ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Policy Researcher 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 ...

New

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

The Manager, Public Policy will serve in a liaison capacity between Public Policy and multiple ... Understanding the big picture, connecting the dots, and diving deep in research will be essential ...

Greater Houston Partnership

Manager, Public Policy

Houston, TX · On-site

$113K - $138K/yr

Economic Development (Regional and International), Executive, Finance & Accounting, Marketing & Communications, Member Engagement, Public Policy, Regional Workforce Development, Research, Resources ...

BusPatrol

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX

$114K - $140K/yr

... Public Policy and Government Relations. This role is ideal for someone with strong political ... Conduct state-by-state policy research and analysis to identify differences in laws and regulations.

BusPatrol

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$114K - $140K/yr

... Public Policy and Government Relations. This role is ideal for someone with strong political ... Conduct state-by-state policy research and analysis to identify differences in laws and regulations.

BusPatrol

Director of Public Policy

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$225K - $250K/yr

... Public Policy and Government Relations. This role is ideal for someone with strong political ... Conduct state-by-state policy research and analysis to identify differences in laws and regulations.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment JobsFederal Government JobsGovernment Affairs Specialist JobsPublic Policy Researcher Jobs

Public Policy Researcher information

See salary details

$16

$26

$37

How much do public policy researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for public policy researcher in the United States is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Public Policy Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of political science or public administration, and typically a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as Stata or SPSS), data visualization tools, and literature review databases is often required. Exceptional written communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills help convey complex findings and collaborate effectively. These competencies are crucial for producing evidence-based recommendations that inform policy decisions and drive meaningful impact.

How do public policy researchers typically collaborate with stakeholders during the research process?

Public Policy Researchers often work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, community organizations, subject matter experts, and advocacy groups. Collaboration may involve conducting interviews, organizing focus groups, or gathering feedback to ensure that research findings are comprehensive and relevant to all parties involved. This engagement helps researchers validate their data, understand different perspectives, and ensure that policy recommendations are both practical and responsive to real-world needs. Effective communication and relationship-building are key skills for navigating these collaborative efforts.

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

AspectPublic Policy ResearcherPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, think tanks, government agenciesGovernment agencies, consulting firms, advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in research-focused roles within public sector and nonprofitsInvolved in analyzing, developing, and recommending policies for government or organizations

Public Policy Researchers focus on conducting in-depth research and analysis to inform policy decisions, often working in academic or research settings. Policy Analysts interpret research findings to develop actionable policy recommendations, frequently working directly with government agencies or organizations. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their primary functions differ: researchers generate knowledge, analysts apply it.

More about Public Policy Researcher jobs

What cities are hiring for Public Policy Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Public Policy Researcher job openings:

What states have the most Public Policy Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Policy Researcher jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Public Policy Researcher jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Policy Researcher jobs are:

Public Policy Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Policy Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,715 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Public Policy Research Intern

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association

Arlington, VA • On-site

Internship

Posted 3 days ago

New

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!

Apply