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Public Policy Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NABCA

Public Policy Research Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

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 ...

Tamus

Senior Research Associate

College Station, TX

$45K - $63K/yr

Job Title Senior Research Associate Agency Texas A&M University Department Public Policy Research Institute Proposed Minimum Salary $4,584.00 monthly Job Location College Station, Texas Job Type ...

Sun King

We are seeking a Research Associate to support the VP for Public Policy & Government Relations. This role will play a critical part in advancing our engagement on energy access, electrification, and ...

Sun King

We are seeking a Research Associate to support the VP for Public Policy & Government Relations. This role will play a critical part in advancing our engagement on energy access, electrification, and ...

Tencent

Associate, Global AI Policy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

The Associate will support Tencent's global AI policy efforts by researching emerging policy ... teams across public affairs, legal, compliance, product, engineering, and research functions ...

Tencent

Associate, Global AI Policy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

The Associate will support Tencent's global AI policy efforts by researching emerging policy ... teams across public affairs, legal, compliance, product, engineering, and research functions ...

The Georgetown University

$23.40 - $28.60/hr

Requirements Job Overview The Qualitative Research Associate in the Evidence for Justice Lab at the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University supports the Lab's mission to advance the ...

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Public Policy Research Associate information

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$32.5K

$76.4K

$114.5K

How much do public policy research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for public policy research associate in the United States is $76,359.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public policy research associate do?

A Public Policy Research Associate conducts research and analysis on policies, laws, and social issues to support decision-making in government, nonprofit, or private sectors. They gather and interpret data, prepare reports, and provide recommendations to policymakers or advocacy groups. Their work often involves reviewing legislation, evaluating program effectiveness, and staying informed about current policy trends. The role requires strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, as well as familiarity with policy-making processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public policy research associate?

To thrive as a Public Policy Research Associate, you need strong analytical skills, research methodology expertise, and typically a degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools like SPSS or Stata, and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, are commonly required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and the ability to synthesize complex information help professionals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate, impactful policy recommendations that inform decision-making and drive effective public outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by public policy research associates when working on policy analysis projects?

Public Policy Research Associates often encounter challenges such as gathering reliable and up-to-date data, navigating complex stakeholder interests, and synthesizing large volumes of information into actionable recommendations. Balancing objectivity with organizational or client priorities can also be demanding. Additionally, tight deadlines and rapidly evolving policy landscapes require associates to be adaptable and proactive in their research approach.

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

AspectPublic Policy Research AssociatePolicy 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, think tanks, government agenciesGovernment agencies, think tanks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily research-focused roles in policy developmentAnalyzing, developing, and recommending policies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles in policyComparing policy research and analysis careers

The Public Policy Research Associate typically focuses on gathering data and supporting research projects within policy organizations, while a Policy Analyst often takes a step further by analyzing data to develop policy recommendations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in related environments, but the Policy Analyst usually has more responsibility for policy development and strategic recommendations.

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Public Policy Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Policy Research Associate 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 $76,359 per year, or $36.7 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 5 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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