability and willingness to multi-task, and capable of professionally addressing client questions and issues
  • Proficiency with the MS Office Suite of products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
  • Active DoD Secret clearance is required, and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Experience with Navy or Coast Guard policy, plans, and programs and service integration
Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $115,000.00/Yr. - USD $145,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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