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Public Policy Manager Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate I

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47K - $52K/yr

Research Associate I Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Public Finance ... management, and analysis; conducts background research on fiscal and tax policy issues; and ...

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Public Policy Manager information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$51.7K

$128.6K

$142.5K

How much do public policy manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public policy manager in Decatur, GA is $128,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,700.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPublic Policy ManagerPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; often some experience in policy or government rolesBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; research and analytical skills emphasized
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, interacts with stakeholders, and develops policy strategiesConducts research, analyzes data, prepares reports, and provides policy recommendations
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and corporations involved in policy developmentThink tanks, government offices, research institutions, and consulting firms

In summary, Public Policy Managers oversee policy initiatives and manage teams, while Policy Analysts focus on research and analysis to inform policy decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

How does a Public Policy Manager typically collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational goals?

A Public Policy Manager frequently works cross-functionally, partnering with internal teams such as legal, communications, and government affairs to develop unified policy positions. Externally, they engage with government officials, industry groups, and advocacy organizations to represent their organization's interests and build coalitions. Effective collaboration often involves coordinating meetings, preparing briefing materials, and ensuring consistent messaging across all channels. This role requires strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, as balancing diverse perspectives is key to advancing policy objectives.

What Does a Public Policy Manager Do?

A public policy manager is a broad descriptor that can relate to many different areas, as there are a lot of varying sectors of public policy. Generally speaking, a public policy manager is responsible for working within the government to dictate how legislative actions are implemented. Your duties in this career can also involve interaction with the public, such as providing a query response to questions asked regarding specific policy implementations. A public policy manager directs the actions of regulatory departments to provide for the adequate application of governmental policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Policy Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Policy Manager, you need a strong background in policy analysis, political science, or public administration, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in government or advocacy. Familiarity with policy research tools, legislative tracking systems, and data analysis software is commonly required. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills help build consensus and influence decision-makers. These skills are crucial for effectively shaping policies, navigating complex regulatory environments, and advancing organizational goals.

What does a Public Policy Manager do?

A Public Policy Manager is responsible for analyzing, developing, and advocating for policies that align with an organization's goals and interests. They monitor legislative and regulatory developments, build relationships with policymakers, and create strategies to influence public policy decisions. This role often involves collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and government officials to ensure the organization's voice is heard in the policy-making process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Public Policy jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Policy Manager jobs in Decatur, GA? For Public Policy Manager jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Policy Manager jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Public Policy Manager jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Public Policy Manager jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Public Policy Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Policy Manager job openings in Decatur, GA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,575 per year, or $61.8 per hour.
Research Associate I

$47K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Georgia State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

241st of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description:
Research Associate I
Georgia State University
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Public Finance Research Cluster
The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS) is at the forefront of impactful research, addressing critical public policy issues that shape decision-making in legislatures, school districts, governments, and non-profits. The school's esteemed Public Finance Research Cluster, home to the Center for State and Local Finance (CSLF), Fiscal Research Center (FRC), and International Center for Public Policy (ICePP), is dedicated to producing innovative non-partisan policy research, addressing current domestic challenges in tax policy, economic and urban development, public budgeting, and education finance. Our projects make a tangible impact on government, nonprofit, and private-sector clients as well as contribute to scholarship.
WHAT MAKES THE PUBLIC FINANCE CLUSTER A GREAT PLACE TO WORK?
• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with partners.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship.
• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting
The Research I Associate provides analytical, research, and programmatic support for thePublic FinanceResearch Cluster (PFRC) within the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, including the Center for State and Local Finance (CSLF), Fiscal Research Center (FRC), and the International Center for Public Policy (ICePP). The position supports applied policy research related to public finance, taxation, economic development, public budgeting, and education finance at the international, federal, state, and local levels.
Under the supervision of the Associate Director for Domestic Programs, the Research Associate assist faculty and research staff with data collection, management, and analysis; conducts background research on fiscal and tax policy issues; and contributes to the preparation of research reports, policy briefs, presentations, and other dissemination products. The position also assists with data visualization, documentation of research methodologies, and administrative coordination related to research projects.
This role requires the ability to work with quantitative datasets, interpret policy-relevant research findings, and communicate technical information clearly to both academic and policy audiences. The position exercises occasional independent judgment in performing routine research tasks and collaborates with faculty, research staff, graduate research assistants, and administrative personnel to support PFRC research initiatives.
The ideal candidate for this position will be intellectually curious and have 1) experience in applied public finance research, 2) a demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data, and 3) excellent written and oral presentation skills.
Primary Duties Include but are not limited to:
  • Research Support: Conduct background research on federal, state, local, and international public finance topics using academic literature, policy reports, government publications, and other data sources. Compile and summarize findings to support PFRC research projects and policy analysis.
  • Data Collection and Quantitative Analysis: Assist with collecting, cleaning, organizing, and analyzing economic, fiscal, and tax data using analytical tools such as Excel, R, Stata, or Python. Support the development of datasets used for policy evaluation, fiscal forecasting, and research studies.
  • Research Writing and Documentation: Assist in drafting research summaries, policy briefs, technical memoranda, and report sections that communicate complex fiscal and economic issues to academic, policy, and practitioner audiences.
  • Data Visualization and Presentation Support: Develop charts, tables, figures, PowerPoint slides, and other data visualizations to support research reports, policy briefs, presentations, and stakeholder communications.
  • Project and Administrative Support: Provide coordination and administrative support for PFRC research projects, including documentation, file management, meeting preparation, and assistance with project deliverables and research dissemination activities.

This position is full-time, benefits-eligible through the University System of Georgia, and is supported through sponsored-funded projects.
Disclaimer:
This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties.
As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion the employee's direct supervisor.
Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree and two years of related experience, or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Hiring Requirements:
  • Two years of related experience in policy research, economic analysis, data analysis, or applied research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience working with quantitative datasets and statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, Python, or similar tools).
  • Familiarity with public finance, tax policy, economic development, or government budgeting.
  • Experience preparing research summaries, reports, or policy briefs.
  • Experience with data visualization tools and techniques.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in an academic or research environment.

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