Brookings Institution
Brookings Institution

45 Brookings Institution Policy Analyst Jobs Hiring Near You

Showing results 41-45

Brookings Institution Jobs Information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Policy Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and a relevant degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools (like Excel or SPSS), policy modeling software, and experience with regulatory databases are typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex information make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for developing evidence-based recommendations and effectively communicating policy implications to stakeholders.

What are some common challenges Policy Analysts face when working with diverse stakeholders?

Policy Analysts often collaborate with stakeholders who have differing priorities, backgrounds, and values, which can lead to challenges in achieving consensus. Effectively communicating complex policy proposals in accessible language and balancing competing interests are essential skills. Additionally, Policy Analysts must remain objective and fact-based while navigating political sensitivities, which requires diplomacy and adaptability. Building strong relationships and understanding stakeholder perspectives are key to overcoming these challenges and developing effective policy recommendations.

What does a Policy Analyst do?

A Policy Analyst researches, evaluates, and develops policies to address specific issues facing governments, organizations, or businesses. They collect and analyze data, assess the impact of existing or proposed policies, and provide recommendations based on their findings. Policy Analysts often prepare reports, briefings, and presentations to communicate their insights to stakeholders and decision-makers. Their work helps inform the creation of effective and evidence-based policies.

Are policy analyst jobs hard to get?

Policy analyst jobs can be competitive due to the specialized skills and education required, such as a background in public policy, political science, or related fields. Strong analytical abilities, research skills, and relevant experience can improve chances of securing these roles, which are often found in government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy organizations.

What is the difference between Policy Analyst vs Policy Advisor?

AspectPolicy AnalystPolicy Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; often a master's is preferredBachelor's or master's in public policy, political science, or law; experience in policy development
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, analyzing data and policy options, often in government agencies or think tanksAdvising policymakers, communicating policy implications, often in government or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, research institutionsGovernment departments, consulting firms, advocacy groups

While both roles involve understanding and developing policies, Policy Analysts primarily focus on research and analysis, whereas Policy Advisors provide strategic advice and communicate policy recommendations to decision-makers.

Infographic showing various Policy Analyst job openings at Brookings Institution in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Fall 2026, Research Internship, Center on Economic Security and Opportunity (Job ID: 2026-3858)

Fall 2026, Research Internship, Center on Economic Security and Opportunity (Job ID: 2026-3858)

The Brookings Institution

Washington, DC

$18.40/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Thinking about a career in public policy? Committed to improving the world we live in? Think Brookings - one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

Interns spend approximately 12 weeks working alongside leading experts in government and academia from all over the world. Brookings also offers students the opportunity to intern in departments such as communications, human resources and central operations management. The mission of the Internship Program is to provide students with a pre-professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work experience related to their field of studyor career interest. Students engage in career exploration and development as well as learn new skills.  

Interns will have the opportunity to attend meetings, think tank events, professional development workshops, and public Brookings events.In addition, interns will have the opportunity to network with other interns throughout the Institution. 

This internship is an opportunity for undergraduate students in their junior or senior year with an interest in the economics of education, immigration, and the U.S. safety net to apply principles and theory learned in the classroom in a professional environment. PhD students are not eligible for internships; please visit our Careers page for current open positions. This internship pays an hourly rate of $18.40, and applicants must be willing to commit to a minimum number of hours per week (no less than 24 hours per week, during regular business hours), with some flexibility around an academic course schedule.The applicant must be available for regular meetings during business hours Eastern Time, but otherwise work hours are flexible (full-time availability preferred).

To learn more about Brookings research programs, click here. 

This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. This is a hybrid opportunity. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC, office with the option of remote work. Work location cannot be in any of the following states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.Please only apply if you can live and work in states other than those listed above for the duration of the internship.  


The Center for Economic Security and Opportunity (CESO) works at the interface of economic and social policy to promote three foundational pillars for broad-based prosperity: (1) Meeting fundamental needs through a robust safety net and good jobs, (2) Building skills through quality education, training, and opportunities for personal development, and (3) Strengthening capacities of families and communities through investment in the care economy, immigrant integration, and other social infrastructure. Our work is non-partisan and data-driven.

Applicants should expect a range of responsibilities, broadly defined under the following categories:

Literature review and writing: Intern will assist with collecting, summarizing, and critically evaluating research.

Data cleaning and analysis: Intern will be expected to collect, clean, and analyze data and create graphs and tables for papers, policy memos, presentations, and other products.

Event Staffing: Interns may help prepare materials for events and work at various aspects of the event, such as registration.

 

Administrative: The applicant should be prepared to help with general office support, assist with special projects, and perform other duties as assigned.


Education/Knowledge/Skills


Successful applicants will have completed at least two years of study toward an undergraduate degree in economics or a fundamentally related field and taken introductory statistics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. Successful completion of an econometrics course is very strongly recommended. Achieved proficiency in STATA and Microsoft Excel, strong writing and proofreading skills, a collaborative mindset, a commitment to accuracy, and a sincere desire to explore CESO’s areas of research are preferred. Please use your cover letter to describe your experience with Stata and/or Excel.

Additional Information

This internship requires you to be located in the U.S. for the duration of the internship. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for interning at Brookings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your resume as instructed and add your cover letter as an attachment when you apply. You are required to submit/attach a separate cover letter for each internship application.Yourcover letter should highlight youreducational experience and skills, along with an explanation of how this internship will contribute to your professional goals.Please address your cover letter to Hiring Manager. 

Please Note: All applicants must submit a copy of their unofficial undergraduate transcript (and a graduate transcript if applicable).

If selected as a finalist for the internship, you will be required to submit two letters of recommendation or provide two professional references

Applications will be accepted until June 14, 2026. Applications not completed and submitted by the application deadline date will not be considered. Your application is considered complete when you receive an email confirming that your application was successfully submitted. 

As you are applying, please be sure to click here to learn more about the Brookings Internship Program, deadlines, and directions on how to successfully submit your internship application(s).  

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first-generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.