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Public Policy Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

External Affairs Manager

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

Serve as local legislative contact and liaison working with respective business units to advocate corporate positions and influence public policy. * Strategically build, maintain and manage key ...

External Affairs Manager

Wayne, IN · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

Serve as local legislative contact and liaison working with respective business units to advocate corporate positions and influence public policy. * Strategically build, maintain and manage key ...

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Showing results 1-20

Public Policy information

See Indiana salary details

$30.9K

$72.7K

$109K

How much do public policy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for public policy in Indiana is $72,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $84,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public policy professional do?

Public policy professionals research, analyze, and develop policies that address societal issues and guide government action. They work in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, and private companies. Their responsibilities often include conducting policy analysis, advising lawmakers, engaging with stakeholders, and advocating for policy changes. The goal is to create effective solutions that promote the public good and respond to community needs.

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

To thrive as a Public Policy professional, you need strong analytical skills, research abilities, and a solid educational background in public administration, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, statistical software (such as STATA or SPSS), and experience with legislative tracking systems are typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are essential for developing effective policies, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring policies address societal needs.

What are some common challenges faced by public policy professionals?

Professionals in public policy often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse stakeholder interests, navigating complex regulatory environments, and responding to rapidly shifting political landscapes. Collaboration across departments and with external organizations is essential, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, public policy professionals must stay current on legislative updates and be adaptable in developing evidence-based recommendations under tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Public Policy vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPublic PolicyPolicy 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 EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly in public sector and advocacy groupsCommonly employed in policy research and analysis roles

Public Policy and Policy Analyst roles often require similar educational backgrounds and are found in similar work environments. Public Policy is a broader field focusing on developing and evaluating policies, while Policy Analysts typically conduct research and provide recommendations within that framework. Both roles are essential in shaping and analyzing policies in government and nonprofit sectors.

How to break into public policy?

Breaking into public policy typically involves obtaining a relevant degree such as political science, public administration, or law, and gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions. Building skills in research, analysis, and communication, as well as networking with professionals in the field, can improve job prospects in public policy roles.

Is public policy in high demand?

Public policy professionals are in steady demand due to the need for government agencies, non-profits, and advocacy groups to develop and analyze policies. Employment opportunities often require strong research, communication skills, and knowledge of government processes, with demand influenced by political and economic factors.

What are the careers in public policy?

Careers in public policy include roles such as policy analyst, government affairs specialist, legislative assistant, public affairs manager, and policy advisor. These positions often require strong research, analytical, and communication skills, and may involve working for government agencies, think tanks, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups.

What is a public policy job?

A public policy job involves analyzing, developing, and advocating for policies that address societal issues, often within government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations. These roles typically require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve policy drafting, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Policy jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Public Policy jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Policy jobs in Indiana?

For Public Policy jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Public Policy jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Public Policy job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Policy job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,660 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Public Management, Tenure Track Faculty Position

Kokomo, IN

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Public Management, Tenure Track Faculty Position Appointment Status Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Public & Environmental Affairs Location Bloomington Position Summary
PAUL H. O'NEILL SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
INDIANA UNIVERSITY-BLOOMINGTON CAMPUS
Public Management, Tenure Track Faculty Position

The O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University-Bloomington, a world leader in public affairs research and education, invites applications for an open rank tenure track faculty position in all major areas of research specialization within public management. Preferred start date is August 1, 2027. Junior applicants are expected to develop a record of successful teaching and mentoring of students from all backgrounds and a nationally competitive program of research, including external funding. Senior applicants should already have a well-established national and international reputation in their research area and be able to provide evidence of effective teaching and mentoring. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to contribute to O'Neill's research programs, curricular offerings and service portfolio.
Preferred start date is August 1, 2027.
O'Neill Bloomington contains a vibrant student and faculty community and is the largest school of public affairs and public policy in the United States and for five years has ranked in one of the top two spots of the U.S. News & World Report rankings for graduate public affairs schools in the country. Six of O'Neill's specialty programs are ranked in the top five listings nationally, including Nonprofit Management and Environmental Policy which are ranked number 1. O'Neill is also tied for the top-ranked public administration program according to the 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities. The school attracts very high performing faculty and provides a collegial workplace environment.

Indiana University is a major research University founded in 1820 and currently enrolls more than 38,000 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate and professional students on the Bloomington campus. Additional information about the school and Indiana University can be found at https://oneill.indiana.edu/. Bloomington is a welcoming community located in the beautiful, wooded hills of southern Indiana approximately 1 hour from Indianapolis and 4 hours from Chicago, with abundant cultural and recreational opportunities, lower housing costs, and strong schools. Additional information about the city of Bloomington can be found at https://www.visitbloomington.com/.
To ensure consideration, application materials must be received by October 1, 2026. However, the search may continue until the position is filled. Please submit a letter of application, current vita, writing sample, and contact information for three references to  https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/33995.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum educational qualifications include a Ph.D. upon appointment in a related field (e.g., public administration, public affairs, political science, public policy, psychology, sociology, or business administration) and evidence of a developing or developed research portfolio depending on rank.
Department Contact for Questions
Inquiries regarding the position should be sent to the chair of the search committee, Sean Nicholson-Crotty, seanicho@iu.edu.
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 10/01/2026 Expected Start Date 08/01/2027 Posting Number IU-101627-2026