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Public Policy Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Policy Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$134K - $164K/yr

The Public Policy Director will advance the Amputee Coalition's mission through its legislative and ... Lead key organizational policy initiatives and programs, through policy research, legislative ...

Public Policy Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The Public Policy Director will advance the Amputee Coalition's mission through its legislative and ... Lead key organizational policy initiatives and programs, through policy research, legislative ...

Develop informative slide deck presentations, research briefs, advocacy materials, and other ... In partnership with the Public Policy Directors, contribute to the development and implementation ...

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 ...

Director Public Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

Director Public Policy Location: Washington, DC (REQUIRED) Onsite/Remote/Hybrid: Onsite position ... Familiarity with AI-enabled research, productivity, or workflow tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot ...

Director Public Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$134K - $164K/yr

Director Public Policy Location: Washington, DC (REQUIRED) Onsite/Remote/Hybrid: Onsite position ... Familiarity with AI-enabled research, productivity, or workflow tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot ...

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.

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.

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.

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How much do public policy researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 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 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.

What is the highest salary in public policy?

Public policy researchers can earn high salaries, especially those in senior roles, government agencies, or with extensive experience and advanced degrees. Top earners in the field may make over $120,000 annually, with some senior policymakers or consultants earning even more depending on their organization and location.

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 does a public policy researcher do?

A public policy researcher analyzes laws, regulations, and policy proposals to assess their impact and effectiveness. They gather data, conduct interviews, and use research methods to inform policymakers and stakeholders, often working with statistical tools and policy frameworks. Their work supports evidence-based decision-making in government, nonprofit, or advocacy organizations.

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

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.

Is a PhD in public policy worth it?

A PhD in public policy can enhance research skills and qualify individuals for advanced roles in academia, government, or think tanks. However, it requires significant time and financial investment, and job prospects may vary based on experience and networking. Many public policy researchers find that practical experience and a master's degree can also lead to fulfilling careers in the field.
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What cities are hiring for Public Policy Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Public Policy Researcher job openings:
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Infographic showing various Public Policy Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,715 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Public Policy Director

Amputee Coalition

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$134K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

The Public Policy Director will advance the Amputee Coalition's mission through its legislative and advocacy agenda to educate policymakers and activists on issues affecting the limb loss and limb difference community.


The Public Policy Director monitors state and federal legislation and regulations that impact the limb loss and limb difference (LL/LD) community. The role provides expert analysis of policy challenges facing the LL/LD community, engages individuals who have LL/LD to inform policy development, and advises organizational leadership on policy positions, legislative priorities, and public responses. The Public Policy Director supports external communication strategies and public announcements associated with the organization's policy positions to the public audience reached through the Amputee Coalition's Communications team. The Public Policy Director ensures that all public policy positions and communications align with the organization's vision, mission, and core values to expand impact across various ethnic groups and under-resourced populations.


Essential Functions

  • Oversee the development and execution of the Amputee Coalition's Policy Matrix and Legislative Agenda, including publication, stakeholder engagement, and education efforts.
  • Supports the Chief Executive Officer to execute the Legislative and Advocacy Agenda.
  • Lead and coordinate legislative letters of support on behalf of the Amputee Coalition ensuring alignment with the organization's mission, values, and policies.
  • Lead key organizational policy initiatives and programs, through policy research, legislative analysis, model policy development, legislative tracking, and coordination of policy-focused stakeholder engagement activities.
  • Provide strategic guidance and analysis on legislative, regulatory, and health coverage policies, identifying opportunities and barriers affecting access to mobility technologies and related healthcare services.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to support policy objectives.
  • Monitors federal and state legislation and regulations that impact the limb loss and limb difference community.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with other organizations in support of coalition development.
  • Edits and updates materials and fact sheets, including web content, articles, and print publications about federal and state public policy matters important to the limb loss and limb difference community.
  • Represents the Amputee Coalition through presentation at state and national meetings on the Amputee Coalition's policy priorities.
  • Execute policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy partner organizations engagement plan, including the Coalition's Corporate Council.
  • Supports the administration and execution of the Amputee Coalition's public policy activities, including coordinating coalition meetings, drafting minutes for standing Amputee Coalition-led coalition conference calls, scheduling meetings with legislative staff, assisting with federal lobbying reports, lending logistical support for briefings, roundtables and other events organized by the Coalition, and preparing meeting packets for public policy meetings.
  • As needed, coordinate meetings with federal offices and key stakeholders with the CEO, board members, and volunteers.


Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • A clear understanding of federal and state legislative processes and navigating legislation.
  • Ability to effectively lead public forums, listening sessions, present policy issues and conduct training for limb loss/limb difference community members, professionals, and others.
  • Comfort in building and cultivating relationships with people who have disabilities, legislative offices, and volunteers.
  • Track record illustrating excellent administrative, oral, written, and interpersonal skills. Experience communicating complex concepts through oral and written formats.
  • Capable of working independently and collaboratively in a remote work environment.
  • Ability to problem solve, think critically and strategically, exercise judgment, work with minimal direction, achieve deadlines and work from written and oral instructions.
  • Strong work ethic, integrity, and judgment and dedication to the mission of the Amputee Coalition.
  • Strong desire to produce an exceptional product, including the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in preparing and displaying information.
  • Commitment to working with people from diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

Required Education, Certifications/ Licenses, Related Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or related discipline, public health, or related discipline (or commensurate experience) or a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in public policy and/or government relations. Experience in health-related policy preferred.
  • Experience managing government relations or public policy programs.
  • Experience writing organizational letters of support, analyzing, and researching policies and writing policy briefs.
  • Experience utilizing online tools for database management and online meeting presentations.
  • Background in agency, corporate, or nonprofit environments requiring high-level coordination and joint program execution.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in political science, public policy, health policy, public health, or related discipline.
  • Knowledge of software needed to compile information for policy analysis and communications (i.e. Quorum and Phone 2 Action).
  • Knowledge of limb loss and limb difference policy initiatives that impact equitable access.
  • Experience working with people who have limb loss and/or limb difference.
  • Experience directly supervising staff.


Physical Job Requirements

  • This position requires the ability to remain stationary and seated for over half their time.
  • The person in this position may need to move about healthcare organizations and the Amputee Coalition National Office less than half their time.
  • This position requires the ability to spend the majority of their time viewing computer monitors.
  • This position is exposed to outdoor weather conditions and non-climate-controlled workspace(s) less than half the time.


Travel Requirements

  • This position travels overnight for legislative visits to state capitols and the US Capitol, policy forums, and annually for national conference less than 10% of the time.
  • Anticipated travel will be by car, air, and/or train.


Behaviors (Values in Practice)

  • Accountability - Responsible for own words, actions, and results
  • Compassion - Act with kindness and caring to everyone we encounter.
  • Improvement - Strive for continuous growth in everything we do.
  • Innovation - Encourage thoughtful, creative, and inspirational stories and ideas.
  • Integrity - Build trust through responsible actions and honest relationships.
  • Respect - Treat people with dignity and professionalism.
  • Service - Provide resources, programs, and relevant connections to support people through their journey.
  • Teamwork - Believe that through collective efforts we can create a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.


Equal Employment Opportunity

The Amputee Coalition believes that equal opportunities for all employees are important for the continuing success of the organization. In accordance with state and federal law, the Amputee Coalition provides equal employment opportunity to all persons and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin or ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation or preference, or any other category protected by applicable law in hiring, promoting, demoting, training, benefits, transfers, layoffs, terminations, recommendations, or rates of pay or other forms of compensation.


Should you need accommodation during the interview process, please make a note in your application.