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Policy Researcher Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Verily Life Sciences LLC

WI · On-site

$291 - $328/hr

See our Cookie Policy for more information.# Careers at VerilyDirector, Physician Researcher - Evidence Generation & Registries page is loaded## Director, Physician Researcher - Evidence Generation ...

Wisconsin

ORS Research Administration Director

Madison, WI · On-site

$150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Research Administration Director (B) Job Summary: The School of Education's Office of Research and ... The Director guides operational strategy, develops and implements effective policies and business ...

Wisconsin

Research Administration Director

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Research Administration Director (B) Job Summary: The College of Computing and Artificial ... Establishes, implements, and maintains policy and procedures for sponsored project administration

Wisconsin

Senior Research Scientist-Field Day

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$99K - $126K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

WCER supports innovative, collaborative research and development that advances education policy and practice. Field Day is an interdisciplinary team of artists, engineers, designers, researchers ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPolicy Researcher JobsPolicy Researcher Jobs in Wisconsin

Policy Researcher information

See Wisconsin salary details

$30.3K

$114.2K

$166K

How much do policy researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy researcher in Wisconsin is $114,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $155,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 political science, public policy, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), data visualization tools, and academic databases is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail set standout researchers apart. These skills are vital for producing accurate, actionable insights that inform policy decisions and drive effective advocacy.

What does a policy researcher do?

A Policy Researcher analyzes data, evaluates policies, and provides recommendations to help organizations or governments make informed decisions. They conduct research on social, economic, or political issues, gather and interpret data, and produce reports or briefing materials. Their work often involves staying updated on current policy debates, collaborating with stakeholders, and presenting their findings to decision-makers. Policy Researchers play a crucial role in shaping effective and evidence-based public policies.

What is the difference between Policy Researcher vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy ResearcherPolicy Analyst
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, think tanks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in research-focused roles within policy developmentInvolved in analyzing, developing, and recommending policies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in policyUnderstanding policy analysis and development roles

Policy Researchers focus on conducting in-depth research, data collection, and analysis to inform policy decisions. Policy Analysts interpret research findings, evaluate policy options, and develop recommendations for policymakers. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, Policy Researchers are more research-oriented, whereas Policy Analysts are more involved in applying research to policy formulation and advocacy.

What are some common challenges policy researchers face when translating complex findings into actionable recommendations?

Policy Researchers often grapple with distilling complex data and nuanced findings into clear, concise recommendations that are easily understood by policymakers and stakeholders. Balancing accuracy with accessibility can be challenging, as oversimplification may lead to misinterpretation, while too much detail can overwhelm decision-makers. Additionally, researchers must consider diverse stakeholder perspectives and ensure their recommendations are both practical and aligned with policy goals, often under tight deadlines. Developing strong communication skills and collaborating closely with policy analysts, subject matter experts, and advocacy teams can help address these challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Policy Researcher jobs in Wisconsin?

For Policy Researcher jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Policy Researcher jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Researcher jobs in Wisconsin are:

Policy Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Researcher job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,160 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Administrative Manager

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

611th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Administrative ManagerJob Category:Academic StaffEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Administrative ManagerJob Duties:Key Job Responsibilities:
  • May assist in the development and monitoring of the unit or program budget and approve unit expenditures
  • Plans, implements, executes, and evaluates existing strategies and objectives for a program and makes recommendations to unit leadership for program or function enhancement
  • Leads the development and preparation of periodic reports and financial statements, and records progress, status, or other special reports for leadership or external agencies
  • Schedules logistics and secures resources for program activities across multiple work units to ensure optimum efficiency and compliance with appropriate policies, procedures, and specifications
  • May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees
  • Contributes to the preparation of proposals for funding and/or funding continuation from outside sponsors
  • Identifies workflow needs, contributes to the development of strategic and operational solutions, allocates resources, and implements new or revised unit operational policies and procedures
Department: School of Freshwater Sciences

The School of Freshwater Sciences has a rich history of scientific discovery that has evolved overdecades.The school's researchers have studied the Great Lakes and other large freshwater systems around the world, as well as inland waters, urban river systems, groundwater and more. Our research focus is on freshwater system dynamics, human and ecosystem health, the application of water technology to research questions, and water policy and economics.The pioneering graduate program began in 2009, evolving from decades ofcutting-edgeresearch conducted by UWM faculty at the Center for Great Lakes Studies and the Great Lakes WATER Institute. The undergraduate program launched in 2021 to expand our interdisciplinary approach and train students to meet the growing demand for water science professionals.Currentlythe School of Freshwater Sciences offers PhDs,master'sand bachelor's degrees in freshwater sciences. Our work informs policy, improves water management, and promotes the health and sustainability of freshwater systems worldwide. We are driven to make a difference for our waters because we care about them, the communitiesthey'reinand the people who interact with them.

