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Public Policy Analyst Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Policy & Impact Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$79.24 - $87.16/hr

What You'll Do Policy Research, Analysis and Writing * Serve as a key subject matter expert on ... bettering of public education for all children. * Exceptional project management skills.

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Public Policy Analyst information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$36.5K

$95.5K

$141K

How much do public policy analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for public policy analyst in Raleigh, NC is $95,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $127,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public policy analyst?

Public Policy Analysts are professionals who research, evaluate, and recommend policies to address public issues. They collect and analyze data, assess the effectiveness of current policies, and help shape new policies for government agencies, non-profits, or private organizations. Their work often involves preparing reports, advising decision-makers, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure policies are informed, effective, and equitable.

What does a public policy analyst do?

As a public policy analyst, you research the effectiveness of legislation to help determine its actual effect and impact. Many public policy analysts specialize in specific areas of concern, such as education or public safety. In this role, you may use surveys to understand an issue better, take the initiative when deciding how to collect data, and otherwise measure both the impact and the awareness of passed and proposed legislation. Public policy analysts frequently work for the government, but occasionally work for think tanks, nonprofits, and other research institutions. Some public policy analysts write for newspapers or magazines, testify before legislative bodies, appear on news programs, or speak at conferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public policy analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Policy Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and a background in public policy, economics, or political science, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or Stata), and policy management systems is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities enable analysts to develop evidence-based recommendations, effectively communicate findings, and influence policy decisions.

What are some common challenges public policy analysts face when working with diverse stakeholders?

Public Policy Analysts often navigate complex relationships between government agencies, advocacy groups, and the public, each with differing priorities and perspectives. Balancing these interests while ensuring data-driven, unbiased recommendations can be challenging. Analysts must possess strong communication and negotiation skills to facilitate consensus and address conflicting viewpoints effectively. Collaborating across sectors also requires adaptability and a thorough understanding of the political and social landscape surrounding the policies in question.

What is the difference between Public Policy Analyst vs Policy Advisor?

AspectPublic Policy AnalystPolicy Advisor
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsSimilar educational background; often requires experience in policy development
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, analyzing data, preparing reportsAdvising policymakers, strategic communication
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOsGovernment, political offices, consulting firms

While both roles involve policy work, Public Policy Analysts primarily focus on research and analysis, whereas Policy Advisors provide strategic recommendations and direct advice to policymakers. The roles often overlap but differ in their focus and responsibilities.

Is a public policy analyst entry level?

Public policy analyst roles can be entry-level or require several years of experience, depending on the organization. Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related fields, and may involve internships or research experience. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized expertise.

Is it hard to get a job as a public policy analyst?

Securing a position as a public policy analyst can be competitive, often requiring a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and research skills. Experience through internships or related work can improve chances, and familiarity with policy analysis tools and data interpretation is beneficial.

Is public policy a high paying job?

Public policy analysts typically earn median salaries that are comparable to other government or research roles, with pay varying based on experience, education, and location. While some positions in government or private sectors can be well-compensated, entry-level roles tend to have moderate salaries, and advanced positions or those in consulting may offer higher pay.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy Analyst jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Public Policy Analyst jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Policy Analyst jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Public Policy Analyst jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Public Policy Analyst jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Public Policy Analyst job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Policy Analyst job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,473 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Policy Analyst, Duke Margolis Institute for Health Policy Hybrid (Washington DC or Durham NC)

