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Policy Think Tank Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Our National Conversation

Board Member

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are part journalism, part student-led public policy think tank and part social movement. We have been in startup mode for a while now, building the foundation. Now it's time to build the house. We ...

Tencent America, LLC

Associate, Global AI Policy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stakeholder Engagement * Assist in managing relationships with think tanks, academic institutions, trade associations, and policy organizations. * Support Tencent's participation in AI policy forums ...

New

Tencent

Associate, Global AI Policy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Stakeholder Engagement * Assist in managing relationships with think tanks, academic institutions, trade associations, and policy organizations. * Support Tencent's participation in AI policy forums ...

Emerald AI

Policy & Regulatory Affairs Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... think tank, or in-house) * Strong understanding of regulatory processes and stakeholder landscapes * Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to distill complex issues clearly and ...

Emerald

Policy & Regulatory Affairs Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... think tank, or in‑house) * Strong understanding of regulatory processes and stakeholder ... Experience drafting policy documents or engaging in regulatory processes * Comfortable operating in ...

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All JobsPolicy Think Tank JobsPolicy Think Tank Jobs in California

Policy Think Tank information

See California salary details

$52.8K

$99.6K

$115.5K

How much do policy think tank jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy think tank in California is $99,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Policy Think Tank vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy Think TankPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's degree or higher in public policy, political science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's degree in similar fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutes, non-profit organizations, or think tanks focused on policy researchGovernment agencies, consulting firms, or advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by policy research organizations to develop and analyze policiesEmployed by government or private sector to analyze and recommend policies

Policy Think Tanks and Policy Analysts both work within the policy development sphere, often requiring similar educational backgrounds. Think tanks focus on conducting research and producing policy reports, while Policy Analysts typically analyze existing policies and provide recommendations. Both roles are essential in shaping public policy but differ mainly in scope and organizational setting.

What is a policy think tank?

A policy think tank is a group of individuals who research public policy issues, interact with various ideas on how to improve policies, and come up with recommended solutions. It is a place to process ideas scientifically, research a topic, analyze a strategy, and create an agenda. A policy think tank may interact with advocacy groups but ultimately aims to generate new ideas rather than promoting reasons why policy change is needed. It can cover a wide variety of topics and works to make a difference in the community. Policy think tanks may utilize universities and scholars. They can also be a for-profit group funded by a business or organization.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a policy think tank environment?

Working in a policy think tank often involves juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines and adapting to rapidly evolving policy landscapes. Professionals must balance in-depth research with clear, accessible communication for diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. Collaboration is key, as teams frequently include experts from different disciplines, requiring strong interpersonal and project management skills. Additionally, staying up-to-date with current events and legislative changes is essential to ensure that research and recommendations remain relevant and impactful.

What is a policy think tank?

A policy think tank is an organization that conducts research and analysis on public policy issues. These organizations aim to inform and influence government decision-making, public debate, and policy development through studies, reports, and recommendations. Think tanks may focus on a range of topics including economics, social policy, defense, and the environment. They often employ researchers, analysts, and subject matter experts to provide evidence-based insights. Funding can come from governments, private donors, or foundations, and their work is often published for public or governmental use.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Think Tank jobs in California?

The most popular types of Policy Think Tank jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Policy Think Tank jobs in California?

For Policy Think Tank jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Policy Think Tank jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Think Tank jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Policy Think Tank jobs?

Cities in California with the most Policy Think Tank job openings:

Policy Think Tank jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Think Tank job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,627 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Board Member

Our National Conversation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Greetings. Jeff Hall here. I'm founder of OUR NATIONAL CONVERSATION, or ONC for short. We are a nonpartisan media outlet built and hosted by college students.

We seek to reduce toxic partisanship in America and get people focused on common-sense public policy solutions most of us can happily live with.

Republicans, Democrats, Independents -- all are welcome here.

We are part journalism, part student-led public policy think tank and part social movement.

We have been in startup mode for a while now, building the foundation. Now it's time to build the house. We hope to make ONC a household name one day. America will always have challenges in need of discussing.

We need serious board members who can help take us to the next level. Fundraising, connections, skills of all sorts -- we need them all. Help ONC evolve from "interesting student project" to "real media outlet with a real future." Help make America a better country. Help America's future leaders as they get ready to inherit a very challenging world.

If we raise money, our intent is to start paying people, at least on a part-time basis, so this could turn into something more. Our ability to raise money will largely be a function of how good a job we're doing, so everyone's contribution matters. We think, with one big push, 2026 could be our breakout year.

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