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Political Policy Analyst Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TS/SCI with a Polygraph Position # 688016842 Synertex is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to work ... Bachelor's degree in social, political, physical, natural or business sciences; humanities ...

Legislative Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, international relations, or a related field * 4+ years of experience in legislative analysis, Congressional affairs, or policy staff work ...

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Political Policy Analyst information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$96.1K

$135.8K

How much do political policy analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for political policy analyst in Virginia is $96,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a political policy analyst?

Political Policy Analysts are professionals who research, evaluate, and interpret policies, laws, and legislation to understand their social, economic, and political impacts. They often work for government agencies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, or research institutes. Their primary responsibilities include collecting data, analyzing policy proposals, preparing reports, and advising policymakers or stakeholders on potential outcomes. Political Policy Analysts may specialize in areas such as healthcare, education, foreign affairs, or environmental policy. Their work helps guide decision-making processes and shape effective public policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a political policy analyst?

To thrive as a Political Policy Analyst, you need strong research, critical thinking, and analytical skills, typically supported by a degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, statistical software (like SPSS or Stata), and experience in policy modeling are highly valued, along with relevant certifications in public policy or analysis. Exceptional written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize complex information make candidates stand out. These skills are vital for producing insightful policy recommendations, influencing decision-makers, and effectively communicating findings to diverse stakeholders.

What are some common challenges political policy analysts face when working on policy recommendations?

Political Policy Analysts often encounter challenges such as balancing differing stakeholder interests, navigating complex regulatory environments, and ensuring their recommendations are both evidence-based and politically feasible. Analysts must synthesize large volumes of data and anticipate the political implications of their findings. Collaboration with government officials, advocacy groups, and subject-matter experts is essential, and effective communication skills are crucial for presenting clear, actionable insights to diverse audiences.

What is the difference between Political Policy Analyst vs Legislative Assistant?

AspectPolitical Policy AnalystLegislative Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or related field; often a master's for advanced rolesBachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, analyzing policies, preparing reports, and providing recommendationsSupporting legislators, managing schedules, drafting correspondence, and constituent communication
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, think tanks, advocacy groups, and political organizationsLegislative offices, government agencies, and political offices

While both roles involve working within the political sphere, a Political Policy Analyst primarily focuses on analyzing and developing policies, whereas a Legislative Assistant supports legislators with administrative tasks and constituent relations. The roles often overlap in government settings, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Are political policy analysts in demand?

Political policy analysts are in demand in government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy organizations, especially as governments and institutions seek expertise in policy development and analysis. Strong research, analytical skills, and familiarity with data analysis tools can enhance job prospects in this field.

Do political policy analysts make good money?

Political policy analysts typically earn a median salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior analysts or those working in government or private consulting can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 with specialized skills and advanced degrees. Compensation also varies based on the complexity of policy areas and the organization size.

How do you become a political policy analyst?

To become a political policy analyst, typically a bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's degree for advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, developing strong research and analytical skills, and familiarity with policy analysis tools and data are also important steps in the career path.

Is a political policy analyst a good career?

A political policy analyst is a viable career that involves researching, analyzing, and developing policy recommendations for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. Success in this field often requires strong research skills, critical thinking, and familiarity with data analysis tools, with opportunities for advancement and influence on public policy. Job satisfaction and stability depend on factors such as experience, education, and the political climate.

What are popular job titles related to Political Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia?

For Political Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Political Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Political Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Political Policy Analyst job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,089 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

Policy Analyst

Synertex LLC

Mclean, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description
Clearance: TS/SCI with a Polygraph
Position # 688016842
Synertex is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to work with a Government Intelligence Community client in McLean, VA.
Benefits include competitive PTO, 11 days Paid Government Holidays, a 401k with 6% matching and an inclusion in our employee profit sharing program.
Responsibilities:
  • Support leads in the development of Facilities and Logistics policy and strategy in the IC and promote and communicate shared vision, mission, values, and goals.
  • Review, develop, and implement F&L-related policies through IC directives, standards, and policy guidance.
  • Oversee the development of measures of performance and effectiveness related to F&L for the IC.
  • Create briefings, data visualizations, and reports to translate data/metrics into compelling stories, business cases, and recommendations for senior leaders and stakeholders to drive decision making.
  • Develop, administer, and analyze data calls and surveys in areas such as strategic property management (real and personal property) and valuation.
  • Apply research design principles to develop study plans and assessments of asset management.
  • Develop and implement Program Management reviews and processes for reporting progress toward goals to senior leaders, stakeholders, and the workforce.
  • Provide consultative services on creating strategic property management plans, developing change management plans, executing action plans, and establishing assessment processes to measure and track success and impact against stated goals and objectives.
  • Represent the government in IC element and inter-agency engagements (meetings, phone calls, briefings) to facilitate coordination of activities and shape the agenda for such meetings to achieve F&L objectives.
  • Assist Government Leads in preparing various quarterly and annual data calls regarding asset management from the agency, other IC agencies, and Congress to support national security policies and priorities.
  • Review documents for technical correction and edits in the development of Congressional testimony, budget presentations, issue papers and talking points.

Requirements
  • Requires BS+10 years of experience or MS+6 years of experience or no degree with 20+ years of experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in social, political, physical, natural or business sciences; humanities; engineering or mathematics; or other field directly relating to strategic planning and evaluation.
  • Demonstrated extensive experience in identifying emerging trends and strategic issues and incorporating these into organizational strategic plans.
  • Background in conducting or reviewing audits.
  • Demonstrated extensive knowledge of IC organizations' missions in order to develop the national-level strategies and policies necessary to support U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
  • Demonstrated extensive understanding of performance principles and superior ability to advise organizations on the application of performance evaluation methods.
  • Demonstrated extensive ability to conceptualize, organize, and draw inferences from incomplete data and present a compelling analysis of findings and issues while identifying, articulating, documenting, and mitigating knowledge gaps.
  • Demonstrated excellent organizational and interpersonal skills in supporting working groups, managing competing priorities, advocating new ideas/concepts/processes, provide recommendations on time-sensitive issues, and work collaboratively across the IC.
  • Demonstrated experience with Power BI or similar tools.

Synertex logo

About Synertex

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

2017