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Think Tank Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Data Visualization Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

... research, and solve our world's toughest obstacles. As we control every component of hardware ... press, think tanks and analysts as they try to meet tight deadlines. * Encourage and use best ...

Executive Assistant

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Support light office operations and handle ad‑hoc research, office vendor coordination, and ... think tanks and consultancies (e.g., Albright Stonebridge Group, CSIS, Forbes Tate) Why This Role

... research, and solve our world's toughest obstacles. As we control every component of hardware ... press, think tanks and analysts as they try to meet tight deadlines. * Encourage and use best ...

Stanford University is one of the world's leading teaching and research universities. Founded in ... think critically, and to contribute to the world. With world-class scholars and seven schools ...

Showing results 41-57

Think Tank Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do think tank researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for think tank researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a think tank researcher do?

A Think Tank Researcher conducts in-depth analysis on political, economic, social, or scientific issues to provide insights and recommendations for policymakers, businesses, or the public. They gather data, write reports, and participate in discussions to influence decision-making. Their work often involves collaborating with experts, conducting interviews, and presenting findings through publications or events.

What does a typical day look like for a think tank researcher, and how does the role interact with other professionals?

A typical day for a Think Tank Researcher involves gathering and analyzing data, reviewing literature, drafting research papers or policy briefs, and sometimes presenting findings to stakeholders or the public. Researchers often collaborate closely with other team members, including senior analysts, policy experts, and external partners, to ensure work is rigorous and relevant. You may also attend meetings, participate in brainstorming sessions, and contribute to grant-writing or project proposals. This collaborative environment fosters learning and offers ample opportunities for professional development and advancement as you build expertise on key policy issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a think tank researcher, and why are they important?

Thrive as a Think Tank Researcher by possessing strong analytical abilities, advanced research skills, and typically a graduate degree in a relevant field such as political science, economics, or public policy. Familiarity with data analysis software, statistical tools, and literature databases is often important, alongside experience in peer-reviewed publication or policy report writing. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help researchers effectively convey complex ideas and work within interdisciplinary teams. These capabilities are essential for conducting impactful research that informs policy decisions and drives organizational objectives.

How do people get jobs at think tanks?

People typically get jobs at think tanks by having relevant academic backgrounds, such as degrees in policy, economics, or political science, and gaining experience through internships, research assistant roles, or related positions. Strong analytical skills, research abilities, and familiarity with policy issues are also important, along with networking and applying through organizational websites or job boards.

How hard is it to get a job in a think tank?

Securing a position as a think tank researcher can be competitive, often requiring advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D., along with relevant research experience and strong analytical skills. Candidates typically need a solid understanding of policy issues, excellent writing abilities, and familiarity with research tools like data analysis software. Networking and internships can also improve chances of employment in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Think Tank Researcher jobs in California?

The most popular types of Think Tank Researcher jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Think Tank Researcher jobs in California?

For Think Tank Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Think Tank Researcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Think Tank Researcher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Think Tank Researcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Think Tank Researcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Think Tank Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Senior Outreach Specialist

California State University

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$8.5K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


California State University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Senior Outreach Specialist

Apply now Job no: 559230
Work type: Staff
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

                      Working Title: Senior Outreach Specialist

Classification Title: Marketing Communications Professional III

Posting Details 

Priority Application Deadline: Sunday, August 16th @ 11:55pm PST (Posting will remain open until filled)

Hiring Preference

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

The Senior Outreach Specialist position is a leadership position for the Center for California Studies. This position is responsible for planning, organizing and implementing the Center's annual nationwide outreach activities and developing and implementing communications and social media for the Capital Fellows Programs.

FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,877 per month (Step 1) - $7,164 per month (Step 11)

CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,877 per month (Step 1) - $8,561 per month (Step 20)

Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range:3

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Work Hours: M-F 8-5; some additional hours as necessary

Department Information 

The Center for California Studies is based at Sacramento State - the "Capital Campus" of the California State University.

The Center for California Studies operates the Capital Fellows Programs. Being located in California's capital strategically positions the Center to be the link between the University and the three branches of California's government, think tanks, other universities, and outside partnerships involved with public service in California. This, paired with our extensive research, academic programming, and position as part of the country's largest public university system makes us uniquely equipped to fulfill our mission to bridge academia and government in the service of strengthening California's democracy.

https://www.csus.edu/center/center-california-studies/

Minimum Qualifications 

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Required Qualifications 

1. Advanced knowledge and understanding of marketing, communications, public relations, branding, web design, digital marketing/social strategies and campaigns.

2. Strong story development and journalistic writing skills, as well as advanced editorial skills. Advanced skill to appropriately use technology and relevant event planning and management tools.

3. Advanced communication and interpersonal skills to build and foster strong relationships as well as drive change initiatives.

4. Proven experience in developing and implementing strategies and campaigns, with a record of accomplishment of achieving measurable results.

5. Advanced analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of initiatives and projects within time and budget constraints.

6. Ability to apply appropriate statistical techniques and methods to research and to analyze and select pertinent facts and integrate them into communication vehicles.

7. Advanced public and internal relations skills to effectively represent the university, engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders, and manage and/or negotiate vendor partnerships, as well as experience preparing and delivering presentations for small and large groups consisting of students, faculty, and governmental stakeholders.

8. Ability to articulate, develop and implement program objectives that meet university diversity and equity goals, and proven ability to effectively and diplomatically interact with a variety of individuals and organizations with competing goals and objectives.

9. Demonstrated ability to keep abreast of relevant events and subject matter expertise in relation to current events to identify and capitalize on media opportunities that will promote the program and increase positive media coverage.

10. Available for travel to perform the duties of the position.

11. Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

Preferred Qualifications 

12. Recent and direct work experience with fellowship and/or intern programs.

13. Experience with marketing strategies and campaigns focused on underserved populations.

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume, Cover Letter, Sample communications collateral; may consist of a print document, digital marketing, or social media campaign

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California's capital city, five miles from State Capitol. T

The lush, 300-acre park-like campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million.

Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and Black-Serving Institution (BSI). The university enrolls around 31,000 students from the Greater Sacramento Region, throughout California, across the nation, and around the world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

"As California's capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We are committed to our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Black Serving Institution, and to intentionally serving students reflective of these designations and all students who have been historically underserved in education."

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued.  Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning. 

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification: 

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery . 

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

 

Advertised: Jul 31 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US