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Policy Think Tank Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hudson Institute, Inc.

Research Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$52K - $56K/yr

About Hudson Institute Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank headquartered in Washington, DC, dedicated to promoting American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Economist

Silver Spring, MD · On-site +1

Position is Subject to Contract Award Position Overview Think Tank Inc. may seek one (1) Economist ... Develop and implement methods to analyze economic impacts of regulations, policies, or alternatives ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Economist

Silver Spring, MD · Remote

Position is Subject to Contract Award Position Overview Think Tank Inc. may seek one (1) Economist ... Develop and implement methods to analyze economic impacts of regulations, policies, or alternatives ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Fisheries Program Analyst

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

Position is Subject to Contract Award Position Summary Think Tank Inc. is seeking a Program Analyst to support the NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) Office of Policy. This position is embedded within the Policy ...

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Policy Think Tank information

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$53.5K

$100.9K

$117K

How much do policy think tank jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 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.
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Policy Think Tank jobs near you
External Affairs Associate

External Affairs Associate

Hudson Institute, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$52K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Monitor media mentions, produce daily clips, and manage the global events calendar.

  • Post content to the website using the CMS and ensure all material is accurate and publish-ready.

  • Support communications and media relations efforts through content distribution, media monitoring, and press outreach.

Job description

Hudson Institute seeks an external affairs associate to support Hudson's communications, media, digital, and event operations. The associate will help manage Hudson's daily external information flow, spanning media monitoring and daily clips, event and program support, visual media selection, website content management within the Institute's content management system (CMS), communications metrics tracking and analysis, and maintenance of press contact lists. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, able to multitask, and is committed to accuracy and professionalism. This is a full-time position based out of Hudson's Washington, DC office, and reporting to the director of external affairs.
About Hudson Institute
Hudson Institute is a research-focused public policy think tank headquartered in Washington, DC, dedicated to promoting American leadership for a secure, free, and prosperous future. For more than half a century, Hudson Institute has been challenging conventional thinking by developing new ideas and practical solutions to shape critical foreign and domestic policy decisions.
Responsibilities
  • Monitors media mentions for Hudson Institute and its experts; produces Hudson's internal daily clips and global events calendar.
  • Works within Hudson's CMS, posting content to Hudson's website and ensuring that all material is accurate and publish-ready.
  • Supports Hudson's communications and media relations efforts through content distribution, media monitoring, and press outreach.
  • Assists with the selection of visual media for newsletters, publications, social media, and online content.
  • Supports efforts to track and analyze organizational metrics to measure the impact and effectiveness of communications initiatives.
  • Maintains and updates press contact lists, utilizing media databases, social media platforms, and other research tools.
  • Supports other external affairs projects and initiatives as needed.

Requirements
  • Commitment to Hudson Institute's mission and supporting the work of the Institute's experts and staff.
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Excellent time and project management skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including a professional and tactful demeanor.
  • Ability to work closely and effectively with others-including Hudson's senior management, experts, and staff.
  • Creative and entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Acute attention to detail.
  • Technologically savvy; capable of learning, using, and managing Hudson's content management and publishing platforms.
  • Experience with CMS and digital publishing workflows.
  • Familiarity with Google Analytics or other web and marketing analytics platforms.
  • Ability to read, comprehend, and synthesize written materials, especially related to public policy.
  • Commitment to acting with integrity and the utmost professionalism.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Salary: $52,000 - $56,000 per year
  • Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision coverage)
  • Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Paid parental and family leave
  • Commuter benefits

Application Instructions
  • Please submit a personal resume and cover letter. Cover letters should be written by the applicant-not by generative AI.

Apply