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Policy Research Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Policy Advisor

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85K/yr

The Policy Advisor supports DSA's public policy, advocacy, and economic development priorities by ... Manage consultants, research projects, contracts, and grant-funded initiatives related to advocacy ...

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Policy Research Consultant information

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$23

$39

$56

How much do policy research consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for policy research consultant in the United States is $39.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.01 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a policy research consultant do?

A Policy Research Consultant analyzes policies and legislation, conducts research on social, economic, or political issues, and provides recommendations to organizations or government bodies. They gather and interpret data, evaluate policy impacts, and prepare reports or presentations to support decision-making. Their work helps clients develop informed strategies, improve existing policies, or advocate for new policy initiatives.

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

To thrive as a Policy Research Consultant, you need strong analytical skills, expertise in policy analysis, and a relevant degree such as public policy, political science, or economics. Familiarity with data analysis software, statistical tools, and literature review databases is commonly required, along with experience drafting policy briefs or reports. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement abilities distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are vital for delivering evidence-based recommendations that influence effective policy decisions and drive organizational objectives.

What are the most common challenges faced by policy research consultants when working with diverse stakeholders?

Policy Research Consultants often collaborate with stakeholders who have differing priorities, perspectives, and levels of expertise. One common challenge is ensuring that research findings are communicated clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Additionally, balancing the needs of multiple clients while maintaining objectivity and methodological rigor can be demanding. Effective consultants use strong interpersonal and project management skills to navigate these complexities and build consensus around policy recommendations.

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

AspectPolicy Research ConsultantPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields; research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, government agencies, NGOsGovernment departments, think tanks, research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations seeking external expertise for policy researchUsed internally within government or organizations analyzing policies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsComparing job functions and career paths

The main difference is that a Policy Research Consultant typically provides external research expertise on a project basis, often working with multiple clients or organizations. In contrast, a Policy Analyst usually works internally within government or organizations to analyze and develop policies. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and research skills, but their work settings and responsibilities differ.

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What job categories do people searching Policy Research Consultant jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Research Consultant jobs are:

Infographic showing various Policy Research Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,905 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

$109K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 99 rated public transport


Job description

Metro's mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County. Description Provides advanced policy, administrative, and process research and analysis to senior management and plans and manages the overall operation of the Dorothy Peyton Gray Transportation Research Library and the Transportation Museum. Recruitment Timelines: Interviews are projected to be scheduled for the week of September 7, 2025.

These dates are subject to change. We encourage you to monitor your governmentjobs.com profile and emails for the latest updates. Examples of Duties Develops, plans, and manages the overall activities of Metro's Dorothy Peyton Gray Research Library and Archive Maintains extensive collection development resources and selects appropriate documents to ensure materials are up-to-date and readily available for library and archive patrons Coordinates and facilitates the development and maintenance of the Library, Archive, and Museum on-line catalog and its accessibility to staff and the public via the Internet Develops and maintains library website, including a bibliography of transit industry research, current event articles, and new publications acquired by the library Supervises the subscription and maintenance of serial publications, interlibrary loans, and a highly specialized online cataloging procedure Prepares special research projects requested by executive management Prepares, reviews, and edits complex research projects, Board reports, presentations, proposals, budget and variance reports, statistical analysis, and technical information Acts on behalf of the Executive Office in the absence of the Deputy Executive Officer, Policy, Research, and Library Services in leading Metro's s monthly Board agenda process Assists in formulating policy and procedure recommendations for Board of Directors and senior leadership Represents Metro Public Transportation Services Corporation (PTSC) and participates in meetings of the American Library Association, Special Library Association, and Los Angeles based cultural institutions Establishes policymaking, planning, and organizing guidelines of library and museum activities and staff Leads, plans, designs, and maintains the Dorothy Peyton Gray Transportation Research Library and Museum in coordination with Metro Departments, architectural staff, and design consultants Develops, implements, evaluates, and supervises the museum's on-going educational program to enhance public access and understanding of the transit collection Plans and implements the on-going activities of acquiring, preserving, researching, interpreting, and exhibiting a newly acquired collection of historical materials relating to Los Angeles area transit Oversees the museum grant budget to ensure compliance with federal regulations and develops on-going expenditure plans for resources Monitors contractual obligations of consultants to ensure compliance with policy guidelines during refurbishment of a facility to display historic artifact exhibits Designs, develops, and supervises the implementation of a web-based cataloging program that includes a complete description of artifacts, photographs, and rare materials Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees May be required to perform other related job duties Minimum Qualifications A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position

Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes: Education Master's Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution Experience Six years of relevant experience or three years of relevant supervisory-level experience as a Librarian or a combination of experience as a Research Analyst, Web Master, Records Manager, Archivist, Historian, Cataloguer, Curator, Knowledge Manager, Database Manager, Public Arts Officer, or Planner Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions Preferred Qualifications Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position.

PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected. The following are the preferred qualifications: Experience managing and developing a multi-disciplinary research collection of contemporary and archival resources in print, digital and data formats for both employees and public use.

Experience leading a team to develop and facilitate library and archives online access computer systems, databases, and social media. Experience managing library and archive research services and patron outreach programs to foster transportation information literacy. Experience managing and monitoring library budgets, including developing expenditure plans, tracking expenditures, and ensuring compliance with applicable financial requirements and policies.

Essential Knowledge Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks) Theories, principles, and practices of public administration, public policy development and transportation planning and/or information management Standard and specialized reference and bibliographic sources Library of Congress classification system, Anglo American Cataloging Rules (AACR2), Resource Description and Access (RDA), and On-Line Computer Library Center (OCLC) cataloging system Research theories, principles, and techniques Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing policies, trends, and developments affecting the provision of urban mass transit Modern management theory and practice Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things) Overseeing the operations of a research library, archive, and museum Developing and making available the computerized library and information systems via the web Classifying and cataloging library, archive and museum materials Conducting technical reference and bibliographic research Researching and analyzing information from on-line information source retrieval systems Communicating effectively orally and in writing Interacting professionally with and performing high-level research on behalf of the Board of Directors, their respective staffs, senior management, various levels of Metro employees, elected officials and outside representatives Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result) Manage grant funded research service, archives, and/or museum improvement projects Handle sensitive material as well as valuable and irreplaceable artifacts and ephemera Analyze and handle complex issues critical to achieving agency goals and objectives Understand, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements Make financial decisions within a budget Represent Metro before the public Manage, train, and motivate assigned staff, interns, consultants, and volunteer staff Read, write, speak, and understand English Special Conditions This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out Working Conditions Typical office situation Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen Physical Effort Required Sitting at a desk or table Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions Communicating through speech in the English language required (EH) Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro's Equal Employment Opportunity Program. Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with Fair Chance hiring practices.

Selection Procedure Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. Application Procedure To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application. Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro locations: METRO Headquarters, Employment Office One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA 90012 Open: Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm (Closed Sat & Sun) Metro Talent Hub 8501 S

Evermont Place Los Angeles, CA 90044 Open: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm (Closed Sat & Sun) East Los Angeles Customer Center 4501 B Whittier Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90022 Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm (Closed Sun & Mon) Wilshire/Vermont Customer Center 3183 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 174 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Open: Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm (Closed Sat & Sun) Rosa Parks Customer Center Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station 11720 Wilmington Ave Los Angeles, CA 90059 Open: Monday through Friday, 6am to 6:30pm (Closed Sat & Sun) Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro. All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date

Late applications will not be considered. *Open to the public and all Metro employees This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.


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