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Think Tanks Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Everfox

Director, Government Relations

Herndon, VA · On-site

Strategic Engagement & Awareness Building Strengthen Everfox's standing among policymakers, nationalsecurity influencers, think tanks, and industry groups. Execute strategies that elevate Everfox ...

Everfox

Director, Government Relations

Herndon, VA · On-site

$221 - $293/hr

Strategic Engagement & Awareness Building Strengthen Everfox's standing among policymakers, national-security influencers, think tanks, and industry groups. Execute strategies that elevate Everfox ...

IQVIA

VP, Public Policy

Falls Church, VA · On-site

Build and maintain senior-level relationships with external stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, trade associations, think tanks, and industry coalitions. * Lead high-impact advocacy ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsThink Tanks JobsThink Tanks Jobs in Virginia

Think Tanks information

See Virginia salary details

$68.9K

$123.8K

$170K

How much do think tanks jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for think tanks in Virginia is $123,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a think tank?

A think tank job involves research, analysis, and policy development on various political, social, economic, or scientific issues. Professionals in think tanks conduct studies, draft reports, and provide recommendations to governments, organizations, or the public. Roles can range from researchers and analysts to policy advisors and communications specialists. Think tanks may be independent, affiliated with governments, or associated with academic institutions. The goal is to influence policy decisions through evidence-based research and expert insights.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of professionals working in think tanks?

Professionals in think tanks spend much of their day conducting in-depth research, analyzing data, and preparing reports or policy briefs on specific issues. They often engage in meetings with colleagues, attend seminars or conferences, and collaborate with external experts to inform their work. Regular activities also include presenting findings to key stakeholders, writing for academic and public audiences, and participating in discussions that shape organizational projects. This dynamic environment requires adaptability and a proactive approach to tackling pressing societal challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the think tanks position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a think tank role, professionals typically need advanced research skills, strong analytical abilities, and educational credentials in fields such as public policy, economics, or international relations. Familiarity with data analysis software, research databases, and sometimes specialized modeling tools is often important, along with publication experience. Excellent communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills set individuals apart, enabling them to convey complex ideas clearly and interact with diverse stakeholders. These competencies are essential to producing high-impact research, informing policy decisions, and building a strong reputation within the think tank sector.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Think Tanks jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Think Tanks job openings:

Think Tanks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Think Tanks job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,761 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Course Instructor (Subject Matter Expert - SPAS)

Makwa Global LLC

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description:

Course Instructors serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) responsible for designing, updating, and delivering high-quality professional education to U.S. and interagency foreign affairs professionals. Instructors deliver interactive, adult-learning-focused courses that integrate regional, political, economic, cultural, and tradecraft perspectives aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Course Instructors operate with significant autonomy while coordinating closely with SPAS Course Chairs/Coordinators and the Contractor Program Manager (CPM). Instruction may occur domestically, internationally, or virtually and is tailored to experienced adult learners ranging from GS-5 through SES and Senior Foreign Service levels. SPAS Course Instructors are not lecturers—they are operational educators responsible for translating complex regional, political, economic, and cultural dynamics into actionable knowledge for U.S. foreign affairs professionals. Breadth of country expertise, instructional credibility, and adult-learning execution are mission-critical.


Core Responsibilities


Course Design & Preparation

  • Review and update existing syllabi, course grids, lesson plans, and instructional materials.
  • Develop new course content grounded in current research, policy developments, and regional expertise.
  • Incorporate adult learning theory, interactive methodologies, and experiential learning techniques.
  • Ensure all materials meet NFATC standards, formatting requirements, and Section 508 compliance.

Course Delivery

  • Deliver instructor-led training using lectures, facilitated discussions, case studies, simulations, and guest speakers.
  • Engage students through dynamic, participatory instruction tailored to experienced professionals.
  • Integrate guest speakers from government, academia, think tanks, and international organizations when approved.
  • Manage classroom dynamics and ensure a professional, respectful learning environment.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

  • Use formative assessments (e.g., quizzes, group exercises, reflections) to monitor learning.
  • Review student evaluations and incorporate feedback into course improvements.
  • Participate in post-course after-action reviews with SPAS staff and the CPM.

Administrative & Coordination Duties

  • Coordinate regularly with Course Chairs/Coordinators and the CPM before, during, and after courses.
  • Track student attendance and submit required documentation.
  • Support course logistics, classroom readiness, and virtual platform readiness.
Requirements:
  • Master’s degree required (PhD preferred).
  • Minimum five (5) years of substantive expertise in the instructor’s thematic, regional, or country specialization.
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience in adult education, professional training, or academic instruction.
  • Demonstrated ability to teach experienced adult learners using interactive methodologies.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Experience delivering instruction in virtual or hybrid environments.
  • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate with U.S. Government stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications

  • Prior experience with the Department of State, USAID, DoD, Intelligence Community, or international organizations.
  • Overseas professional experience or residence in assigned region.
  • Regional language proficiency.
  • Published research, policy analysis, or recognized professional contributions in area of expertise.

Course-Specific Countries & Regions Supported by SPAS. The following list represents all countries and regional focus areas explicitly covered by SPAS courses, including regional overviews, sub-regional courses, language-integrated courses, and special offerings.

Sub-Saharan Africa

  • East Africa
  • Central Africa
  • Southern Africa
  • West Africa

(Country-specific instruction may include, but is not limited to: Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, etc.)

East Asia & Pacific

  • China
  • Taiwan
  • Mongolia
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • North Korea (contextual)
  • Mainland Southeast Asia
  • Maritime Southeast Asia
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Pacific Island States

Europe & Eurasia

  • Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia)
  • Russia
  • Central Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Northern Europe & Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
  • Southern Europe
  • Western Europe

Near East & North Africa (NENA)

  • Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen)
  • Levant (Israel, West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria)
  • North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco)
  • Iran
  • Iraq

South & Central Asia

  • India
  • Pakistan
  • Afghanistan