Entry Level Policy Assistant Jobs
New grad policy assistant jobs attract recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship background or academic policy work can matter more than a lengthy resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Agriculture & Farming, and Healthcare & Medical Services, with employers like William & Mary, Virginia Tech, and Emory University hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 7+ Entry Level Policy Assistant jobs
- 538120
- Blacksburg, Virginia
- Agricultural & Applied Economics
- Teaching & Research Faculty
- Agriculture & Life Sciences
Job Description
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAEC) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) invites applications for a tenure-track position in agricultural markets, trade, and rural development policy. This is a 9-month, academic-year appointment, with expectations to fund summer activities through external grants or other mechanisms. The specific appointment is 50 percent research and 50 percent Extension.
The successful candidate will maintain a visible, nationally recognized, externally funded applied research and Extension program in agricultural markets, trade, and rural development policy analysis, with a particular focus on distilling and successfully communicating the impacts of proposed policies and market changes to stakeholders across the Commonwealth of Virginia. International engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as the candidate’s career advances. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate with colleagues in AAEC, the Center for Agricultural Trade, and other departments in CALS to develop effective Extension and applied research programs that integrate market, policy, and trade analysis into existing efforts on local food systems and rural development initiatives. This position will also work closely with Extension agents, specialists, and field staff to develop effective and visible programs. By collaborating with others in the department, CALS, across campus and beyond, the successful candidate will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary activity, bridging the technical rigor of quantitative analysis with the practical, applied focus of Extension work needed to address the market, trade, and policy impacts confronting rural communities in Virginia. Through dissemination of trade and policy impacts, this position will enhance communication and public policy outreach efforts in CALS that foster economic growth and resilience in our rural communities.
As a priority to develop and foster new partnerships and leverage existing ones across campus and the commonwealth, the candidate is expected to build partnerships with stakeholders (e.g. government, industry, nonprofits, etc.), producer groups, agricultural lenders, supply chain businesses, and others. The position will also enhance communication to raise awareness of CALS engagement in the communities we serve. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings through publication in peer-reviewed journal articles and extension outlets, and mentoring students. This position requires occasional travel for meetings and conferences.
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (https://aaec.vt.edu/) is a growing unit with approximately 250 undergraduate students, 45 graduate students, and 27 faculty members. The department offers unique opportunities to develop applied research and outreach programs that have meaningful impacts on decision-makers. The department offers undergraduate programs in agribusiness and applied economic management (https://aaec.vt.edu/academics/undergraduate.html), an online and in-person Master’s program, and a joint Ph.D. with the Department of Economics (https://aaec.vt.edu/academics/graduate.html). The department collaborates closely with other units within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as with various units on campus.
The Department is located in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (http://www.cals.vt.edu/), which has about 2,600 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students across 10 academic units. The Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and Virginia Cooperative Extension, within the college, deliver research-based information to the Commonwealth of Virginia through county/city extension offices, 4-H educational centers, and Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices).
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
Required Qualifications
- Ph,D, in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Agribusiness, Regional Science, or a closely related discipline by appointment start date.
- Demonstrated ability (or potential) for publishing peer-reviewed research, Extension, and teaching materials.
- Skills in and experience applying regional economic and international trade models in conducting economic analysis.
- Demonstrated ability (or potential) in communicating and synthesizing complex economic analyses to a wide range of audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing and delivering economic-based educational programs to extension agents, business managers, industry groups, public agency personnel, and stakeholders.
- Experience applying for grants or other funding for programmatic support, including running fee-based workshops, and/or establishing novel sources of external funding to support integrated research or Extension programs.
- Experience working with clientele such as industry partners, commodity groups, and government agencies.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$85,000 - $110,000; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40; M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Review Date
11/29/2026
Additional Information
Application packets should include:
a. A formal cover letter summarizing qualifications,
b. a statement describing Research and Extension philosophy (2-pg max),
d. a current curriculum vitae, and
e. the names and contact information of three professional references who can assess the applicant’s qualifications for this position.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Jason Grant at jhgrant@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
- 538120
- Blacksburg, Virginia
- Agricultural & Applied Economics
- Teaching & Research Faculty
- Agriculture & Life Sciences
Job Description
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAEC) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) invites applications for a tenure-track position in agricultural markets, trade, and rural development policy. This is a 9-month, academic-year appointment, with expectations to fund summer activities through external grants or other mechanisms. The specific appointment is 50 percent research and 50 percent Extension.
