A policy analyst is a professional who conducts research and analysis to help guide policy decisions at various levels of government, nonprofits, think tanks, advocacy groups, and private businesses. Their job involves staying up-to-date on issues, examining data, and presenting findings and recommendations to inform policy and decision-making processes.
What does a policy analyst do?
A policy analyst typically performs the following core duties and responsibilities:
- Monitor and analyze trends, legislation, regulations, and issues related to an organization’s interests
- Research political, economic, social, legal, and technological developments that may impact policies
- Review existing policies and regulations and assess their effectiveness
- Identify issues, problems, or questions that require policy analysis and research
- Collect quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, polls, focus groups, government databases, academic studies, news sources, and other resources
- Analyze data using statistical software and techniques
- Interpret data and research findings
- Evaluate costs and benefits of potential policy options or legislative proposals
- Write detailed reports, briefs, memos, and presentations summarizing research findings
- Present reports and recommendations to decision-makers, executives, boards, committees, community members, media, and other audiences
- Draft policy recommendations, white papers, legislation language, rules, and regulations
- Build databases to organize and track information
- Represent an organization and collaborate with stakeholders, coalitions, government officials, advocacy groups, and policy experts
While conducting analysis and developing policy recommendations are central aspects of the job, policy analysts also need strong research, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. They must be able to synthesize large amounts of information, identify key implications, translate findings into actionable insights, and clearly explain complex policy issues to diverse audiences.
Where do policy analysts work?
Policy analysts are employed across sectors in various settings, including:
- Government agencies – Federal, state, and local government agencies hire policy analysts to research, analyze, and advise on the development of public policies and programs.
- Legislative offices – Policy analysts support lawmakers by providing nonpartisan research and analysis on proposed legislation and policy issues.
- Advocacy groups – Public interest groups and other nonprofit organizations employ policy analysts to provide expertise and make recommendations aligned with the organization’s mission and priorities.
- Think tanks – Policy analysts at think tanks and research institutes conduct independent research and analysis on a wide array of domestic and global policy issues.
- Law firms – Policy analysts are hired by law firms that need expertise on how specific policies and regulations impact various industries and sectors.
- Higher education – Colleges and universities may employ policy analysts to track government policies affecting the institution and help inform institutional policy.
- Private companies – Corporations and consulting firms employ policy analysts to monitor regulatory changes, conduct risk assessments, and provide strategic policy advice.
Policy analyst skills and qualifications
The ideal candidate for a policy analyst role possesses the following attributes:
- Research skills – Ability to find, collect, organize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data from diverse sources.
- Critical thinking – Proficiency in interpreting complex information objectively, challenging assumptions, and developing solutions to problems.
- Writing and communication – Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present findings clearly and persuasively to different audiences.
- Technological literacy – Knowledge of tools and technologies relevant to research, data analysis, modeling, forecasting, and information sharing.
- Interpersonal skills – Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build relationships with various stakeholders.
- Attention to detail – Meticulousness and accuracy in researching, analyzing, and reporting data.
- Time management – Ability to plan, prioritize, and carry out work efficiently to meet deadlines.
- Curiosity and analysis – A curious, analytical mindset to delve into problems and identify innovative solutions.
In terms of education and experience, the requirements may vary by employer but often include:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like public policy, political science, economics, sociology, or public administration.
- A master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, political science, or a related field for more advanced positions.
- An understanding of governmental processes and the political system.
- Research experience gained through coursework, academic projects, internships, or prior work experience.
- Strong analytical skills developed through coursework in research methods, statistics, microeconomics, and public policy analysis.
- Proficiency with data analysis and visualization software tools.
- Excellent writing and communication skills demonstrated through work samples and experience.
- Previous relevant work experience in policy analysis, research, data analysis, or a related field.
Policy analyst salary and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for policy analysts was $59,170 as of May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,590, and the highest 10% earned more than $116,520.
