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Senior Policy Advisor Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Arnold & Porter

Senior Policy Specialist

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$95K - $185K/yr

The Senior Policy Specialist position will focus primarily on trade, financial services, and ... advising clients on issues such as tariffs, export controls, sanctions, free trade agreements ...

Arnold & Porter

Senior Policy Specialist

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$95K - $185K/yr

The Senior Policy Specialist position will focus primarily on trade, financial services, and ... advising clients on issues such as tariffs, export controls, sanctions, free trade agreements ...

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All JobsPolicy Advisor JobsSenior Policy Advisor JobsSenior Policy Advisor Jobs in Springfield, VA

Senior Policy Advisor information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$72.6K

$130.4K

$179.1K

How much do senior policy advisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior policy advisor in Springfield, VA is $130,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,400.00 and $158,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior policy advisor do?

A Senior Policy Advisor analyzes complex issues and develops policy recommendations for organizations, government agencies, or businesses. They research legislative and regulatory trends, consult with stakeholders, and help craft strategies to address pressing issues. Senior Policy Advisors often brief executives or elected officials, write reports, and ensure that proposed policies align with organizational goals. Their expertise is critical in informing decision-making and shaping effective, evidence-based policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior policy advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Policy Advisor, you need deep expertise in policy analysis, research, and strategic planning, typically supported by an advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field. Familiarity with legislative processes, regulatory frameworks, and policy management tools such as data analysis software is crucial. Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and critical thinking skills make someone stand out in this role. These skills are vital for developing effective policies, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring organizational objectives are met in a complex policy environment.

How does a senior policy advisor typically collaborate with other departments or stakeholders within an organization?

Senior Policy Advisors frequently work cross-functionally, collaborating with teams such as legal, communications, research, and executive leadership to shape and implement policy initiatives. They act as liaisons, ensuring that policy proposals align with organizational goals and comply with regulations. This role often involves facilitating meetings, synthesizing input from diverse stakeholders, and building consensus to advance policy objectives. Success relies on strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to translate complex policy issues for different audiences.

What is the difference between Senior Policy Advisor vs Policy Analyst?

AspectSenior Policy AdvisorPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related field; experience in policy developmentBachelor's or Master's in similar fields; often less experience required
Work EnvironmentAdvises senior management, develops strategic policies, often in government or large organizationsResearches, analyzes data, and supports policy development, typically in government agencies or think tanks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in government, NGOs, and large corporations for high-level policy guidanceCommon in government, research institutions, and consulting firms for policy research roles

While both roles involve policy work, a Senior Policy Advisor typically provides strategic advice and influences decision-making at higher levels, whereas a Policy Analyst focuses on research, data analysis, and supporting policy development. The Senior Policy Advisor role requires more experience and often involves leadership responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Senior Policy Advisor jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Policy Advisor jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Senior Policy Advisor jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Senior Policy Advisor job openings:

Senior Policy Advisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Policy Advisor job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,390 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Senior Policy Advisor

Washington, DC • On-site

Women's Refugee Commission
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Women's Refugee Commissionexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Women's Refugee Commission (WRC) is a research and advocacy organization that seeks to improve the lives and protect the rights of women, children, and youth displaced by conflict and crisis. We research their needs, identify solutions, and advocate for programs and policies to strengthen their resilience and drive change in humanitarian practice. The Women's Refugee Commission is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
The Migrant Rights and Justice Program (MRJ), based in our DC office, is one of WRC's largest and longest-running programs. Our work is grounded in research and monitoring of US policy and practice, in collaboration with partners and organizations across the US, Mexico, and Central America. The program advocates for thoughtful, forward-thinking, and rights-respecting policy solutions for migrant women, girls, and families.
SCOPE OF WORK
The primary role of the Senior Policy Advisor will be to advance MRJ's priorities and support the program's advocacy with policymakers and the public. The Senior Policy Advisor will support advocacy initiatives in Congress, with the administration, and with state and local governments. They will also play a vital role in communicating about MRJ's core issues, including drafting reports, technical explainers, policy briefs, and other materials that speak clearly to nonexperts. Their work will include representing MRJ with a wide range of partners, including coalitions and working groups.
The Senior Policy advisor will also be responsible for designing technical tools and resources that advance MRJ's work on immigration detention and family separation, including those related to MRJ's research in Central America and Mexico.
This position reports to the Director of Migrant Rights and Justice, who is based in Washington, DC.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Under the direction of the Director of Migrant Rights and Justice, engage the US administration and Congress, state and local governments, international organizations, and other relevant institutions and policymakers to advance policies that protect migrant women and families.
  • Draft technical materials and tools, reports, technical explainers, one-pagers, tools for service providers, and resources for impacted individuals related to family separation and reunification, immigration detention, deportation, and/or immigrant's reproductive rights.
  • Engage in occasional travel to Central American and Mexico to conduct interviews related to MRJ's reports and technical materials.
  • Participate and, where appropriate, take a leadership role in coalitions and working groups related to state and local policy, federal advocacy, and regional engagement.
  • Design and implement advocacy initiatives related to family separation, detention, reproductive rights and justice, and other core MRJ policy areas.
  • Draft public facing materials, including statements and blog posts in response to breaking news.
  • Manage MRJ's social media engagement, in partnership with WRC's communications team.
  • Represent WRC at meetings, conferences, and other public events.
  • Identify new supporters for WRC's work and new opportunities to promote WRC initiatives and research.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
  • Minimum 5-6 years of work experience on advocacy related to US immigration, regional migration, and/or gender equality issues.
  • Demonstrated experience in policy advocacy, particularly in Congress.
  • Strong understanding of the US immigration system and ability to understand how changing laws and policies will impact migrant populations
  • Expertise in at least one of MRJ's core issue areas, including family separation and reunification, detention, child welfare, regional migration, and/or reproductive rights.
  • Ability to design technical tools around family separation, detention, deportation, and/or regional migration.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills: proven ability to effectively communicate complex issues in a clear manner to multiple and diverse audiences and to produce persuasive advocacy materials for a range of audiences.
  • Ability to respond to rapidly emerging situations, including drafting statements, blogs, and press releases on short notice.
  • Strong interpersonal skills: must be able to work collaboratively, manage professional relationships, seek out diverse perspectives, provide and receive feedback constructively, be solution-oriented, meet and communicate deadlines effectively, and embody WRC's core values of inclusion, equality, integrity, dignity, and forward-thinking.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with minimum supervision, including the ability to be proactive and self-driven in pursuing initiatives.
  • Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
  • Spanish language fluency strongly preferred
WRC recognizes that many excellent candidates will meet some, but not all, listed qualifications. Candidates who believe they are a strong fit for the role are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all of the listed qualifications.
Reports to: Director, Migrant Rights and Justice
Position: Regular, full-time
Salary Band 5: $118,000 - $133,00 (salary commensurate with experience and internal equity principles)
Work Schedule : Hybrid remote (2 days in office, 3 days working remotely)
Location: Washington, DC
Closing Date: Once filled
How to Apply: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume via this LINK.
*The salary range as depicted represents the mid-range and top-tier values for the given salary band. It is important to note that while what is depicted represents the top tiered value of the salary band depicted, the actual salary of someone hired into the position will be based on numerous factors that will include but may not be limited to professional and academic experience, training, and other business and organizational needs. Individual salary decisions remain dependent on the circumstances of each individual hire and may be adjusted to meet the demands of the role.
The Women's Refugee Commission (WRC) is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and we are an equal opportunity employer. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose.
It is our policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status, veteran status or disability. All qualified people, including those with lived experience relating to a particular role, are encouraged to apply. The Women's Refugee Commission is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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