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Policy Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pheaa

Policy Research Analyst

Harrisburg, PA · Hybrid

$71K/yr

... Directors, the General Assembly, other government agencies, and external stakeholders and ensure ... Business Process Analysis/Support Liaison between Research and Policy Analysis and other Agency ...

PHEAA

Policy Research Analyst

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$71K/yr

... Directors, the General Assembly, other government agencies, and external stakeholders and ensure ... Business Process Analysis/Support Liaison between Research and Policy Analysis and other Agency ...

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 ...

BioVid

Market Research Director

Bristol, PA · Remote

Salary: 130,000+ Market Research Director Since day one, BioVids formula for success has been ... This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring ...

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

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$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do policy research director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,320 per year, or $92 per hour.
Policy Research Associate

Policy Research Associate

SRI International

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview
QED-C®, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, seeks an intellectually sophisticated and analytically rigorous Policy Research Associate to develop and contribute to a portfolio of projects at the intersection of technology policy, scholarship, and practice. QED-C is an industry association with the mission to grow the quantum economy through community-building and collaboration. QED-C serves member organizations operating in more than 20 countries. CHECK OUT QED-C! The portfolio includes member-funded and externally funded research and policy initiatives. The Policy Research Associate will conduct research that informs policy, strategy, and decision-making on issues of interest to the quantum industry and will work a hybrid schedule from the SRI International office in Arlington, VA.
The Policy Research Associate, working closely with QED-C management and volunteer leadership in a dynamic research environment that values intellectual rigor, perspective on emerging challenges, and collaboration will apply sophisticated methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative techniques, to develop findings and recommendations and convey them in a variety of formats. Reports to the QED-C Deputy Director.
You will contribute to proposal efforts to promote the development and sustainability of QED-C's research portfolio.
Responsibilities
Success in this role requires intellectual versatility, methodological rigor, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for policymakers, sponsors, and other audiences.
  • Contribute substantively to the conception, development, and dissemination of research and policy analysis. Support a portfolio of projects by conducting rigorous inquiry, produce high-quality and persuasive written analyses, engage with stakeholders, and assist in the development and stewardship of externally funded research awards.
  • Lead the production of a wide range of research products, including policy briefs, technical reports, white papers, journal articles, presentations, sponsor deliverables, and executive-level briefing materials.
  • Undertakes original research on issues of strategic importance, including identifying and evaluating relevant sources, conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, monitoring developments in relevant policy and technology domains, and synthesizing findings and recommendations.
  • Exercise independent judgment in framing research questions, assessing evidence, and identifying implications for policy and practice.
  • Expected to produce near-final publication, presentation, and proposal drafts that require minimal rework.
  • Support interviews and convenings designed to advance research objectives and inform policy discussions, including preparing background materials, summarizing discussions, capturing key insights, and cultivating productive relationships with collaborators and sponsors.
  • Contribute to the development and sustainability of QED-C's research portfolio.
  • Assist with proposal development, conduct background research for funding opportunities, prepare supporting materials for sponsor engagement, and contribute to the articulation of future research directions. Will translate ambiguous needs into structured work plans, clear research questions, and appropriate methodologies. Will proactively communicate risks and recommend mitigations to QED-C management.
  • Will support the dissemination and public impact of the institution's work, including assisting with presentation, marketing, and outreach activities designed to extend the reach and influence of research findings. May represent the organization in professional settings.

Qualifications
  • Must submit a cover letter, and a list of publications that illustrate a history of relevant themes in academic, governmental, nonprofit, consulting, or industry settings. Can be submitted with the resume or as a separate attachment.
  • Master's degree in economics, science & technology studies, international relations, security studies, or related interdisciplinary fields bridging technology and policy.
  • Experience selecting and implementing quantitative and qualitative methods to answer policy questions.
  • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills to inform and persuade diverse audiences, including executives.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to QED-C and closely related meetings.
  • Ability to work a hybrid work schedule from the SRI office in Arlington, VA

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated interest in addressing real-world technology policy challenges and have familiarity with proposal development activities.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a project-based research environment characterized by multiple stakeholders and evolving priorities shaping independent analysis.
  • Experience employing quantitative analytical tools and methods, including statistical analysis, econometrics, data visualization, or computational research techniques.
  • Experience mentoring junior staff and coordinating contributions across multidisciplinary teams
  • Familiarity with policy analysis frameworks and applied research methodologies.

- Writing samples will be requested during the interview process.
The salary range is: $63,873-$84,636. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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