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Public Policy Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Public Policy Manager, Search

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

As a Public Policy Manager for Search, you will address the most complex issues facing the technology industry. The GAPP team manages the company's political and policy strategy, driving external ...

Local Public Policy Manager Responsibilities: * Lead, manage, and develop a team of regional local policy managers, setting strategy and priorities for local government engagement across Meta ...

Local Public Policy Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

Meta seeks an experienced leader to build and manage the company's local government affairs efforts in support of our data center site strategy across t.

New

Manager, Public Policy

Arlington, VA · On-site

$136K - $166K/yr

Amazon is seeking a Manager, Public Policy to assist in developing and coordinating fast-moving policy strategy in support of Amazon's commitment to Strive to Be Earth's Best Employer. You will ...

Manager, Public Policy

Arlington, VA · On-site

$136K - $166K/yr

The Manager, Public Policy will serve in a liaison capacity between Public Policy and multiple business partners. They will develop and execute government affairs advocacy objectives and political ...

Manager, Public Policy

Arlington, VA · On-site

$136K - $166K/yr

Amazon is seeking a Manager, Public Policy to develop and execute the company's federal and state public policy efforts related to digital trust and safety issues. You will be responsible for ...

Managing Director, Public Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

... public policy developments; enlist subject matter experts as appropriate; assist with the development and management of internal working groups. * Develop and review materials for engagement with ...

Director, Public Policy

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$171K - $285K/yr

Director, Public Policy Background: The Director, Public Policy is a key member of the US Public ... Externally, this position engages and manages relationships with PhRMA on key issues and engages ...

New

Head of Public Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

Manage several state lobbying contracts in key Braven regions Strategy & Resource Creation (50 ... public policy opportunities and engagements * Assist with planning an execution of an annual ...

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Public Policy Manager information

See Reston, VA salary details

$55.1K

$137K

$151.9K

How much do public policy manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for public policy manager in Reston, VA is $137,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,300.00 and $150,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Public Policy jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Policy Manager jobs in Reston, VA?

For Public Policy Manager jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Policy Manager jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Policy Manager jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Public Policy Manager jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Public Policy Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Policy Manager job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,006 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Public Policy Manager, Search

Washington, DC • On-site


Google
Software Development • 10K+ employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 246 rated software companies

Free food

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here


$134K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

info_outline
X In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include:
  • Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
  • Retirement Benefits: 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per year, accruing at a rate of 6.15 hours per pay period for the first five years of employment
  • Sick Time: 40 hours/year (increased to 69 hours/year for Seattle) including 5 discretionary sick days per instance
  • Maternity Leave (Short-Term Disability Baby Bonding): 28-30 weeks
  • Baby Bonding Leave: 18 weeks
  • Holidays: 13 paid days per year

Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 7 years of experience in policy analysis and campaigns, working on technology issues or the policy environments that surround them.
  • 7 years of experience working within government, think tanks, public interest groups, technology industry groups, or corporate public policy organizations.
  • Experience with regulatory issues related to data privacy, content moderation, or consumer protection.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Public Policy, Law, International Relations, or a related field.
  • Subject matter expertise in a highly regulated industry, especially health policy (e.g., medical misinformation, health data regulations) or financial services policy (e.g., fintech regulation, consumer financial protection).

About the job
The Knowledge and Information (K&I) Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) team is at the center of the high-stakes conversations shaping the future of technology today, engaging with policymakers to serve as a catalyst for responsible innovation.
The Search Government Affairs pod acts as the vital policy bridge for core Search products. We coordinate strategically between external policy discussions and internal teams, working shoulder-to-shoulder with Product, Engineering, Legal, and Trust and Safety to translate fast-moving global political developments into actionable product guidance.
As a Public Policy Manager for Search, you will address the most complex issues facing the technology industry. The GAPP team manages the company's political and policy strategy, driving external engagement with policymakers, regulators, and civil society. In this role, you will focus specifically on the intersection of Search technologies and highly sensitive areas, including personalization, health, and finance.
You will ensure that Search products are built responsibly and reflect a sophisticated understanding of the global regulatory landscape. You will help navigate evolving user expectations and dialogue with policy experts regarding the impact of generative AI-powered features and age-appropriate access to information.
This role requires an individual who thrives in emerging policy discussions about technology and global regulations. Success requires not just political acumen, but the determination and communication skills necessary to navigate deeply matrixed internal stakeholders and align engaging priorities.
Google takes its responsibilities seriously, including engaging with government and other stakeholders on important public policy challenges. The Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) team leads the company's engagement with executive branch officials, legislators, regulators and third-parties in the formation of public policy. Working closely with Google leaders, GAPP seeks to identify key policy issues, listen carefully to others' views and opinions, and distill and share the company's perspective on those issues with external stakeholders. While we focus on challenges affecting the internet, our issue areas are increasingly broad and encompass many areas where public policy, business, and technology intersect.Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $141000 - $205000 (USD) 15% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute proactive strategies to manage political risks and address government relations problems. Engage with stakeholders and allied organizations in policy campaigns.
  • Monitor global legislative and emerging policy developments impacting Search (e.g., Generative AI, personalization, health, finance) to understand business and user impacts.
  • Translate policy strategies into execution plans. Act as the team contact for Search engineering, collaborating with Legal, Marketing, PR, and Trust and Safety to launch policy-friendly products.
  • Draft policy briefs develop narratives explaining Search's value, emphasizing how it serves users in sensitive sectors while respecting privacy.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.


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