BLS data also shows that employment of policy analysts is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, keeping pace with average growth across all occupations. Demand for policy research and analysis will stem from healthcare reforms, changes to energy policies, regulation of financial industries, and other emerging issues. State and local governments may also have increased need for policy analysts’ skills.
Major factors affecting the job outlook and salaries for policy analysts include:
- Education level and field of specialty
- Years of relevant work experience
- Technical skills and expertise
- Clearance to access government data
- Region and employer type
With a graduate degree and specialized expertise, policy analysts can qualify for higher level and higher paying positions as policy advisors, legislative directors, researchers, and consultants.
Policy analyst interview questions
When interviewing candidates for a policy analyst role, potential interview questions may cover the following topics:
- Research skills and experience conducting policy analyses
- Knowledge of relevant data sources and analysis tools
- Communication style and ability to translate research into actionable insights
- Understanding of the policymaking process
- Organizational and project management abilities
- Collaboration and stakeholder engagement experience
- Fit with the organization’s mission and goals
Some examples of specific policy analyst interview questions include:
- Walk me through your approach when beginning a new policy research project. What initial steps do you take?
- Describe a time when you collected and analyzed data as part of a policy research project. What methods did you use? What insights did you gain?
- What experience do you have gathering data from surveys, focus groups, interviews, or other primary research methods? What approaches work well?
- How do you stay up-to-date on political, economic, and social policy issues and trends that may impact your work?
- Tell me about a policy report or position paper you wrote. What was the purpose and audience? How did you organize and communicate the information?
- Provide an example of when you had to analyze a complex policy issue and propose recommendations. How did you determine the pros and cons of different options?
- How would you explain a complicated policy analysis you conducted to an audience without technical expertise? Share some tips for making research findings accessible.
- What experience do you have collaborating across teams or with external stakeholders on policy projects?
- Describe a time when you had to meet a tight deadline on a policy research or analysis project. How did you prioritize tasks?
- Why are you interested in policy analysis? How would this position fit with your career goals?
Policy analyst cover letter tips
When applying to policy analyst openings, the cover letter can spotlight qualifications and demonstrate fit with the role. Effective cover letters for policy analysts should highlight:
- Relevant education, training, and work experience in research, data analysis, public policy, or related areas.
- Understanding of the organization’s mission based on initial research.
- Examples of actual policy analysis projects worked on.
- Proficiency with quantitative and qualitative data analysis tools and methods.
- Communication and collaboration skills used in previous roles.
- Strong interest and motivation to conduct policy analysis for the given organization or government agency.
The letter should use specific examples to illustrate the candidate’s skills, summarize their most relevant qualifications and achievements, and express enthusiasm to bring their background to the open position.
Policy analyst resume tips
A resume for a policy analyst role should highlight technical expertise, research skills, and field experience analyzing policies and regulations. Recommended tips for an effective policy analyst resume include:
- Lead with a resume profile or summary section that outlines top skills and qualifications.
- Emphasize academic training in public policy analysis, research methods, statistics, economics, or political science.
- Include internships, fellowships, or other hands-on policy experience.
- List relevant skills: data analysis, research, critical thinking, technical writing, public speaking, stakeholder engagement.
- Describe contributions to policy reports, research projects, data analyses, white papers, legislation monitoring, and publications.
- Provide numbers and metrics: sample sizes analyzed, data sources mined, cost-benefit analyses conducted.
- Tailor keywords and achievements to align with the target employer’s needs.
Quantify achievements and impact whenever possible. This conveys mastery of core competencies for success as a policy analyst. Reviewing policy analyst job descriptions can help identify the right skills and experience to emphasize throughout your resume and cover letter.
Conclusion
In summary, a policy analyst performs vital work researching and analyzing policies to shape critical decisions. The role involves a blend of research expertise, critical thinking, communication savvy, and passion for creating positive impacts on communities and organizations. An educational background in policy analysis, public administration, or a related field provides a strong foundation. Opportunities for policy analysts are expected to grow over the coming years across all levels of government and within private companies, nonprofits, and think tanks.