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Researcher & Policy Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alliance to Save Energy

Director, Policy

Washington, DC · On-site

$122K - $131K/yr

Ensure that all policy research produced and deployed by the Alliance, including statistics and ... Graduate degree - or comparable relevant experience - in policy advocacy, government affairs ...

The Pennsylvania State University

AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS The Research Translation Platform is hiring a Part-Time Policy Associate ... Outreach with partnering organizations or those engaged in relevant advocacy activities to ...

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Researcher Policy Advocate information

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

As of Jun 13, 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 research advocate?

A research advocate is a professional who promotes and supports research initiatives, often working to influence policy, secure funding, or raise awareness about specific issues. They may collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure research findings are effectively communicated and utilized.

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.

How do you become a policy advocate?

To become a policy advocate, individuals typically gain relevant education such as a degree in public policy, political science, or a related field, and develop strong communication, research, and advocacy skills. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or working with advocacy organizations helps build understanding of policy processes and effective lobbying techniques.

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.

What are Researcher & Policy Advocates?

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.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Researcher and policy advocate roles typically do not pay $2000 a day unless they are highly specialized, senior-level, or consulting positions. High daily rates are more common in freelance consulting, executive-level advisory roles, or specialized legal and financial consulting, which require extensive experience, expertise, and often independent contracting arrangements.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Researcher & Policy Advocate can potentially earn $10,000 a month through consulting, grant writing, or freelance work, especially with specialized knowledge or experience in policy analysis and research. Success often depends on building a strong network, developing expertise, and utilizing skills in data analysis, writing, and advocacy, sometimes without formal degrees but with proven results and reputation.
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:
Researcher Policy Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Researcher & Policy Advocate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 40% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 38% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,627 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Policy and Advocacy Manager

COALITION TO ABOLISH SLAVERY AND TRAFFICKING

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Cast is seeking a Policy & Advocacy Manager to lead and coordinate Los Angeles County's Child Trafficking Leadership Team (CTLT) and support the implementation of the County's 5-Year Strategic Plan to Address Child Trafficking. This role will also advance Cast's local policy and systems-change objectives, partnering closely with county departments, community-based organizations, lived experience experts, and city/county policymakers to strengthen Los Angeles' public-health and survivor-centered response to human trafficking.
The Policy & Advocacy Manager is responsible for facilitating multi-agency collaboration, driving progress on countywide strategic plan priorities, developing reports for the LA County Board of Supervisors, leading CTLT meetings and subcommittees, and supporting local policy analysis, advocacy, and protocol development. This position plays a key role in aligning child-serving systems toward equity, safety, and coordinated responses for youth impacted by trafficking.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Child Trafficking Leadership Team (CTLT) Coordination
  • Lead and support Los Angeles County CTLT as the primary convener and facilitator. Lead and facilitate monthly CTLT meetings, provide guided strategic direction to ensure alignment with the 5-Year Strategic Plan, and ensure that equity, public health principles, and lived experience perspectives are integrated throughout CTLT decision-making.
  • Oversee and Support CTLT Subcommittees by providing guidance, reviewing draft products, and ensuring alignment with strategic planning goals, and co-lead the Community Resources & Services Subcommittee
  • Engage County departments and CBOs to identify gaps, share resources, and leverage opportunities.
  • Convene regular check-ins with subcommittee leads to assess progress and barriers, and provide technical support to partners, including county agencies, school districts, and CBOs.
  • Support the refinement of governance structures, logic models, evaluation frameworks, and plan language.

Implementation of the LA County 5-Year Strategic Plan to Address Child Trafficking
  • Oversee annual strategic plan priorities and ensure integration across CTLT and its subcommittees.
  • Develop communication materials, strategic updates, implementation tools, and public-facing summaries.
  • Ensure data-driven implementation by analyzing findings, tracking progress, and synthesizing partner reports.
  • Support the evaluation and continuous improvement of strategic plan activities.
  • Lead the development of the bi-annual Board of Supervisors progress reports, synthesizing updates across all CTLT workstreams and identify challenges, system gaps, and recommendations for county leadership.
  • Prepare and deliver updates to the County's Family & Social Services (Cluster) leadership and other relevant groups
  • Oversee and support Lived Experience Experts (LEE) participation in the 5-Year Strategic Plan including recruiting and onboarding diverse LEE contributors, coordinating compensation and ensuring survivor-informed feedback is integrated into CTLT implementation.

Support the LA County Human Trafficking Coordinating Body Feasibility Study
  • Co-convene and co-lead a countywide workgroup to assess the structure, governance, and needs for a unified HT coordinating body.
  • Analyze data and findings from the workgroup and prepare and present the final report to the Board of Supervisors that includes recommendations for coordination structure, public-health integration, strategic plan development, and needs related to adult sex and labor trafficking.

Local Policy & Systems-Change Leadership
  • In collaboration with the Associate Director of Survivor Advocacy, develop and advance Cast's local (city and county) policy priorities, focusing on public-health approaches, decriminalization, survivor safety, and systems improvement.
  • Analyze local ordinances, motions, public health directives, and departmental protocols affecting human trafficking survivors.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with county departments, city officials, CBOs, and advocacy coalitions and provide research, analysis, and feedback to county departments and policymakers.
  • Represent Cast in local working groups and community coalitions.
  • Support local systems-change initiatives that improve County protocols and standards while advancing for the human rights and public health approach to human trafficking
  • Draft local policy briefs, talking points, and research summaries.
  • Provide testimony at LA County and City hearings as appropriate.
  • Respond to time-sensitive local policy issues and opportunities for rapid advocacy.
  • Other Duties: Perform other duties in line with Cast's goals as assigned by the Associate Director of Survivor Advocacy.

REQUIREMENTS
Required
  • 3+ years of experience in local policy, systems change, county collaboration, or multi-agency coordination.
  • Demonstrated experience in anti-trafficking, child welfare, youth-serving systems, or related public-health fields.
  • Strong facilitation, meeting management, and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience developing protocols, strategic plans, or cross-agency implementation processes.
  • Ability to synthesize data, prepare structured reports, and develop clear recommendations.
  • Experience collaborating with lived experience experts and maintaining trauma-informed practices.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and comfort presenting to senior county leadership.
  • Highly organized, able to manage multiple complex workstreams and tight deadlines.

Preferred
  • Experience working directly with LA County departments and child-serving systems.
  • Experience in evaluating or implementing countywide initiatives or strategic plans.
  • Policy analysis experience related to child trafficking, youth safety, or public health.
  • Familiarity with Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors processes.

Work Environment & Travel
  • Hybrid work environment.
  • Regular meetings across LA County (virtual and in-person).
  • Occasional evening or early-morning meetings depending on county scheduling

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (Cast) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAST complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

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