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Policy Research Associate Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Becton, Dickinson and Company

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Policy Research Associate information

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$13

$27

$39

How much do policy research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for policy research associate in Georgia is $27.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a policy research associate do?

A Policy Research Associate is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and presenting data and information related to public policies. They support policy development by conducting research on social, economic, or political issues, evaluating policy impacts, and preparing reports or briefs for stakeholders. Their work helps organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups make informed decisions and craft effective policies. They often collaborate with experts, attend policy meetings, and stay updated on relevant legislation or trends.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a policy research associate?

To thrive as a Policy Research Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a relevant degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Experience with data analysis tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or Stata), and policy databases is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for this position. These skills are essential for producing accurate, influential policy analyses and supporting informed decision-making in government or nonprofit organizations.

What are common challenges policy research associates face when working on multiple projects?

Policy Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, each with different deadlines, stakeholders, and areas of focus. Managing competing priorities and adapting to shifting policy landscapes can be challenging, especially when new research requests arise unexpectedly. Successful associates develop strong time-management and organizational skills, regularly communicate with team members, and remain flexible to adjust their workload as project needs evolve. Collaboration and clear documentation also help ensure research quality is maintained across all assignments.

What is the difference between Policy Research Associate vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy Research AssociatePolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; some roles prefer master'sBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in think tanks, NGOs, or government agenciesAnalysis and policy development, often in government, think tanks, or advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in research organizations, NGOs, government agenciesWidely used in government, think tanks, and policy consulting firms

Policy Research Associates primarily focus on gathering and analyzing data to support policy development, while Policy Analysts interpret data to recommend specific policy actions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their core functions differ in emphasis on research versus analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Research jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Policy Research jobs in Georgia are:

What are popular job titles related to Policy Research Associate jobs in Georgia?

For Policy Research Associate jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Policy Research Associate jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Research Associate jobs in Georgia are:

Policy Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research Associate job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,152 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Public Policy Research Manager

Atlanta, GA

K.L. Scott & Associates
Business Management Consulting • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about K.L. Scott & Associatesexternal

$114K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Position Summary

The Public Policy Research Manager oversees the firm's research function. You will set the research agenda, lead the teams that execute it, and make sure every study KLSA puts its name on is methodologically sound, defensible, and useful to the people who have to act on it.

The objective of KLSA public policy research is to assess the impacts of public policy on community outcomes and deliver clear recommendations to policymakers and government leaders. You are accountable for that objective across the firm.

This is a hands-on leadership and tactical role. You will design studies, supervise analysts, review deliverables, brief clients, and represent KLSA's research capability in front of federal program offices, evaluation stakeholders, and proposal teams.

Key ResponsibilitiesResearch Leadership and Strategy
  • Set the firm-wide research agenda in alignment with KLSA's advisory practice and client portfolio
  • Design and direct policy research studies, program evaluations, and impact assessments across multiple concurrent engagements
  • Select and defend appropriate methodologies, including experimental, quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, and qualitative designs
  • Translate findings into recommendations that policymakers and agency leaders can act on, not just read
  • Establish and maintain firm research standards, protocols, and quality controls
Team and Practice Management
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop research staff, analysts, and subject matter consultants
  • Assign and balance workloads across teams and engagements; own delivery schedules and research budgets
  • Build the firm's research bench through hiring, subcontractor relationships, and academic partnerships
  • Serve as the firm's technical authority on research design and analytic rigor
Client and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as principal research point of contact for client agencies and program offices
  • Brief senior government officials, advisory boards, and community stakeholders on findings and implications
  • Author and present technical reports, evaluation plans, policy briefs, white papers, and executive summaries
  • Facilitate stakeholder sessions, working groups, and data collection activities with community partners
Growth and Capture Support
  • Support proposal development by writing technical approaches, evaluation plans, and past performance narratives
  • Contribute to KLSA thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, and public commentary
Quality and Compliance
  • Ensure research activities comply with federal requirements, including IRB protocols, human subjects protections, data privacy standards, and applicable OMB evidence-building guidance
  • Maintain research documentation consistent with KLSA's ISO 9001:2015 quality management system
  • Own data integrity, reproducibility, and audit readiness across all research products
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in a social science discipline (public policy, public administration, economics, sociology, political science, education, psychology, or a closely related field) or an equivalent combination of advanced education and demonstrated research leadership
  • 7–10 years of progressive experience conducting and directing applied policy research or program evaluation
  • Demonstrated experience leading research teams and managing multiple concurrent studies to deadline and budget
  • Expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods, including causal inference, survey design, sampling, and analysis of administrative and secondary data
  • Proficiency with at least one major statistical package (R, Stata, SAS, SPSS, or Python)
  • Track record of producing publication-quality technical reports and briefing senior decision-makers
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to move between technical and executive audiences
  • U.S. work authorization; ability to pass a federal background investigation
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting federal, state, or local government clients under contract
  • Familiarity with federal evaluation policy, the Evidence Act, and OMB evaluation and evidence guidance
  • Experience with proposal development and technical volume writing in a government contracting environment
  • Peer-reviewed publications or recognized policy briefs in a relevant domain
  • Experience with community-based or participatory research and stakeholder engagement
  • Working knowledge of data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) and geospatial analysis
  • Active or prior federal security clearance
Benefits: 
  • Competitive salary
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K
  • "Discretionary" PTO
  • Professional development opportunities
  • A dynamic and collaborative work environment
Working Environment: 

If you are a results-driven professional and have the above qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this position.  Join our team and contribute to our continued growth and success.  To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. 

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