Public Policy Research Analyst

National Journal seeks a Public Policy Research Analyst to join the Network Science Initiative (NSI) team. We are looking for curious and innovative researchers interested in learning about the most pressing current public policy issues and the people and organizations shaping policy decisions.

National Journal is a premier research and insights company committed to helping organizations effectively navigate Washington. Best known as one of Washington’s most trusted media brands for nearly 50 years, our expertise is unmatched with teams of specialists dedicated to government affairs, communications, and political research, in addition to exceptional journalism. Our mission is to equip the thousands of government and business leaders in the nation’s capital with the intelligence, insights, and connections they need to save time, increase efficiency, and deliver success.

What is National Journal’s Network Science Initiative?

The Network Science Initiative (NSI) is a custom research division within National Journal specializing in stakeholder mapping for corporate, nonprofit, and association clients. NSI identifies the people and organizations - from government, industry, think tanks, advocates, and media - with the most influence on key policy topics, maps their connections within and across their respective communities, and develops tailored messaging and engagement strategies.

Position in brief:

Public Policy Research Analysts are responsible for contributing to all aspects of NSI client engagements. Analysts conduct qualitative research on energy/environment, food/nutrition, finance, and telecom issues, create and present client deliverables, manage project timelines and communication, and help develop and refine the product, all with the aim of delivering value to our clients. Analysts work directly with senior leaders in National Journal, and provide insight to the most influential government affairs professionals in Washington.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to conduct qualitative analysis of current public policy issues and execute against tight deadlines to develop professional and intellectually sound deliverables for clients, both independently and in close collaboration with team members.

Core day-to-day responsibilities could include:

• Managing research for multiple client accounts and being responsible for the timely delivery of all project work

• Collaborating with team members to develop research methodologies and approaches to answer client questions

• Conducting qualitative research, developing analytical takeaways, and synthesizing findings into strategic recommendations for clients

• Drafting deliverables, including PowerPoint presentations, memos, and other formats, to communicate findings and recommendations to clients

• Presenting findings and interacting with clients to better understand their needs

• Regularly consuming industry and policy-specific news to incorporate current trends into research and analysis

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate:

• A highly analytic, natural problem solver

• The ability to highlight key insights within a complex set of data, synthesize large amounts of information, and then clearly explain these insights to potential clients

• A skilled project manager, able to independently manage competing priorities and adhere to timelines

• A strong writer able to clearly frame issues for a variety of audiences; some experience with PowerPoint or other visual presentation formats highly preferred

• An individual with 1-3 years of experience in at least one of the following domains: strategy consulting, government affairs consulting, policy analysis, data science, political science research, or legislative or executive agency policymaking

• An interest in intellectually rigorous work focused on the business of Washington government affairs offices

• Prodigious work ethic and spirit of generosity
• Active contributor to a diverse and inclusive workplace
• A full course of the COVID-19 vaccination is required for employment at National Journal
• Earned Bachelor's degree required

Employment Type: Full-time

Compensation: The salary range for this role is $50,000-$58,000

Location: This job is based in Washington, DC. National Journal will be operating on a hybrid basis, with employees required to be in the office every Tuesday and Thursday.

About Us

Across National Journal Group, generally, the firm looks for two “pillar gifts” in you, and everyone else. In all of us, these are more aspirational than actual, but they are central in our intentions –

• Force of Ideas: At the center of National Journal Group work are the ideas within our writing. We believe that ideas – to the good and not – have consequences. Our highest work is bringing rigor, insight, intellectual honesty, to that ultimate purpose of separating the bad from the good, and giving voice to the latter.

• Spirit of Generosity: National Journal Group seeks in its ranks a spirit of generosity – a natural disposition in each colleague toward service and selfless conduct. National Journal Group writing should be cut from the same cloth –critical on the merits but informed by charity and forbearance in measuring motive and personal character.

National Journal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.