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Senior Policy Analyst Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Policy Analyst supports the Department of War (DoW) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and Idustrial Base Growth (IBG) by providing expert policy analysis, strategic recommendations ...

Policy Analyst Senior

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

Policy Analyst Senior TULK is a boutique strategic technology and management consulting firm supporting U.S. Federal Government, Defense, Intelligence Community, and National Security customers. Our ...

Gritter Francona is looking for a Senior Policy Analyst to support a new, potential project. This Policy Analyst will support a potential project that manages a process for determining a service ...

Policy Analyst - Senior

Springfield, VA · On-site

$103K - $181K/yr

The Policy Analyst- Senior,will advise andassistwith strategic planning, policy, and business analysis, with a focus on providing expert strategic- and operational-level assistance.The contractor ...

Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$135K - $150K/yr

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Policy Analyst. This is a full-time position seated at the client site at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Responsibilities The Senior Policy Analyst will ...

Policy Analyst - Senior

Springfield, VA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to support enterprise-level governance, business operations, and strategic planning efforts across the Intelligence Community. This role will lead process ...

Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Policy Analyst. This is a full-time position seated at the client site at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. #KS Responsibilities The Senior Policy Analyst ...

Policy Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Policy Analyst. This is a full-time position seated at the client site at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Responsibilities The Senior Policy Analyst will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Policy Analyst information

See Virginia salary details

$55K

$96K

$153.7K

How much do senior policy analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior policy analyst in Virginia is $95,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,900.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior policy analyst?

Senior Policy Analysts are professionals who conduct research, evaluate data, and develop recommendations on public policies for governments, organizations, or think tanks. They analyze existing and proposed policies, assess their potential impacts, and prepare reports or briefings for decision-makers. Senior Policy Analysts often lead teams, manage complex projects, and provide expert advice to help shape strategic directions and legislative actions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior policy analyst?

To thrive as a Senior Policy Analyst, you need advanced analytical skills, research proficiency, and a strong background in public policy or a related field, typically supported by a relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, policy modeling software, and government databases is often required, along with experience in drafting policy briefs or reports. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills set outstanding analysts apart. These competencies are vital for producing insightful policy recommendations that influence decision-making and drive effective public outcomes.

How do senior policy analysts typically collaborate with other teams and stakeholders within an organization?

Senior Policy Analysts frequently work cross-functionally, engaging with colleagues in research, communications, government relations, and executive leadership to develop and refine policy recommendations. They often lead or participate in multi-disciplinary project teams, gather insights from subject matter experts, and present findings to both internal and external stakeholders. Building consensus and facilitating productive discussions are key aspects of the role, as is translating complex analysis into actionable advice for decision-makers. This collaborative environment fosters continuous learning and a broad perspective on organizational priorities.

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

AspectSenior Policy AnalystPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often a master's; experience preferredBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentMore complex projects, mentorship roles, strategic planningResearch, data analysis, report writing
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, think tanks, NGOsSimilar settings, entry to mid-level roles
Common Search & ComparisonHigher responsibility, experience requiredEntry-level, foundational policy work

The main difference between a Senior Policy Analyst and a Policy Analyst lies in experience, responsibilities, and project complexity. Senior Policy Analysts typically handle more strategic tasks, mentor junior staff, and have more industry experience, whereas Policy Analysts focus on research and data analysis at an entry or mid-level. Both roles are common in government, NGOs, and think tanks, but the senior position requires a deeper understanding and proven expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Policy Analyst jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Policy Analyst jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Policy Analyst job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Policy Analyst jobs in VA?

For Senior Policy Analyst jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Policy Analyst job openings in Virginia 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 $95,988 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Description

The Senior Policy Analyst supports the Department of War (DoW) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and Idustrial Base Growth (IBG) by providing expert policy analysis, strategic recommendations, and program support to advance small business participation across the defense acquisition ecosystem. This position plays a key role in evaluating legislation, regulations, and policy guidance affecting small business programs, while also supporting subcontracting-related initiatives, reporting, compliance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience in federal acquisition policy, defense programs, small business regulations, and subcontracting principles, with the ability to translate complex requirements into actionable guidance for senior leaders, contracting activities, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Analyze proposed and existing laws, regulations, directives, and policies affecting DoW small business programs and acquisition activities.
  • Develop policy papers, briefing materials, white papers, decision memos, and recommendations for senior leadership.
  • Support implementation and interpretation of statutes and regulations related to small business participation in DoD contracting.
  • Provide subject matter expertise on federal small business programs, including subcontracting requirements, socioeconomic categories, and acquisition-related policy impacts.
  • Assist in the development, coordination, review, and revision of OSBP guidance, policy memoranda, standard operating procedures, and internal program materials.
  • Conduct research and analysis on trends, risks, and opportunities related to small business utilization and supplier diversity within the defense industrial base.
  • Track and assess the impact of legislative and regulatory developments from Congress, SBA, FAR, DFARS, and other federal agencies.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including contracting offices, program offices, legal counsel, SBA representatives, prime contractors, and small business partners.
  • Support subcontracting program efforts, including review of subcontracting plans, performance trends, compliance considerations, and reporting requirements.
  • Assist with analyzing subcontracting data and preparing reports, dashboards, summaries, and responses for leadership inquiries.
  • Help identify barriers to subcontracting opportunities for small businesses and recommend policy or process improvements.
  • Support meetings, working groups, industry engagement events, and interagency coordination related to small business and subcontracting matters.
  • Prepare executive-level briefings and present findings, recommendations, and status updates to leadership and stakeholders.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of OSBP priorities and mission objectives.

Required Qualifications:

  • SECRET security clearance.
  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, business, public administration, law, acquisition, finance, or a related field
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in federal policy, acquisition policy, small business programs, defense programs, or government contracting.
  • Strong knowledge of federal acquisition processes, including FAR, DFARS, and small business regulatory frameworks.
  • Experience supporting policy development, regulatory analysis, or program implementation within DoD or another federal agency.
  • Familiarity with subcontracting plans, subcontracting compliance, and small business utilization requirements in federal contracting.
  • Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, including experience drafting senior-level correspondence and briefing materials.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and coordinate across diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

  • TS/SCI Security Clearance.
  • Master’s degree in public policy, law, business administration, acquisition, or a related field.
  • Legal background.

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About Eccalon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a cross-functional collective of innovative minds that leverages technology to tackle the most challenging problems of this generation for clients, the nation, and the world. Eccalon fosters creativity, curiosity, and imagination across all departments and divisions to pioneer new ideas, products, and services. We advance innovation.​

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

2017