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Social Policy Research Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Policy Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Carry out policy and data analysis and related research: Monitor and evaluate New York State policies and legislation. Develop a plan for evaluating and analyzing relevant public and social policies ...

Fall Intern: Office of the President

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Internship duties include researching topics in American politics, social policy, and poverty; summarizing and evaluating reports and scholarly publications; providing timely writing and editorial ...

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Social Policy Research information

What is a social policy research?

A Social Policy Research job involves analyzing public policies and their impact on society. Researchers collect and evaluate data to determine the effectiveness of policies in areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. They often work for government agencies, nonprofits, or think tanks to provide evidence-based recommendations for policy improvements. The role requires strong analytical skills, research methodology expertise, and the ability to communicate findings effectively.

What are the typical responsibilities in social policy research?

In a Social Policy Research role, you’ll typically be involved in designing and conducting research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and evaluating the effectiveness of current policies or programs. You may also be responsible for preparing detailed reports or policy briefs that communicate your findings to policymakers, stakeholders, or the public. Collaboration is common, as you’ll often work within a team of researchers or with external partners such as government agencies, non-profits, or academic institutions. These responsibilities help ensure that research outcomes are impactful and contribute to meaningful policy development and societal progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in social policy research?

To thrive in Social Policy Research, a strong background in sociology, public policy, statistics, or a related field is essential, often supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with data analysis software such as SPSS or Stata, as well as experience in survey design and policy evaluation tools, is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help researchers effectively convey findings and work within interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for producing actionable insights that inform policy decisions and drive social improvement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Policy Research jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Social Policy Research jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Social Policy Research jobs in Reston, VA?

For Social Policy Research jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Social Policy Research jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Social Policy Research jobs in Reston, VA are:

Infographic showing various Social Policy Research job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution.

$103 - $139/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

## Policy Research SpecialistApplylocations: US DC G St NWtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: JR5969Job Description Summary: This role contributes to the development, management and production of policy research that furthers the BCBS mission and drives policy solutions. Assists in the analysis of federal and state government policy proposals affecting the health care financing sector. Helps develop analyses and analytical models to conduct impactful research on public policy priorities in health financing, such as affordability for patients, consumers and public programs, provider reimbursement and prescription drug pricing. Supports, prepares and presents findings to drive impactful policy agenda forward.**Responsibilities include but are not limited to:*** Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses to develop insights that will inform and drive health financing public policy that is consistent with the BCBSA mission.* Develop and manage system for tracking research projects from start to finish, including procurement, contracting, project milestones, and financing.* Manage a central site of all published research and analytical modeling performed both internally and by third party vendors and make it available for use by others in BCBSA.* Maintain comprehensive awareness of key health care financing topics and the broader business environment, with a focus on topics likely to impact health insurers and consumers.* Manage a monthly update for member companies and internal leadership to compile relevant and recent policy research, working closely with subject matter experts and team members across BCBSA to draft, edit and distribute.* Use expertise in quantitative and qualitative research to interpret and “translate” research findings into compelling and persuasive information for stakeholders, including senior executives.**The posting range for this position is:**102,640.18 - 138,805.26**Required Education, Certifications and Experience:** Education* Required Bachelor's Degree Political Science, Public Policy, Public Health, Economics, or a related discipline; or equivalent work experience* Preferred Master's Degree Public Policy, Public Health, Economics, Political Science, or a related disciplineExperience* Required 5+ Years Policy analysis and research, either through substantial projects in the classroom, internships, or paid workKnowledge Skills and Abilities* In-depth knowledge and expertise in using Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other software used to prepare documents, and in analytic methods used in qualitative and quantitative analyses, including preparing literature reviews, and using statistical software packages.* Knowledge and expertise regarding health policy issues, economics, and statistics, which will be core skills for this position. Solid academic background in statistics and economics, and in using software supporting analysis in those fields, such as Excel, SAS, Stata, etc.* Understanding of the federal legislative process, regulation, and government programs.* Able to manage complex projects, working with colleagues throughout the organization, navigating administrative processes* Strong attention to deadlines and budgetary guidelines, tracking details, keeping to key timelines, and communicating appropriately with supervisor.* Ability to figure out answers to challenging analytical questions, including deciding on appropriate data sources, proper methods for using the data, and presentational questions and challenges.* Knowledge and understanding of Program budgeting and contracting process.* Presentation skills, both in producing slides and defending work.* Excellent writing, both for shorter documents, such as memos, as well as more extensive research documents.* Teamwork and close collaboration with colleagues is essential.* Ability to work with people from different professional backgrounds, both those with an understanding of policy analysis and those without.* Ability to manage through ambiguity and adapting to changing priorities.* Demonstrates AI literacy and an understanding of generative AI tools, including appropriate business applications and limitations.**Certifications & Licenses*** Preferred: Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI**Additional Preferred Experience:*** Working in a social science research environment, such as working for a think tank, government agency or trade association policy team.* Experience with Data Analytics, Data Science, Healthcare Claims Data#LI\_HYBRIDThe posted salary range is the lowest to highest salary we, in good faith, believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the hiring range and this hiring range may also be modified in the future. A candidate’s position within the hiring range may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs. This job is also eligible for *annual bonus incentive* pay.We offer a comprehensive package of benefits *including paid time off, 11 holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, generous 401(k) matching, lifestyle spending account and many other benefits* to eligible employees.Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law. #J-18808-Ljbffr