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NABCA

Public Policy Research Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The intern will assist the Public Policy Team's work to promote public health and safety with control jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, members, and communities. The Public Policy Research ...

The Georgetown University

Requirements Job Overview Temporary Part-Time Research Assistant, Economic Dignity Lab, McCourt School of Public Policy - Georgetown University. The Economic Dignity Lab develops evidence-based ...

Amazon

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 ... Understanding the big picture, connecting the dots, and diving deep in research will be essential ...

Amazon

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 ... Understanding the big picture, connecting the dots, and diving deep in research will be essential ...

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Public Policy Research Assistant information

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How much do public policy research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for public policy research assistant in the United States is $28.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public policy research assistant do?

A Public Policy Research Assistant supports policy analysts and researchers by gathering, analyzing, and summarizing data related to public policies and government programs. Their responsibilities include conducting literature reviews, compiling statistics, preparing reports, and helping draft policy recommendations. They may also assist with organizing events, tracking legislative developments, and communicating findings to various stakeholders. This role is essential in ensuring research accuracy and providing foundational information for policy decisions.

What types of projects do public policy research assistants typically work on, and how do they contribute to policy development?

Public Policy Research Assistants often support projects such as legislative analysis, policy impact assessments, and stakeholder interviews. Their responsibilities may include gathering and synthesizing data, drafting reports, and preparing briefing materials for senior analysts or policymakers. By providing accurate research and clear summaries, they help inform decision-making and ensure that recommendations are evidence-based. Collaboration with team members, including policy analysts and external experts, is common, offering valuable exposure to the policy-making process and opportunities for professional growth.

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

To thrive as a Public Policy Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and a background in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (such as Excel, SPSS, or Stata), academic databases, and sometimes experience with survey platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, written communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for producing accurate, impactful research that informs effective policy recommendations and supports organizational goals.

What is the difference between Public Policy Research Assistant vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPublic Policy Research AssistantPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, think tanksGovernment agencies, consulting firms, advocacy organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily research-focused roles supporting policy developmentAnalyzing, developing, and recommending policies based on research

Public Policy Research Assistants typically support policy research through data collection and analysis, while Policy Analysts interpret research findings to develop policy recommendations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in related environments, but Policy Analysts tend to have more responsibility for policy formulation and strategic decision-making.

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Public Policy Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Policy Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,830 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Public Policy Research Intern

Arlington, VA

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about National Alcohol Beverage Control Associationexternal

Internship

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Announcement

Public Policy Research Intern

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), located in Arlington, VA, was founded in 1938 and is the national trade association representing the jurisdictions that control the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol within their borders. The mission of NABCA is to support member jurisdictions in their efforts to protect public health and safety and ensure responsible and efficient systems for beverage alcohol distribution and sales.

NABCA has an immediate vacancy for a temporary Public Policy Research Intern. The Public Policy team is responsible for policy research and analysis on public policy, public health and public safety issues that are foundational to NABCA's mission. The intern will perform research, data mining, data cleaning, visualization, and other assigned tasks to support the Public Policy data analysis. The intern will assist the Public Policy Team's work to promote public health and safety with control jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, members, and communities. The Public Policy Research Intern reports to the Director, Public Policy.

NABCA is a Great Place to Work Certified Workplace for 2024/25! Click Here to Learn More! NABCA offers complimentary parking, and offices in a beautiful building conveniently located in the Shirlington area, one block from popular shops and restaurants. The individual selected for this role will have opportunities to meet exceptionally talented managers and colleagues throughout the organization.

Duties: The Public Policy Intern performs the following duties:

  • Completes assignments to support the department's accomplishment of NABCA's strategic public policy and research goals.
  • Assists in identifying meaningful data sources that expand the department's existing portfolio of policy datasets.
  • Performs research and data mining tasks to support statistical reporting projects; collects, transforms, cleans, and validates data from multiple sources as assigned.
  • Prepares basic syntheses and regular updates of research, data and statistical analyses.
  • Uses data and statistical tools and apps to develop basic data models and statistical reports to provide insights for the Public Policy Team as requested; assists with updating public policy dashboards and impact reports as assigned.
  • Participates in meetings; perform special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Pursuit of a bachelor's or master's degree in public policy, public health, or related discipline at an accredited college or university is required. Data science, analytics, statistics, economics, or directly related coursework are highly preferred.
  • Prior internships or employment in public health, public safety, or public policy roles in non-profit or government settings is strongly preferred.
  • An understanding of the research and data needs of the public health, safety or policy fields is a plus.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills are required.
  • Recent experience using statistical or analytical tools and apps to analyze data is required. Recent experience using Power BI, Tableau, SPSS, SAS, R, etc.is essential.
  • Strong analytical skills and recent experience with data mining, cleaning, and visualization tools are required.
  • Recent experience conducting data mining tasks, to include collecting, transforming, cleaning, and validating data from multiple sources, etc.-is essential.
  • An intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Teams, and Outlook is required.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify and resolve data errors are essential.
  • Must possess initiative and be a fast learner who can produce work that is accurate and complete. Strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to meet assignment deadlines is essential.
  • Must be a reliable, professional, flexible, team player with a positive attitude,
  • A strong desire to understand how research and data intersect to advance the public policy, public health or public safety fields is essential.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

EOE/M/F/D

Please note that this is a temporary 10-12-week Intern assignment.

The Public Policy Research Intern selected for this role will generally work 16-24 hours per week.

To Apply: Interested individuals should send resume and cover letter to hradmin@nabca.org by August 25, 2026. Learn more about NABCA at www.nabca.org.

NABCA is a Great Place to Work Certified Workplace for 2024/25! Click Here to Learn More!

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!

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