1

Policy Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Policy Research information

See Virginia salary details

$25.8K

$67K

$127.4K

How much do policy research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy research in Virginia is $67,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,250.00 and $81,206.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is policy research?

Policy research is the process of systematically investigating and analyzing public policies, programs, or proposals to provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders. It involves collecting and evaluating data, assessing the effectiveness of current policies, and exploring alternative approaches to address social, economic, or political issues. Policy researchers work in government agencies, think tanks, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations to inform decision-making and improve outcomes for communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a policy researcher?

To thrive as a Policy Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a background in public policy or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools like SPSS or Stata, as well as proficiency in literature review databases and policy analysis frameworks, is commonly required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking are crucial soft skills that help convey complex information clearly. These competencies enable effective evidence-based recommendations and impactful contributions to policy development.

How does a policy researcher typically collaborate with policymakers and other stakeholders in their daily work?

Policy Researchers often work closely with policymakers, advocacy groups, and subject matter experts to ensure their findings are both practical and actionable. Daily tasks may include drafting reports, presenting research results in meetings, and responding to feedback from stakeholders. Collaboration is key, as researchers must balance rigorous analysis with the real-world needs and constraints of the organizations and communities they serve. Regular communication and teamwork help ensure that research informs policy decisions effectively and remains relevant to pressing issues.

What is the difference between Policy Research vs Policy Analysis?

AspectPolicy ResearchPolicy Analysis
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, think tanks, government agenciesGovernment agencies, consulting firms, think tanks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for gathering data and understanding issuesUsed for evaluating options and making recommendations

Policy Research involves gathering data, conducting studies, and understanding issues, while Policy Analysis focuses on evaluating options and providing recommendations based on research findings. Both roles often overlap but serve different stages in the policy development process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Research jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Policy Research jobs in Virginia are:

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

The top searched job categories for Policy Research jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Policy Research jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Policy Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Policy Research job openings in Virginia 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, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,028 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

OSINT Policy & Governance Specialist with Security Clearance

BAE Systems

Reston, VA • On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description At BAE Systems, we're passionate about harnessing the power of technology to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact. Our team is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that support our government customer's mission-critical objectives. We're now seeking a highly skilled OSINT Policy & Governance Specialist to join our dynamic team and help us drive policy research, development, and coordination across OSINT programs. We're looking for a talented OSINT Policy & Governance Specialist to play a key role in providing policy research, recommendations, drafting, and interdepartmental coordination, ensuring policies align with strategic goals. As an OSINT Policy & Governance Specialist, you will be responsible for supporting the development of policies, conducting risk and regulatory assessments, and providing compliance assessments and recommendations. Responsibilities: * Produce task execution and provide expertise to mid- and senior-level personnel on assigned projects
* Provide policy research, recommendations, drafting, and interdepartmental coordination, ensuring policies align with strategic goals
* Provide compliance assessments and recommendations
* Support leading policy research, development, and coordination across OSINT programs, ensuring compliance and alignment with strategic objectives
* Conduct risk and regulatory assessments and auditing
* Support communications, engagements, coordination across OSINT community as part of Governance support
* Attend and support various meetings as required, develop briefings, and support senior leadership with expertise Required Education, Experience, & Skills * Intelligence Community experience required
* 8 years of experience in conducting research, drafting, and coordinating policy and strategy, and ensuring compliance, with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years
* Bachelor's degree in an area related to the labor category from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills * OSINT collection and analytic experience preferred. All-Source/Multi-INT analytic experience desired to complement policy/strategy experience.
* OSINT or Open Source certifications from commenrcail or government organizations a plus.
#EKS01 #LI-TO1 Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $118095 - $200762 Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics. About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels. This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

What BAE Systems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


BAE Systems logo

About BAE Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US