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Policy Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a Planning and Policy Officer to support a mission-focused team providing strategic planning, policy development, and operational support to a U.S. government ...

Parsons is seeking a highly talented Policy Officer to join our dynamic team! In this pivotal role, you will support the Office of Corporate Operations (DXC) by providing expert policy analysis and ...

Policy Officer - TS/SCI

Springfield, VA · On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

Parsons is seeking a highly talented Policy Officer to join our dynamic team! In this pivotal role, you will support the Office of Corporate Operations (DXC) by providing expert policy analysis and ...

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Policy Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$19.9K

$73.6K

$137.6K

How much do policy officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy officer in Virginia is $73,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,250.00 and $96,766.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a policy officer?

Policy Officers are professionals who research, analyze, and develop policies for organizations, government agencies, or non-profit groups. They work to ensure that policies align with organizational goals and comply with relevant laws and regulations. Policy Officers often liaise with stakeholders, draft policy documents, and evaluate the impact of existing or proposed policies. Their work helps guide decision-making and strategic planning within their organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a policy officer?

To thrive as a Policy Officer, you need strong research and analytical skills, a solid understanding of public policy frameworks, and typically a degree in political science, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, policy management software, and experience interpreting legislative documents are commonly required. Excellent written and verbal communication, stakeholder engagement, and critical thinking are crucial soft skills for influencing policy outcomes and building consensus. These skills ensure effective policy development, informed decision-making, and successful advocacy within government or organizational settings.

What are the main challenges policy officers face when balancing stakeholder interests?

Policy Officers often navigate complex stakeholder environments, where government priorities, public opinion, and organizational goals may not always align. One of the main challenges is synthesizing diverse perspectives and data into coherent policy recommendations while maintaining objectivity and transparency. Effective communication, negotiation skills, and adaptability are essential, as Policy Officers must regularly collaborate with senior management, external partners, and the public to ensure policy solutions are practical and broadly supported.

What is the difference between Policy Officer vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy OfficerPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; often some experience in government or NGOsBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, economics, or related field; research skills emphasized
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, think tanks; involved in policy development and stakeholder engagementResearch institutions, government departments, consulting firms; focused on analyzing and evaluating policies
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in public sector and non-profits to develop and implement policiesUsed across similar sectors for policy research, analysis, and recommendations

Policy Officers primarily develop and implement policies within government or organizations, often engaging with stakeholders. Policy Analysts focus on researching, analyzing, and evaluating policies to inform decision-making. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Policy Officers are more involved in policy execution, whereas Policy Analysts concentrate on analysis and recommendations.

Is policy officer a high paying job?

Policy officers typically earn salaries that are average or above average for government or organizational roles, with pay varying based on experience, location, and level of responsibility. While some positions offer competitive compensation, they are generally not considered among the highest-paying jobs, but benefits and job stability are often favorable.
Infographic showing various Policy Officer 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 $73,589 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Planning and Policy Officer

Peraton

Springfield, VA • On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 225 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities
Peraton is seeking a Planning and Policy Officer to support a mission-focused team providing strategic planning, policy development, and operational support to a U.S. government customer. This position supports a live and fully funded program, with anticipated availability for this in mid to late July 2026.
In this role, you will collaborate with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop clear, actionable policy guidance and planning documentation that supports continuity of operations, mission readiness, and organizational strategy. This position is well suited for professionals with experience in military operational planning, intelligence analysis, continuity planning, or government policy development who possess strong writing and analytical skills and are comfortable working in fast-paced mission environments.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain high-quality written products supporting customer planning and policy initiatives, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), concepts of operations (CONOPS), policy memoranda, strategic plans, and briefing materials.
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts and cross-organizational stakeholders to collect inputs, synthesize information, and produce clear, well-structured documentation aligned with customer priorities.
  • Support continuity of operations planning, emergency management initiatives, intelligence programs, and strategic policy development efforts.
  • Apply a clear, concise writing style using a Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) approach, ensuring products effectively address the who, what, where, when, why, and how of mission activities.
  • Coordinate document development and review cycles across multiple offices and organizations to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with customer perspectives.
  • Prepare briefing materials and written deliverables suitable for senior government leadership audiences.
  • Ensure all documentation adheres to customer standards for clarity, grammar, and professional presentation, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly technical language.
  • Assist in the development and refinement of organizational policies, operational plans, and strategic guidance supporting mission objectives.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with relevant Polygraph required.
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, History, International Affairs, or a related discipline.
    • Four (4) years of relevant military, civilian DoD/USG, or government contracting experience may be substituted for the degree.
  • Five (5) or more years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Military operational planning
    • Intelligence analysis
    • Continuity of operations planning
    • Emergency management
    • Government policy or strategy development
  • Demonstrated experience writing and reviewing SOPs, CONOPS, operational plans, strategies, or policy documents.
  • Proven ability to coordinate across multiple organizations and stakeholders to gather inputs and produce integrated documentation.
  • Strong written communication skills with demonstrated experience producing clear, concise, structured written products.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting Intelligence Community (IC) organizations.
  • Familiarity with continuity planning frameworks, emergency management doctrine, or national security policy processes.
  • Experience preparing briefings or written products for senior government leadership.
  • Military staff experience involving operational planning, policy development, or strategic documentation.

What You'll Bring to the Mission
Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to translate complex operational or policy topics into clear written guidance, collaborate effectively across organizations, and deliver polished written products that support decision-making at senior levels of government. This role requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while coordinating with a diverse team of mission stakeholders.
Peraton offers enhanced benefits to employees working on this critical National Security program, which includes heavily subsidized employee benefits coverage for you and your dependents, 25 days of PTO accrued annually up to a generous PTO cap and eligible to participate in an attractive bonus plan.
Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017