Public Policy Researcher (Entry-Level, Hybrid, Summer 2027)

ICF; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking an entry-level policy analyst to support federal clients in developing and implementing regulations, policies, and programs. You will join a multidisciplinary team of regulatory specialists, economists, and attorneys, and work on multiple projects across agencies.

You will gain experience in analyzing public comments, drafting and editing rulemaking documents, and presenting findings to clients from our Reston, VA headquarters or Waltham, MA office with a Summer 2027 start.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, government, environmental science, natural or physical science, political science, or related subjects.
• U.S. Citizenship is required per federal contract requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

Responsibilities

• Participating in short- and long-term engagements to support federal clients whose responsibilities are to develop policies and craft regulations that implement the desired policy, explain the rationale of the rulemaking to interested parties; and implement the regulatory requirements
• Supporting federal agency efforts to transparently manage and analyze public comments received on proposed agency rules
• Assist in drafting and editing documents related to federal agency rulemakings
• Immersing oneself rapidly in varied projects for multiple clients
• Providing verbal and written progress updates to project staff
• Synthesizing information from rulemaking documents, literature, and other technical reports
• Assist in developing recommendations through collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data
• Drafting reports and presentations
• Interacting with clients to discuss ICF’s analysis

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, government, environmental science, natural or physical science, political science, or related subjects

Tools

MS Office

Adobe

Job description

Description

Are you looking to work on current and emerging policy issues? Do you want to apply your education and experience to help government agencies improve the way they develop and implement regulations, policies, and programs? Our Regulatory, Policy, and Economics Portfolio has over 30 years of experience supporting the design, implementation, and improvement of federal programs for key clients including the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, Department of Interior, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Join our multidisciplinary team of regulatory specialists, policy analysts, economists, and attorneys. We combine legal, policy, economic, and scientific research and analysis to solve unique public policy challenges through innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services. Our dynamic working environment involves working on multiple projects simultaneously, supporting a variety of federal clients, and providing a wide range of support services.

This entry-level full-time position will be hybrid from our Reston, VA headquarters (preferred) or Waltham, MA office and is available starting Summer 2027. The anticipated pay for this position will be in the low $60K range.

Job Responsibilities

• Participating in short- and long-term engagements to support federal clients whose responsibilities are to develop policies and craft regulations that implement the desired policy, explain the rationale of the rulemaking to interested parties; and implement the regulatory requirements
• Supporting federal agency efforts to transparently manage and analyze public comments received on proposed agency rules
• Assist in drafting and editing documents related to federal agency rulemakings
• Immersing oneself rapidly in varied projects for multiple clients
• Providing verbal and written progress updates to project staff
• Synthesizing information from rulemaking documents, literature, and other technical reports
• Assist in developing recommendations through collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data
• Drafting reports and presentations
• Interacting with clients to discuss ICF’s analysis

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, government, environmental science, natural or physical science, political science, or related subjects
• U.S. Citizenship is required per federal contract requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the federal rulemaking process
• Ability to obtain and maintain a moderate-level government security clearance
• Strong analytical and organizational skills are essential
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects under strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Detail-oriented and team-oriented approach
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Adobe; and
• Time management strategies

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting‑edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world’s toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [e-mail] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

Pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: $50,386.00 - $85,656.00. Reston, VA (VA30).