The successful candidate will maintain a visible, nationally recognized, externally funded applied research and Extension program in agricultural markets, trade, and rural development policy analysis, with a particular focus on distilling and successfully communicating the impacts of proposed policies and market changes to stakeholders across the Commonwealth of Virginia. International engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as the candidate’s career advances. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate with colleagues in AAEC, the Center for Agricultural Trade, and other departments in CALS to develop effective Extension and applied research programs that integrate market, policy, and trade analysis into existing efforts on local food systems and rural development initiatives. This position will also work closely with Extension agents, specialists, and field staff to develop effective and visible programs. By collaborating with others in the department, CALS, across campus and beyond, the successful candidate will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary activity, bridging the technical rigor of quantitative analysis with the practical, applied focus of Extension work needed to address the market, trade, and policy impacts confronting rural communities in Virginia. Through dissemination of trade and policy impacts, this position will enhance communication and public policy outreach efforts in CALS that foster economic growth and resilience in our rural communities.
As a priority to develop and foster new partnerships and leverage existing ones across campus and the commonwealth, the candidate is expected to build partnerships with stakeholders (e.g. government, industry, nonprofits, etc.), producer groups, agricultural lenders, supply chain businesses, and others. The position will also enhance communication to raise awareness of CALS engagement in the communities we serve. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings through publication in peer-reviewed journal articles and extension outlets, and mentoring students. This position requires occasional travel for meetings and conferences.
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (https://aaec.vt.edu/) is a growing unit with approximately 250 undergraduate students, 45 graduate students, and 27 faculty members. The department offers unique opportunities to develop applied research and outreach programs that have meaningful impacts on decision-makers. The department offers undergraduate programs in agribusiness and applied economic management (https://aaec.vt.edu/academics/undergraduate.html), an online and in-person Master’s program, and a joint Ph.D. with the Department of Economics (https://aaec.vt.edu/academics/graduate.html). The department collaborates closely with other units within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as with various units on campus.
The Department is located in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (http://www.cals.vt.edu/), which has about 2,600 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students across 10 academic units. The Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and Virginia Cooperative Extension, within the college, deliver research-based information to the Commonwealth of Virginia through county/city extension offices, 4-H educational centers, and Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices).
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
Required Qualifications
- Ph,D, in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Agribusiness, Regional Science, or a closely related discipline by appointment start date.
- Demonstrated ability (or potential) for publishing peer-reviewed research, Extension, and teaching materials.
- Skills in and experience applying regional economic and international trade models in conducting economic analysis.
- Demonstrated ability (or potential) in communicating and synthesizing complex economic analyses to a wide range of audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing and delivering economic-based educational programs to extension agents, business managers, industry groups, public agency personnel, and stakeholders.
- Experience applying for grants or other funding for programmatic support, including running fee-based workshops, and/or establishing novel sources of external funding to support integrated research or Extension programs.
- Experience working with clientele such as industry partners, commodity groups, and government agencies.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$85,000 - $110,000; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40; M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Review Date
11/29/2026
Additional Information
Application packets should include:
a. A formal cover letter summarizing qualifications,
b. a statement describing Research and Extension philosophy (2-pg max),
d. a current curriculum vitae, and
e. the names and contact information of three professional references who can assess the applicant’s qualifications for this position.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Jason Grant at jhgrant@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Agriculture & Farming
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Entry Level Policy Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level policy assistant job?
Focus on internships, volunteer work with nonprofits or government offices, and coursework in public policy, political science, or law. Employers hiring at this level look for strong research and writing skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with legislative or regulatory processes. A writing sample demonstrating policy analysis gives entry level candidates a clear edge over applicants who rely on coursework alone.
Which companies hire entry level policy assistants?
Companies hiring entry level policy assistants right now include William & Mary, Virginia Tech, and Emory University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring comes from a broad mix of government agencies, advocacy organizations, think tanks, and private sector employers with regulatory or compliance teams.
Are there remote entry level policy assistant jobs?
Yes, though the majority of entry level policy assistant roles are on-site or hybrid. About 33% of entry level policy assistant openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so candidates with geographic flexibility will find the widest range of opportunities, while fully remote junior roles do exist and are worth filtering for specifically.
Are these new grad policy assistant jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior policy assistant roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship or volunteer work in lieu of full-time history, or explicitly mentions that a portfolio of policy writing or research samples will be considered alongside a resume.
Which industries hire the most entry level policy assistants?
Entry Level policy assistant roles concentrate in Education, Agriculture & Farming, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at the junior level because they face ongoing regulatory, legislative, and compliance demands that require dedicated support staff with strong research and writing foundations.