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Policy Research Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NABCA

Public Policy Research Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Job Announcement Public Policy Research Intern National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), located in Arlington, VA, was founded in 1938 and is the national trade association representing ...

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BAE Systems

OSINT Policy & Governance Specialist

Reston, VA · On-site

$118K - $200K/yr

Provide policy research, recommendations, drafting, and interdepartmental coordination, ensuring policies align with strategic goals * Provide compliance assessments and recommendations * Support ...

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Policy Research information

See Washington salary details

$28.5K

$74K

$140.7K

How much do policy research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy research in Washington is $73,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,851.00 and $89,651.00 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 Washington?

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

What are popular job titles related to Policy Research jobs in Washington?

For Policy Research jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Policy Research jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Policy Research job openings:

Policy Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,998 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Public Policy Research Intern

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association

Arlington, VA

Internship

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Job Announcement

Public Policy Research Intern

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), located in Arlington, VA, was founded in 1938 and is the national trade association representing the jurisdictions that control the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol within their borders. The mission of NABCA is to support member jurisdictions in their efforts to protect public health and safety and ensure responsible and efficient systems for beverage alcohol distribution and sales.

NABCA has an immediate vacancy for a temporary Public Policy Research Intern. The Public Policy team is responsible for policy research and analysis on public policy, public health and public safety issues that are foundational to NABCA's mission. The intern will perform research, data mining, data cleaning, visualization, and other assigned tasks to support the Public Policy data analysis. The intern will assist the Public Policy Team's work to promote public health and safety with control jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, members, and communities. The Public Policy Research Intern reports to the Director, Public Policy.

NABCA is a Great Place to Work Certified Workplace for 2024/25! Click Here to Learn More! NABCA offers complimentary parking, and offices in a beautiful building conveniently located in the Shirlington area, one block from popular shops and restaurants. The individual selected for this role will have opportunities to meet exceptionally talented managers and colleagues throughout the organization.

Duties: The Public Policy Intern performs the following duties:

  • Completes assignments to support the department's accomplishment of NABCA's strategic public policy and research goals.
  • Assists in identifying meaningful data sources that expand the department's existing portfolio of policy datasets.
  • Performs research and data mining tasks to support statistical reporting projects; collects, transforms, cleans, and validates data from multiple sources as assigned.
  • Prepares basic syntheses and regular updates of research, data and statistical analyses.
  • Uses data and statistical tools and apps to develop basic data models and statistical reports to provide insights for the Public Policy Team as requested; assists with updating public policy dashboards and impact reports as assigned.
  • Participates in meetings; perform special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Pursuit of a bachelor's or master's degree in public policy, public health, or related discipline at an accredited college or university is required. Data science, analytics, statistics, economics, or directly related coursework are highly preferred.
  • Prior internships or employment in public health, public safety, or public policy roles in non-profit or government settings is strongly preferred.
  • An understanding of the research and data needs of the public health, safety or policy fields is a plus.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills are required.
  • Recent experience using statistical or analytical tools and apps to analyze data is required. Recent experience using Power BI, Tableau, SPSS, SAS, R, etc.is essential.
  • Strong analytical skills and recent experience with data mining, cleaning, and visualization tools are required.
  • Recent experience conducting data mining tasks, to include collecting, transforming, cleaning, and validating data from multiple sources, etc.-is essential.
  • An intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams, and Outlook is required.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify and resolve data errors are essential.
  • Must possess initiative and be a fast learner who can produce work that is accurate and complete. Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to meet assignment deadlines is essential.
  • Must be a reliable, professional, flexible, team player with a positive attitude,
  • A strong desire to understand how research and data intersect to advance the public policy, public health or public safety fields is essential.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

EOE/M/F/D

Please note that this is a temporary 10-12-week Intern assignment.

The Public Policy Research Intern selected for this role will generally work 16-24 hours per week.

To Apply: Interested individuals should send resume and cover letter to hradmin@nabca.org by August 25, 2026. Learn more about NABCA at www.nabca.org.

NABCA is a Great Place to Work Certified Workplace for 2024/25! Click Here to Learn More!

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!

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