Duke University

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

488th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Policy Analyst
Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy
The Robert J. Margolis, MD, Institute for Health Policy at Duke University (Duke-Margolis) seeks to address critical health policy challenges and improve health, health equity, and the value of health care through practical, innovative, and evidence-based policy solutions. The interdisciplinary nature of Duke-Margolis brings together policy experts, researchers, health care professionals, and students from across Duke's schools of medicine, nursing, law, public policy, business, and engineering, and fosters extensive relationships with stakeholders both internal and external. These relationships span foundations, private sector organizations, state and federal governments, and global entities. The Institute fosters excellence, leadership, and scholarship at every level.
Occupational Summary
Duke-Margolis has an opening for a Policy Analyst within the Institute's Biomedical Innovation research portfolio. The individual in this position will support projects focused on coverage, pricing, and payment policy for medical products including drugs, cell and gene therapies, and medical devices. This role will contribute to work aimed at improving strategies for ensuring access to innovative medical products while balancing affordability and sustainability. Areas of focus may include evaluating coverage policies, designing payment models, exploring value-based payment approaches, and analyzing various policies that impact the adoption and use of medical products.
This position performs a variety of complex activities in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data. Primary responsibilities include conducting health policy-focused background research; drafting summary documents; performing literature reviews; extensive writing for a range of deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, peer-reviewed publications); and supporting planning and preparation for Institute events, public/private convening, and other project activities through both content development and project/ logistics coordination.
Duke-Margolis has offices in both Washington, DC and on Duke's main campus in Durham, NC. Durham, NC is preferred for this role though exceptional Washington, DC candidates may also be considered. Employees are currently working in a hybrid capacity with a combination of teleworking locally to the base office area (DC/MD/VA or NC, respectively) and in-person team collaboration.
Work Performed
Coordinate and perform a variety of complex individual activities, with increasing independence, in research, writing, and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data within the scope of research projects at Duke University, focused on specializations in health policy. Contribute to one large or multiple smaller projects under the guidance of a principal investigator and/or senior researcher. This position will have a primary focus on access to medical products through coverage, payment, and pricing policy. Candidates may also have the opportunity to contribute to projects in other domains of interest to the Institute such as medical product development, real-world data and evidence, regulatory science, medical device and pharmaceutical policy, healthcare delivery and payment reform, health equity, global health, health systems transformation, and the intersection of scientific and regulatory advancement with broader US health policy reforms.
Collaborate with senior researchers to conduct research, perform literature reviews, draft summary documents, and perform extensive writing for a range of deliverable types (e.g., policy briefs, white papers, blog posts, public reports and recommendations, peer-reviewed journal articles) on a broad range of health policy topics.
Identify and evaluate potential sources of qualitative and quantitative data, evidence, and information as appropriate for addressing project questions and objectives. Make recommendations for use. Evaluate and interpret data collected from diverse sources. Synthesize and translate complex information from a wide range of inputs into clear and accessible written material for a range of audiences. Prepare oral and/or written reports and analyses to present findings, establish progress, analyze trends, and provide recommendations and/or conclusions.
Produce high-quality written work products and deliverables. Plan, implement, and coordinate activities to execute assigned elements of plans and projects.
Coordinate and support the execution of Duke-Margolis public and expert convenings (e.g., workshops, roundtables, seminars, other varied stakeholder meetings) through topic-focused policy research, preparatory analysis and writing to craft clear and concise materials for stakeholder and expert review and response, coordination, and logistics management for events ranging in size from focused expert panels to large-scale public events.
Assist in the identification of content experts and stakeholder groups to engage in projects and events through independent research, phone interviews, and correspondence.
Monitor developments in relevant content areas by attending meetings and engaging in ongoing review of relevant sources (e.g., news, legislation, policy statements, etc); prepare internal briefing materials on assigned topic areas. Independently notify colleagues of policy changes and provide in-depth analysis of impacts to the health care system and/or health policy landscape.
Support principal investigators and senior researchers in developing draft presentations, speaking points, and policy briefs.
Maintain liaison with project participants, project personnel, faculty members, and other relevant parties to support project deliverables and objectives. Coordinate project activities and logistics with stakeholders, industry representatives, and policy professionals as required to support project execution, data collection, and/or dissemination of findings.
Support senior researchers in event planning and preparation. Coordinate with senior researchers and administrative staff to organize and plan convening activities and events relevant to targeted scientific and policy issues.
Suggest project ideas, innovations, and workflow improvements. Contribute to strong and supportive working relationships across the project team(s) and Institute.
Minimum Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a field related to the position (e.g., policy, public health, public administration, economics, science, engineering, law, or field directly related to the position).
Experience: Work requires two years of experience in policy/research/data analysis or related position.
Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
Desired Skills:
  • Strong research and writing experience.
  • Policy research skills, including the ability to synthesize content from a broad range of sources. Data analysis capabilities are preferred.
  • Strong written communication skills and the ability to transform complicated information into easy-to-understand materials.
  • Ability to interact professionally with senior-level individuals (e.g., local, state, and national policymakers), stakeholders, and organizations.
  • Familiarity with current trends and regulations in topic areas relevant to the specific position.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with varied responsibilities and able to respond flexibly to changing needs.
  • Proficient in use of standard computing software (including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint); capacity to learn additional job-specific programs as required.
  • Administrative, project coordination, and/or project management experience is preferred.
  • Training or experience in the fields of health policy, public policy, public health, science, or engineering is preferred.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Engagements are renewable annually upon funding availability. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Materials Required:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Three References (names and email addresses)

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $51,510.00 to USD $96,900.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US