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How much do think tank researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for think tank researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 in the Think Tank Researcher position, 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.

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.

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Think Tank Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Think Tank Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
Director, Research and Operations, Future of American Strategy

Director, Research and Operations, Future of American Strategy

Council on Foreign Relations

Washington, DC • On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Other

Posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Position Summary
CFR's David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country's largest and most respected foreign policy think tanks. The Studies Program aims to advance the discussion of American foreign policy and international affairs through its writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions.
The Studies Program is seeking a Director, Research and Operations, who will help lead the work of a major new research initiative focused on the future of American strategy. This includes, but is not limited to, scoping the new initiative, developing its workplan, overseeing research projects, managing its day-to-day operations, and providing oversight of the program's grants and fundraising efforts. In addition, the Director will have the opportunity to contribute original research under the auspices of the initiative.
This full-time position is based in CFR's Washington, DC office or New York City office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR's remote working schedule is subject to change.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities
  • Work with the director to scope the new initiative, develop its workplan and research agenda, and manage its day-to-day operations.
  • Oversee commissioning, editing, writing, layout, and promotion of publications on the future of American strategy, in partnership with the director and broader team, including CFR senior leadership.
  • Manage a research agenda focused on assessing Americans' attitudes about foreign policy, including public opinion polling, in partnership with the director and teams across CFR.
  • Represent the initiative externally and internally, including in meetings with other departments across CFR.
  • Oversee coordination of events, invitations, travel, correspondence, development of background materials, and other administrative, logistical, and operational support for the initiative, in partnership with the director and broader team.
  • Provide oversight of program grants and fundraising efforts in coordination with the development team and other departments, including drafting grant proposals and reports, budget management, and tracking deliverables.
  • Produce original written research that contributes to the initiative's research agenda.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • An advanced degree with at least 8 years of directly relevant professional experience.
  • Demonstrated breadth in understanding of American foreign policy issues.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting and/or managing research projects, in university, think tank, government, private sector, or other context.
  • Demonstrated operational and management experience.

Related Skills & Other Requirements
  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to produce both scholarly analysis and practical policy guidance for external or internal audiences.
  • Proven ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple work streams simultaneously
  • Strong operational skills with a demonstrated commitment to achieving practical, concrete outcomes
  • Ability to identify creative solutions within institutional and political constraints
  • A track record of publications on relevant topics
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Required Application Materials
  • Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

Compensation and Benefits
  • The full-time annual compensation range for the role is $130,000 - $150,000.
  • In addition to competitive salaries, CFR provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

About CFR
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States' role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.

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