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

About the role

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 work environment involves working on multiple projects simultaneously, supporting a variety of federal clients, and providing a wide range of support services.

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

Requirements

• 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

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

Skills

• Analytical and organizational abilities
• Written and oral communication proficiency
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Adobe competence
• Time management and prioritization under tight deadlines
• Detail‑oriented and team‑oriented mindset
• Capacity to rapidly immerse in diverse projects

Pay

The anticipated pay for this position is in the low $60K range, with a formal pay range of $50,386.00 – $85,656.00 for full‑time employment (Reston, VA).

Schedule

This is a full‑time hybrid position based either at the Reston, VA headquarters (preferred) or the Waltham