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Policy Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National University System

ENLACES Research Director

$79K - $120K/yr

Analyze data to generate evidence that can influence policy and practice * Write research reports ... Direct supervisory of grant specialists, graduate students, data analysts, and research assistants ...

OneOncology

Clinical Research Director

Charlotte, NC · On-site

Position Name: Clinical Research Director Reports to: Operations Manager FLSA Status: Exempt ... Develops and implements SOPs, policies, and process improvements for research operations. Supports ...

BioVid

Market Research Director

Bristol, PA · On-site

$130K/yr

Market Research Director Since day one, BioVid's formula for success has been driven by a ... This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring ...

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Policy Research Director information

See salary details

$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do policy research director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy research director in the United States is $191,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $229,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPolicy Research DirectorPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; extensive experience in policy researchBachelor's or Master's degree in similar fields; entry to mid-level experience in policy analysis
Work EnvironmentLeads research teams, manages projects, and collaborates with senior stakeholdersConducts research, analyzes policies, and prepares reports under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government agencies, think tanks, and large NGOs for leadership rolesCommon in government, research institutes, and advocacy groups for analytical roles

The Policy Research Director typically oversees research projects, manages teams, and sets strategic policy directions, requiring more experience and leadership skills. In contrast, the Policy Analyst focuses on conducting research, analyzing policies, and preparing reports. Both roles are essential in policy development but differ mainly in scope, responsibility, and seniority.

More about Policy Research Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Policy Research Director jobs? Cities with the most Policy Research Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Research jobs? The most popular types of Policy Research jobs are:
What states have the most Policy Research Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Policy Research Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Policy Research Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Research Director jobs are:
Policy Research Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research Director job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.

Policy & Research Advisory Committee

Education Justice Project

Champaign, IL • On-site

$25/hr

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Education Justice Project (EJP) is a unit of the College of Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a comprehensive college-in-prison program. The mission of EJP is to build a model college-in-prison program that demonstrates the positive effects of higher education on incarcerated students, their families, the communities to which they return, the host institution, and society as a whole. To accomplish this mission, EJP developed several programs and initiatives, including a Policy & Research Division.
The mission of EJP's Policy & Research Division is to educate and equip relevant stakeholders with knowledge, skills, and confidence to produce research and practice civic engagement that promotes equity-focused and evidence-based policymaking related to higher education in prison, reentry, and other relevant issues. We work to challenge the dominant narrative around incarceration, mitigate the impacts of incarceration, support the creation of more humane and just responses to harm and violence, and allow college-in-prison programs to flourish only as long as prisons exist.
In order to ground our policy and research work in the experiences of system-impacted people, we are recruiting a committee of advisors who have experience with policy work and higher education in prison. Advisors will provide guidance to the Policy & Research Team, drawing upon their lived expertise. They are also encouraged to participate in internal and external events that align with EJP's policy & research work.
This is a paid consultant position. Compensation is $25/hour, up to $2,500/year and committee members are expected to commit 8 to 10 hours per month. Advisory committee members will serve a 2-year term.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Advise the EJP policy & research director in relation to specific projects and initiatives, including but not limited to:
    • feedback on policy & research division SMART goals
    • guidance on policy agenda and strategy
    • input on specific legislation and policies
  • Provide other consultation and technical assistance as requested regarding the division's work
  • Attend quarterly advisory committee meetings, monthly team meetings, and ad hoc meetings as needed;

Required Qualifications
  • Familiarity with Illinois' criminal legal systems and policies, especially as it relates to higher education in prison and reentry;
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and organizational skills;
  • Proven dependability and reliability;
  • Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and evidence-based policy

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior involvement in a prison education program within the Illinois Department of Corrections;
  • Experience serving as a consultant or advisor.

Apply by April 30, 2026 for priority consideration. To apply, please complete the application by clicking on the blue 'Apply for This Job' button in the top right corner.

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