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Policy Research Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The University of Chicago

Research, Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22.66 - $29.33/hr

... associate to manage research activities, Research topics focus on the development of social ... policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research ...

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Policy Research Associate information

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$33

$48

How much do policy research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for policy research associate in Chicago, IL is $33.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.02 and $38.17 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 Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Policy Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Policy Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,155 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Research Associate, Public Markets

Marquette Associates

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Marquette was founded in 1986 with the sole objective of providing investment consulting at the highest caliber of service. Our expertise is grounded in our commitment to client service - our team aims to be a trusted partner and as fiduciaries, our clients' interests and objectives are at the center of everything we do. Our approach brings together the real-world experience of our people and our dedication to creativity and critical thinking in order to empower our clients to meet their goals.

The role of the Research Associate is to support the efforts of asset class research and manager due diligence. The duties include, but are not limited to, building investment manager searches, scheduling and taking minutes for regular Research meetings, collecting and analyzing data, attending investment manager meetings, and assisting research analysts with their responsibilities.

The Research Associate is expected to work with all members of the Research team on both manager and capital markets research across the public equities and public fixed income asset classes. The position requires the Research Associate to be organized, a good communicator, a team player, and possess a strong quantitative skillset.

Responsibilities:
  • Assist Research team members with generating reports and collecting data from eVestment, Bloomberg, FactSet, Pitchbook, and MSCI Private Capital
  • Assemble client education material
  • Write reports/analysis on investment managers for internal and client use
  • Analyze overall market factors influencing the asset classes
  • Write position and research papers on the asset classes
  • Organize weekly agendas for Traditional IMC meetings and take and distribute meeting minutes each week
  • Work with asset class leads to build client-ready manager search deliverables
  • Track weekly Research team meeting schedules
  • Develop deep expertise regarding the firm's proprietary database, "the Hub"
  • Assist the Marketing team with manager data related to pitches, RFPs, and other information requests
  • Maintain quarterly benchmark characteristics
  • Serve as a resource for consultants
Competencies for Success/Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 1-5 years investment related experience in the financial service sector
  • Strong attention to detail and highly organized with ability to work independently to meet deadlines
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and react to change positively
  • Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office; ability to quickly learn new software applications
  • Critical thinking skills, a self-starter with excellent follow-up abilities
  • Professional communication and interpersonal skills

$65,000 - $100,000 a year

The starting salary offer will vary based on the applicant's education, experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, internal equity, and alignment with market data. This position is also eligible to participate in the annual incentive plan, which includes a target bonus of 10-12% of base salary.

BENEFITS WE OFFER:

Top tier healthcare coverage

100% paid premium for disability and employee life insurance coverage

Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA options

Company 401K contribution

Hybrid work policy

Paid time off & 15+ holidays

Summer hours

Enhanced employee assistance program

Volunteer opportunities

Tuition and education reimbursement

Company-wide events

Marquette Associates is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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