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Policy Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$71 - $85/hr

Policy Research and Resource Development * Conduct policy research and develop timely, accessible public education materials, including explainers, reports, fact sheets, and other resources, on ...

New

Policy Consultant

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Policy Research and Analysis * Program Design, Implementation, and Assessment * Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation * Strategic Planning and Change Management * Technical Assistance * Health Care ...

Policy Director, Housing

Manhattan, NY ยท Hybrid

$129K - $158K/yr

Key Responsibilities - Lead the Office's policy research and oversight on housing affordability, housing production and preservation, tenant protections, homelessness, land use, and related issues ...

Policy Director, Housing

Manhattan, NY ยท Hybrid

$129K - $158K/yr

Key Responsibilities - Lead the Office's policy research and oversight on housing affordability, housing production and preservation, tenant protections, homelessness, land use, and related issues ...

Policy Fellow

New York, NY ยท On-site

$28.85/hr

Policy Research and Analysis * Examine the rapidly shifting landscape of AI and labor policy and its impact on low-wage workers and low-income communities, including how generative AI is accelerating ...

Showing results 41-60

Policy Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do policy researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Policy Researcher jobs

What cities are hiring for Policy Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Policy Researcher job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Policy Researcher jobs?

The top employers for Policy Researcher jobs are:

What states have the most Policy Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Policy Researcher jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Policy Researcher jobs are:

Infographic showing various Policy Researcher job openings in the United States 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, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

$103 - $139/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

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Job description

Job Description Summary

This role contributes to the development, management and production of policy research that furthers the BCBS mission and drives policy solutions. Assists in the analysis of federal and state government policy proposals affecting the health care financing sector. Helps develop analyses and analytical models to conduct impactful research on public policy priorities in health financing, such as affordability for patients, consumers and public programs, provider reimbursement and prescription drug pricing. Supports, prepares and presents findings to drive impactful policy agenda forward.

Responsibilities
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses to develop insights that will inform and drive health financing public policy that is consistent with the BCBSA mission.
  • Develop and manage system for tracking research projects from start to finish, including procurement, contracting, project milestones, and financing.
  • Manage a central site of all published research and analytical modeling performed both internally and by third party vendors and make it available for use by others in BCBSA.
  • Maintain comprehensive awareness of key health care financing topics and the broader business environment, with a focus on topics likely to impact health insurers and consumers.
  • Manage a monthly update for member companies and internal leadership to compile relevant and recent policy research, working closely with subject matter experts and team members across BCBSA to draft, edit and distribute.
  • Use expertise in quantitative and qualitative research to interpret and โ€œtranslateโ€ research findings into compelling and persuasive information for stakeholders, including senior executives.
Required Education, Certifications and Experience

Education Required Bachelor's Degree Political Science, Public Policy, Public Health, Economics, or a related discipline; or equivalent work experience

Experience Required 5+ Years Policy analysis and research, either through substantial projects in the classroom, internships, or paid work

Preferred Education

Preferred Master's Degree Public Policy, Public Health, Economics, Political Science, or a related discipline

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In-depth knowledge and expertise in using Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other software used to prepare documents, and in analytic methods used in qualitative and quantitative analyses, including preparing literature reviews, and using statistical software packages. Knowledge and expertise regarding health policy issues, economics, and statistics, which will be core skills for this position. Solid academic background in statistics and economics, and in using software supporting analysis in those fields, such as Excel, SAS, Stata, etc. Understanding of the federal legislative process, regulation, and government programs. Able to manage complex projects, working with colleagues throughout the organization, navigating administrative processes Strong attention to deadlines and budgetary guidelines, tracking details, keeping to key timelines, and communicating appropriately with supervisor. Ability to figure out answers to challenging analytical questions, including deciding on appropriate data sources, proper methods for using the data, and presentational questions and challenges. Knowledge and understanding of Program budgeting and contracting process. Presentation skills, both in producing slides and defending work. Excellent writing, both for shorter documents, such as memos, as well as more extensive research documents. Teamwork and close collaboration with colleagues is essential. Ability to work with people from different professional backgrounds, both those with an understanding of policy analysis and those without. Ability to manage through ambiguity and adapting to changing priorities. Demonstrates AI literacy and an understanding of generative AI tools, including appropriate business applications and limitations.

Certifications & Licenses

Preferred: Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI

Additional Preferred Experience

Working in a social science research environment, such as working for a think tank, government agency or trade association policy team. Experience with Data Analytics, Data Science, Healthcare Claims Data #LI_HYBRID

Salary

The posting range for this position is: 102,640.18 - 138,805.26

The posted salary range is the lowest to highest salary we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the hiring range and this hiring range may also be modified in the future. A candidateโ€™s position within the hiring range may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs.

Benefits
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, 11 holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, generous 401(k) matching, lifestyle spending account and many other benefits to eligible employees.
  • This job is also eligible for annual bonus incentive pay.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Companyโ€™s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

If you thrive at a company that values inclusivity, accountability, courage, teamwork, and respect, we're glad you found us!

At Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), we are a national association of 33 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and we are driven by purpose. Join the team who supports the nation's largest healthcare network, providing coverage to nearly one in three Americans as we relentlessly pursue affordable healthcare and ensure peace of mind for the people we serve. Be part of our storied history of innovation as we advance well-being and health equity. Experience a culture that is built on our core values, connection, work-life flexibility, well-being, and a commitment to our community.

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