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How much do policy research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy research in the United States is $68,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $83,500.00 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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Policy Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Policy Research jobs? Cities with the most Policy Research 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for Policy Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Policy Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Research jobs are:
Policy Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,921 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Director of Global Policy & Research

OpenMined

New York, NY • On-site, Remote

Other

PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

The Director of Global Policy & Research leads OpenMined's work at the intersection of frontier AI, data governance, and the public interest.

You will own three things:

  • Research direction. Set OpenMined's research agenda on the most consequential questions in frontier AI, particularly data availability, access, and governance, and ensure our work shapes how policymakers, civil society, and industry think about them.
  • Policy positions. Develop and communicate substantive policy proposals on data access, privacy-preserving AI, and adjacent issues, ensuring AI systems and their interactions with data are transparent, competitive, and rights-respecting.
  • Engineering alignment. Work closely with OpenMined's engineering leadership to identify where our protocols can be deployed in the public interest, and ensure the data networks we build and support are operated for public benefit.

This is a management role where you will lead a team, build OpenMined's external profile in policy circles, and contribute to organizational strategy. This role reports to the VP of Growth & Impact.

Responsibilities
  • Direct OpenMined's policy and research agenda, aligning it with engineering goals and organizational priorities
  • Spend meaningful time with engineering leadership to ground policy work in what OpenMined is building, and identify opportunities where our protocols can serve public-interest outcomes
  • Lead and manage members of the policy and research team
  • Develop and publicly communicate policy positions on priority topics, including data access and privacy-preserving AI
  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, civil society organizations, standards bodies, and adjacent networks across the world
  • Represent OpenMined in select external venues, including policymaker convenings and major AI governance forums

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years demonstrated experience leading policy and/or research work at the intersection of AI, data governance, and public interest, ideally at a frontier AI lab governance team, an AI-focused think tank, a regulator, or comparable organization
  • Minimum 2 years of experience managing a small team
  • Track record of publishing thought-leading work that has shaped policy debates or public understanding
  • Existing professional relationships with policymakers, civil society, or standards bodies, and the credibility to build them in others
  • Strong technical literacy; comfortable engaging directly with engineering teams on cryptography, machine learning, and PETs, and translating that substance for policy audiences
  • Excellent written communication
  • Comfort operating in a startup environment with ambiguity and broad scope
  • Comfort traveling to the US and other policy hubs on average once a month

About OpenMined

At OpenMined, we are dedicated to building a world where everyone can access the full potential of data to drive meaningful societal change while ensuring privacy and ethical stewardship. As a nonprofit, our mission is to create the first public network for non-public information: a secure, open-source ecosystem where individuals, institutions, and governments can collaborate on critical insights without compromising privacy. We envision a future where privacy-enhanced tools empower people to make informed decisions for the greater good.

Since our founding in 2017, OpenMined has grown into a thriving, fully distributed global community of open-source contributors, engineers, researchers, and policy experts. Our collaborations with leading organizations like the United Nations, Microsoft, Anthropic, Reddit, Twitter, and Dailymotion underscore our commitment to innovation and impact. If you're passionate about privacy, open-source technology, and building tools that shape a more ethical and connected future, we invite you to join our mission.

Benefits

  • US Healthcare Benefits: We offer healthcare benefits for employees located in the United States
  • Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, focused on social impact rather than profit, offering the chance to make a meaningful difference in the world.
  • Open Source Contribution: Make a real impact by contributing to an Open Source project that benefits a broad community.
  • Collaborative Global Team: Join a dynamic, international team that values collaboration and diversity.
  • Flexible Work Hours: Enjoy the autonomy to structure your work hours around what best fits your life and productivity.
  • Fully Remote Work: Work from anywhere in the world-no office or commute required.
  • Results-Driven Culture: Thrive in an environment that values efficiency and results over bureaucracy.
  • Flexible Paid Time Off: Take the time you need with flexible vacation days, alongside recognition of local national holidays.
  • Competitive Compensation: Receive competitive pay, with equity in salary across different regions.

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