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Policy Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prosperity Now

Director of Applied Research & Policy

$112K - $163K/yr

Position Summary The Director of Applied Research & Policy leads Prosperity Now's enterprise research agenda, ensuring the organization produces rigorous, nonpartisan, evidence-informed research that ...

BioVid

Market Research Director

Bristol, PA

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 ...

City of New York

Policy Director, Housing

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$129K - $158K/yr

The Policy Director for Housing will lead the Comptroller's housing policy and oversight agenda ... Key Responsibilities - Lead the Office's policy research and oversight on housing affordability ...

City of New York

Policy Director, Housing

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$129K - $158K/yr

The Policy Director for Housing will lead the Comptroller's housing policy and oversight agenda ... Key Responsibilities - Lead the Office's policy research and oversight on housing affordability ...

City of New York

Policy Director, Housing

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The Policy Director for Housing will lead the Comptroller's housing policy and oversight agenda ... Key Responsibilities -Lead the Office's policy research and oversight on housing affordability ...

Alliance to Save Energy

Director, Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $131K/yr

Ensure that all policy research produced and deployed by the Alliance, including statistics and legislative impact analysis, are correct and well-documented. Active Efficiency * Work with senior ...

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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 25, 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.
Director of Applied Research & Policy

Director of Applied Research & Policy

Prosperity Now

Remote

$112K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Since 1979, Prosperity Now has been a trusted leader in strengthening financial security, expanding access to capital, and ensuring economic stability for businesses, families, and communities. We work across sectors to develop practical, scalable solutions that create lasting change through innovation, strategic investment, collaboration, and evidence-informed action.
Position Summary
The Director of Applied Research & Policy leads Prosperity Now's enterprise research agenda, ensuring the organization produces rigorous, nonpartisan, evidence-informed research that identifies practical solutions to strengthen financial well-being, expand opportunity, and improve economic prosperity. Reporting to the Chief Programs Officer, the Director establishes research priorities, oversees applied research projects, supervises the Applied Research & Policy Associate and future Research Scientist, and translates complex economic and social science evidence into actionable insights that inform program design, policy development, strategic partnerships, and organizational decision-making.
Unlike traditional academic or advocacy-focused research, Prosperity Now's applied research emphasizes objective analysis, methodological rigor, and practical application. The Director ensures the organization evaluates what works, why it works, and how research can inform more effective public policy, stronger markets, and scalable solutions.
Responsibilities:
Research Strategy & Enterprise Leadership
  • Develop and lead the enterprise applied research agenda aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Establish research priorities, methodologies, quality standards, and publication schedules.
  • Lead flagship initiatives including the State of Prosperity research portfolio.
  • Advise executive leadership on economic, demographic, and policy trends.

Applied Research & Evidence Generation
  • Direct quantitative and qualitative research on financial well-being, wealth-building, entrepreneurship, housing, tax opportunity, and family financial health.
  • Ensure methodological rigor using appropriate economic and mixed-methods research.
  • Evaluate policies, markets, and interventions using objective evidence.
  • Oversee production of reports, briefs, dashboards, and research publications.

Policy Analysis & Solution Development
  • Translate research findings into practical policy options and implementation strategies.
  • Assess feasibility, tradeoffs, and expected outcomes of proposed solutions.
  • Partner with Programs and Public Policy to ensure research informs organizational priorities.

Research Partnerships & Resource Development
  • Develop partnerships with universities, research institutions, and government agencies.
  • Support grant proposals by developing methodologies and technical narratives.
  • Represent Prosperity Now through presentations and publications.

People Leadership
  • Supervise, coach, and develop the Applied Research & Policy Associate and future Research Scientist.
  • Establish research standards and review work products.

Organizational Culture
  • Model collaborative leadership.
  • Participate in planning, goal setting, and performance management.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Qualifications:
  • Master's degree required; Ph.D. preferred in Economics, Applied Economics, Public Policy, Anthropology, Sociology, Demography, Statistics, or related discipline.
  • 8-10 years of progressively responsible applied research experience.
  • Demonstrated experience producing objective, evidence-informed research.
  • Strong grounding in economics, quantitative analysis, and mixed-methods research.
  • Experience with large public datasets and STATA, R, Python, or equivalent.
  • Experience supervising research staff.
  • Exceptional writing and presentation skills.

Supervisory Responsibility: Applied Research & Policy Associate; future Research Scientist
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Work Environment and Travel: This job operates in a professional office environment and is 100% remote. 10% travel may be required.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job description is subject to change at any time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information. The employee must frequently remain stationary and constantly operate computers and other office productivity machinery.
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Salary Range: Grade/Level: 3
Prosperity Now does not sponsor applicants for any kind of work visas.
Prosperity Now is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that diversity of background and perspective are strengths, and seek to continue to grow a diverse, highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff. We encourage candidates from various backgrounds to apply.
Salary Description
$112,849.00 per year to $163,631.00 per year

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