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Researcher & Policy Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Policy Analyst

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$57K - $67K/yr

Research, propose, and advocate for policy reforms that support equitable opportunities and improved outcomes for underserved North Carolinians. * Develop and maintain relationships with journalists ...

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Researcher Policy Advocate information

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$32.5K

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$85.5K

How much do researcher & policy advocate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for researcher & policy advocate in the United States is $60,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a researcher & policy advocate?

Researcher & Policy Advocates are professionals who conduct in-depth research on social, economic, or political issues and use their findings to influence public policy. They analyze data, monitor legislative developments, and often prepare reports or briefs to educate policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. Their work involves both gathering evidence through research and actively promoting changes or improvements in policies to address specific societal challenges.

How does a researcher & policy advocate typically collaborate with stakeholders to influence policy change?

A Researcher & Policy Advocate works closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including community groups, policymakers, subject matter experts, and other advocacy organizations. Collaboration often involves organizing and participating in meetings, drafting policy briefs, presenting research findings, and building coalitions to amplify shared objectives. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as the role requires translating complex research into actionable recommendations and fostering consensus among diverse groups. This collaborative approach enhances the impact of advocacy efforts and supports the development of well-informed, evidence-based policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a researcher & policy advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Researcher & Policy Advocate, you need strong analytical skills, expertise in policy analysis, and a relevant degree such as public policy, law, or social sciences. Familiarity with data analysis software (like SPSS or Stata), policy databases, and sometimes certifications in advocacy or public affairs are commonly required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and relationship-building skills help you effectively influence stakeholders and present complex research clearly. These skills are crucial for creating evidence-based policy recommendations and successfully advancing advocacy goals.

What is the difference between Researcher & Policy Advocate vs Policy Analyst?

AspectResearcher & Policy AdvocatePolicy Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in public policy, political science, or related fields; advanced degrees preferredUsually holds a degree in public policy, political science, or economics; certifications are common
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, advocacy groups, government agencies, NGOsGovernment agencies, think tanks, consulting firms, NGOs
Primary FocusConducts research and advocates for policy changeAnalyzes policies, provides recommendations, and evaluates impacts

While both roles involve policy work, Researcher & Policy Advocates focus on conducting research and actively promoting policy changes, whereas Policy Analysts primarily analyze existing policies to inform decision-making.

More about Researcher Policy Advocate jobs

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

The top searched job categories for Researcher & Policy Advocate jobs are:

Infographic showing various Researcher & Policy Advocate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,627 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Rhode Island Policy Advocate

Green Energy Consumers

Providence, RI โ€ข On-site

$31 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About Green Energy Consumers Alliance
Green Energy Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower consumers and communities to speed a just transition to a zero-carbon world. We fulfill our mission by combining consumer-facing programs with public policy advocacy at the state level in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We have twenty employees in offices in Cambridge, MA and Providence, RI. We work in multiple clean energy sectors: renewable energy, heating, transportation, energy efficiency, grid modernization, and more. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both internally and externally. We advocate for policies that bring the many benefits of clean energy to all, including communities that have been historically overburdened and underserved. We have a variety of funding sources - grants, commissions, contracts, donations, but our dominant source of revenue is earned income through our green electricity program.
Overview
The Rhode Island Policy Advocate will be a key person on our Advocacy Team, working to influence state-level legislative and regulatory energy policy, mostly in Rhode Island, and some in Massachusetts. The Advocate would be a registered lobbyist in the state of Rhode Island working on our behalf. Our work focuses on decarbonizing transportation, buildings, and electricity. The Advocate would report to the Executive Director and collaborate with highly qualified colleagues and allies. The successful candidate will be effective at working with coalitions, legislators, and executive branch staff; knowledgeable about energy and environmental policy; curious; and determined.
The position could be either at the associate or coordinator level and will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
  • Participate in and represent the organization in all relevant Rhode Island policy discussions, coalitions, advisory bodies, etc.
  • Lead coalitions relating to decarbonization as assigned.
  • Engage in advocacy on state legislative efforts and regulatory activity related to energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, renewable energy development, and equitable clean energy and climate policy.
  • Lobby legislative and executive branches on organizational priorities and state climate policy.
  • Work some evenings, particularly during the legislative session (January - June) to lobby the floor and attend hearings and events.
  • Nurture and cultivate strategic partnerships with Rhode Island climate and energy stakeholders,
    including media representatives.
  • Research and draft organizational positions on state climate and energy policy.
  • Draft and present testimony at public hearings and meetings.
  • Assist with member and prospect communications, especially related to advocacy with
    newsletters, web site material, social media, emails, blogs, webinars, and podcasts.
  • Support organization events (i.e. renewable energy tours, annual meetings, etc.)
  • Assist in grant writing and reports to funders.
  • Occasional travel within Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
  • All other duties as requested by the executive director.
  • All of the above will focus on Rhode Island but will occasionally involve work in Massachusetts as well.

Qualifications
Qualified candidates should have a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental or energy studies, public policy, or a related field and relevant work experience, preferably in the energy/environmental industry. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate:
โ€ข Passion for climate action;
โ€ข Knowledge and experience with public policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation, building, and electricity sectors;
โ€ข Roots in Rhode Island, meaning residence and familiarity with the geography, politics, and communities;
โ€ข Research experience, preferably in the energy field;
โ€ข Excellent interpersonal skills (I.e. confidence, diplomacy, etc.)
โ€ข Excellent written and oral communications skills;
โ€ข Skill in presentation composition and engaging diverse audiences;
โ€ข Analytical and technical capabilities (meaning, ability to understand economic/quantitative research papers), with close attention to detail;
โ€ข Ability to work independently, with initial guidance;
โ€ข Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple assignments simultaneously;
โ€ข Flexible and adaptable demeanor;
โ€ข Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Google Suite;
โ€ข The ability to work well in a team;
โ€ข Valid driver's license;
โ€ข Ability to work from our Providence office as necessary and attend in-person meetings at the State Houses in Providence and Boston;
โ€ข Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot.
This position is full-time, 37.5-40 hours per week, with flexible hours to accommodate occasional weeknight and weekend meetings. We work in hybrid mode (sometimes from our Providence office, sometimes at RI State House and other government offices, and sometimes remote). We expect the
Rhode Island Policy Advocate to work from our Providence office at least one to two times per week.
Compensation
USD $60,450to $74,100/year based upon an hourly wage of $31-$38 and 37.5 hours per week. Hourly wage will be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and title.
Benefits
Strong package that goes beyond legal requirements in several areas. Health, dental, 403-B, short-term disability, long-term disability, etc. Employees start with 4 weeks' paid vacation and accrue 12 days of sick time per year. Travel further than to/from our Providence office would be reimbursed.
Hours
This is a full-time position, 37.5 hours per week between 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional work on nights and weekends for events. Schedules can be flexible. Our offices are in Cambridge and Providence.
How to Apply
Please apply using the provided link or send your resume and cover letter explaining how your skills will support Green Energy Consumers Alliance to jobs@greenenergyconsumers.org by August 15, 2026.
Green Energy Consumers Alliance is an equal opportunity employer, and seeks to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital or civil union status, military service, citizenship, or any other characteristics and traits protected under applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.