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Policy Research Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Policy Research information

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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Policy Research jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Policy Research jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Policy Research jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Research jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Policy Research jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Policy Research job openings:

Policy Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Research Associate, Strategy and Impact

NCSU

Raleigh, NC

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194819EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Research Associate, Strategy and Impact Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience ($72,000 - $76,000) Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Raleigh-based position with an on-site presence approximately four days per week with flexibility based on program needs, meetings, and events. Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Friday Institute About the Department
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is a large, multi-faceted Institute housed in a 33,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility on NC State University's Centennial Campus in Raleigh. Our work encompasses educational research, professional development, policy and program evaluation, and direct services to schools, districts, state departments of education and public- and private sector organizations. We are deeply involved in work in throughout North Carolina, leading some of the major statewide K-12 education initiatives and working closely with the Department of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, and the majority of school districts in the State on the transition to digital teaching and learning. Since opening in 2005, the Friday Institute has developed a strong national presence, working with organizations throughout the country, and is increasingly developing international connections. More information is available at http://www.fi.ncsu.edu.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Research Associate will report to the Executive Director of the Friday Institute and will provide direct support to coordinate across initiatives, communicate clearly with internal and external partners, and maintain shared visibility into priorities, progress, and decisions. A core function of this role is extending reach-helping to author, package, publish, and report on its work so that high-quality ideas and programming become usable artifacts, visible impact, and sustained momentum with partners and funders. The primary work centers on connecting the dots across initiatives by identifying patterns, surfacing insights, coordinating collaborators, and ensuring projects move from planning to high-quality execution.
In this role, you will help turn complex ideas, research, and partner feedback into clear strategies, actionable plans, and meaningful outcomes. You will connect people and priorities across projects, bringing structure to work that spans multiple initiatives and partners. Your ability to see the big picture while managing important details will help teams make informed decisions, strengthen programs, and continuously improve. You will also help amplify the Friday Institute's work by creating clear, compelling materials and communications that demonstrate impact, support partnerships, and build momentum for future opportunities.
Key responsibilities fall within the following functional areas:

Program strategy and synthesis:
  • Conduct structured inquiry (interviews, listening sessions, document review) to understand needs, constraints, and opportunities across partners and initiatives.
  • Synthesize research, practitioner feedback, and implementation data into clear insights, recommendations, and decision points for project teams and leadership.
  • Translate strategy into actionable workplans (milestones, dependencies, risks, resourcing) and maintain visibility across the portfolio.
  • Identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for alignment across initiatives; propose pragmatic ways to streamline and strengthen the portfolio.

Evidence and improvement:
  • Define and track meaningful indicators of progress (implementation readiness, participation, adoption signals, quality measures, partner satisfaction).
  • Support lightweight evaluation and learning cycles: collect feedback, document lessons learned, and integrate improvements into next iterations.
  • Monitor the broader landscape (policy, research, edtech and AI developments) and flag implications for program design and partner needs.

Convenings, coordination, and communications:
  • Facilitate and/or contribute to convenings, training, and other partner-facing learning opportunities.
  • Coordinate project meetings, working groups, governance structures, and partner communications to support timely decisions and follow-through.
  • Prepare, maintain, and update partner-ready project materials for online and print dissemination (briefs, agendas, decision memos, implementation supports), ensuring outputs are clear, consistent, and publication-ready.

Growth and resourcing:
  • Contribute to project and grant proposals, including framing problems and possibilities of practice and aligning deliverables.
  • Draft and coordinate funder-facing reports and updates that communicate progress, evidence, and impact with clarity and credibility
  • Document project activity to capture outcomes, lessons learned, and next-phase recommendations.
  • Track and support a pipeline of aligned opportunities; maintain portfolio-level visibility into funding status, commitments, and next steps.

If you are a curious, collaborative, adaptable professional who enjoys connecting ideas, people, and possibilities to move meaningful work forward, we encourage you to apply.
Other Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties such as:
  • Support day-to-day operations
  • Coordinate project meetings, organization structures, and communications
  • Prepare, maintain, and update project materials for online and print dissemination
  • Up to 20% for in-state and/or out-of-state travel
This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Relevant Master's degree in Education or Technology, or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus 5 or more years of experience as a K-12 educator, technology leader, or researcher. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize research, stakeholder feedback, and implementation data to identify insights, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas for academic and practitioner audiences through written materials, presentations, and other communications.
Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD in instructional technology, learning sciences, STEM education, or a related field.
  • Project management, organizational, and coordination skills sufficient to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders while maintaining attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Facilitation, presentation, and relationship-building skills sufficient to effectively engage diverse academic, practitioner, and partner audiences.
  • Knowledge of digital learning and emerging technologies, including computer science and AI education, and their application to teaching, learning, implementation, or program improvement.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/27/2026 Anticipated Close Date 9/15/2026, if posting is active we are still accepting and reviewing applications Special Instructions to Applicants
Resume, Cover Letter, and Contact Information for 3 Professional References
Position Details
Position Number 00112267 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 139001 - Friday Institute EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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