ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Policy Think Tank Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPolicy Think Tank Jobs

Policy Think Tank information

See salary details

$53.5K

$100.9K

$117K

How much do policy think tank jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy think tank in the United States is $100,949.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $116,500.00 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at a policy think tank, and why are they important?

Success at a policy think tank requires strong research and analytical skills, a solid educational background in public policy or a related field, and expertise in policy analysis. Familiarity with data analysis tools, statistical software (like STATA or R), and policy research databases is typically expected. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous research, influencing policy debates, and effectively communicating findings to stakeholders.

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.
More about Policy Think Tank jobs
What cities are hiring for Policy Think Tank jobs? Cities with the most Policy Think Tank job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Think Tank jobs? The most popular types of Policy Think Tank jobs are:
What states have the most Policy Think Tank jobs? States with the most job openings for Policy Think Tank jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Policy Think Tank jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Think Tank jobs are:
Policy Think Tank jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Think Tank job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,949 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Program Manager, Next100

Program Manager, Next100

The Century Foundation

Manhattan, NY • Hybrid

$100/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

New York, New York | Hybrid (Minimum 2 days a week in office)
Minimum Salary: $110,000, Maximum Salary: $130,000


Next100 is a policy and leadership development program on a mission to change the face and future of progressive policy. We recruit, support, and train people from and connected to communities most impacted by the imbalance of wealth and power in our society-folks historically excluded from traditional policy spaces due to their race, age, gender, income or other factors-to drive the change they want to see. Next100 is a program of The Century Foundation, a public policy think tank committed to advancing gender, racial, and economic equity in education, health care, and the economy.


In 2026 we are looking for an entrepreneurial leader to launch a fourth cohort of Next100 this calendar year to both fulfill Next100's longstanding mission and test new ways of achieving that mission in a changing policy environment. The 2026 Next100 cohort will be focused on developing policy ideas that meaningfully improve household affordability, elevating solutions that speak to the needs of communities often ignored in mainstream policy environments.


The Program Manager, Next100 will also develop a plan for the program beyond cohort four, forging new relationships with funders and partners and innovating a sustainable program model that drives impact and meets the policy moment. This role is a one year placement, with the potential to extend.


Responsibilities:

  • Embrace the mission of Next100, assess the current policy and political environment and put forth creative new ideas to push our impact to the next level with cohort 4 and beyond.
  • Recruit, run and manage an experimental cohort 4, commencing in 2026, testing new approaches to diversifying the public policy field, and surfacing new voices and ideas to build a more inclusive economy.
  • Design and develop the plan for future cohorts and build new sources of revenue and philanthropic support to fund Next100 sustainably.


Qualifications:

  • At least eight years professional experience in policy, program management, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience building and maintaining a strong, diverse, and inclusive culture, and listening to and elevating marginalized voices.
  • A belief and trust in emerging leaders, a respect for their ideas, and an ability to coach and push new leaders with humility and an open mind.
  • Commitment to supporting the creation of bold, pragmatic, and actionable policy and policy research that can influence outcomes.
  • Demonstrated experience with individual and/or institutional fundraising and relevant relationships in philanthropy.
  • An ability to be entrepreneurial, energetic, collaborative, and proactive.
  • A commitment to creating a stronger, more progressive, and more inclusive society.


Apply

Please apply with a resume, cover letter, and one writing example (3-5 pages maximum) via BambooHR. No inquiries by third-party vendors and no phone calls please. If you have any issues accessing the hiring portal, please reach out with questions to hr@tcf.org. The deadline for submission of application materials is June 22,2026.

The Century Foundation is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to apply, including women, LGBTQIA people, people of color, and people with disabilities. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.


Compensation and Benefits

TCF offers a competitive compensation package, with a salary range determined by years of experience, skills, and abilities. Each candidate's placement within the range will be based on these factors while ensuring alignment with our commitment to equitable internal pay practices. TCF is a unionized workplace and is represented by the Communications Workers of America(CWA1180). This position is not in the bargaining unit.


Our benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, and an employer-funded health reimbursement account (HRA). This benefit package is in addition to generous vacation, sick and personal days, an employer matching 403(b) plan, and up to fourteen weeks parental leave.


The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000.


About The Century Foundation

The Century Foundation is a progressive, independent think tank that conducts research, develops solutions, and drives policy change to make people's lives better. We pursue economic, racial, gender, and disability equity in education, health care, and work, and promote U.S. foreign policy that fosters international cooperation, peace, and security. TCF has offices in New York City and Washington, D.C. Learn more at tcf.org.

Apply