Center for Water Policy Description:

TheCenter for Water Policy's missionis to provide world class interdisciplinaryresearchthat offers solutions toregional,nationaland international problems related to the protection,restorationand conservation of freshwater resources to ensure long term environmental health and quality of life.Through a focus on water policy and science communications, we make our academic research accessible to the public.Established in 2011 through a $2.6 million Endowment from Lynde B. Uihlein, the Center builds on the research of the School of Freshwater Sciences, the Universities ofWisconsin, and networks and partnerships with top scholars, scientists, and policy institutions across the country and around the world.

The Assistant Director supports the Director of the Center for Water Policyto carry out the Center's mission.This rolecontributesto collaborative research initiatives that promote science-based, sustainable water policies within the Great Lakes region and beyond.The Center brings together teams of faculty, postdocs, graduate and law students, and undergraduates to produce academic articles, reports, policybriefsand communications.TheAssistant Director supportstheDirector in positioning the Center for Water Policy, the School of Freshwater Sciences, andtheUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as a national and international center of excellence in addressing water policy issues,researchand innovation. The Assistant Directorisresponsible formanaging the administration, financials,budgetand human resources for the Center;engaging inresearch and preparingmaterials for extramural support and sponsorships;and supervisingcommunications and outreach.

Responsibilities

Research Mission - 30%

  • Engage inhigh-qualitywater policy research and writing

  • Serve as more senior staff researcher to mentor and supervise research by others within the Center

  • Identifyand develop collaborative grant proposals to support research mission

  • Prepare fundraising and external reports and assessments of all Center related activities

Outreach and Communication Mission - 25%

  • Supervise communications fellows toimplementstrategies for water science and policy communications, including message development, media relations, socialmediaand website content

  • Collaborate with faculty and staff in the School of Freshwater Sciences and other public and private institutions, including coordinating with the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin

  • Support the Center's leadership of the Freshwater Collaborative Water Policy Network.

Administrativeand HumanResourcesManagement -25%

  • Assistwith establishment of goals and priorities for the annual budget for all revenues and expenditures

  • Manage the Center budget, ensuring resources areallocatedin a fashion that is aligned with the mission and goals of the Center and, in the case of grant or philanthropic support,complies withthe grantor or donor intent

  • Act as liaison toUWMadministration and human resources, includingnavigatingUWMdatabases, processes, and compliance requirements

  • Help develop processes and procedures to improve the Center's internal management

  • Ensure that related policies,proceduresand standards aremaintained.

Program andStrategySupport - 15%

  • Engage in planning andidentifyingwater policy priorities with the Director to shape the Center for Water Policy's strategic direction

  • Provide administrative and strategic support to the Advisory Board

  • Manage process and distribution of awards for the Fellows, Water Policy Scholars, and other Center programs.

Other Duties as Assigned by the Director - 5%

Compensation: $65,000-$97,000(Final salary offer contingent upon skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to the position)Required Qualifications:

  • 1year of management, budget, or development experience

  • Advanced degree relevant to position: JD, MS, MBA, or PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5+years of management, budget, or development experience

  • Water policy research skills

  • Understanding of range of public communications strategies

  • Excellent attention to detail

  • Experience thatdemonstratesability to support work environment that embracespeople from all backgrounds, collaboration, ethical behavior, and team building

  • Record of progressively responsible leadership and administrative experience, including personnel recruitment, employee management and budget preparation and management

  • Experiencewritinggrantsand reportingto donors

  • Ability tonavigatecomplex institutional processes and databases toaccomplishorganizational priorities

  • Demonstrated record of successful collaboration with multiple partners both academic and non-academic

  • Demonstrated success in program management including carrying out coordinated organization, direction and implementation of projects and activities to achieve defined deliverables and outcomes

  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully with advisory boards and/or governance bodies

  • Experience in water protection such as professional work, volunteering, or coursework

Education: Advanced degree relevant to position: JD, MS, MBA, or PhDHow to Apply: Please apply online-and provide both a resume and cover letter for consideration. Please plan to apply no later than 8/22/2026.Contact Information: Any questions please reach out to Amy Rehfeldt at rehfelda@uwm.edu

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWMis a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law.UWMwill not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBCand Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check.UWMtakes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For theUWMAnnual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, seehttp://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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