Policy Jobs in Maryland
Policy jobs in Maryland are concentrated in government affairs, public administration, health policy, and environmental regulation, with demand from entry-level analyst roles through senior director positions. The largest hiring centers are Annapolis, Baltimore, and the Washington D.C. metro suburbs of Bethesda and Silver Spring, where employers like the State of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Leidos maintain deep and ongoing policy rosters. The most sought-after specialties include health and human services policy, education policy, and federal government relations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Locations: Silver Spring, MD; Columbia, SC; or Tallahassee, FL
Reports To: Project Manager
About the Company
We are a growing environmental sciences consulting firm headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, with approximately 50–100 nationally distributed employees and a strong portfolio of clients, contracts, and projects. Our multidisciplinary team provides environmental, scientific, technical, geospatial, and program management consulting services to public and private sector clients nationally and internationally, particularly addressing coastal and marine resource topics.
Position Summary
Research Planning, Inc. (RPI) is seeking qualified candidates to support the NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) in meeting its responsibilities under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). Up to two positions may be located at federal offices in Silver Spring, MD. Remote work may also be possible for candidates within commuting distance of Silver Spring (e.g., the DC area), but the incumbent should expect substantial on-site work. One position may be able to be filled at RPI office locations in Tallahassee, FL, or Columbia, SC.
These positions are currently funded for one year.
Responsibilities
Support the policy and communications tasks below and assist with components of regulatory review coordination tasks.
· Assist with maintaining federal records and files under the Government's direction.
· Gather data and draft technical summaries to support federal staff in responding to NOAA, Department of Commerce, or Congressional requests and ensure OCM, NOS, and NOAA have access to high-quality information and talking points regarding OCM activities and partnerships.
· Assist with the development and implementation of rollout plans to communicate major decisions or activities.
· Manage information - generating customized, accurate, and up-to-date responses to inquiries relative to actions and expenditures associated with OCM programs.
· Review incoming DSHMRA exploration license and commercial recovery permit applications to analyze alignment with technical, statutory, and regulatory criteria, providing sufficiency reports to federal staff.
· Develop draft Federal Register notices and assist with coordination of virtual public hearings, as needed, to gather public comment.
· Synthesize, sort, and format public comments to support independent evaluation and final regulatory response by NOAA federal staff and General Counsel.
· Support the review and collection of responsive records for incoming FOIA requests.
· Assist with the tracking and processing of regulatory clearance packages. Support coordination between NOAA technical experts and NOAA OGC to ensure documents meet legal and documented standards.
· Maintain a centralized tracking matrix for all active DSHMRA regulatory clearance packages, documenting milestones from initial application through final interagency disposition.
· Review draft regulatory packages for administrative completeness and compile necessary scientific attachments, maps, or geospatial datasets prior to submission to the NOAA OGC.
· Monitor, log, and distribute follow-up action items stemming from OGC legal reviews or interagency consultations to facilitate timely processing schedules.
Experience Requirements
· Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in marine science, oceanography, environmental policy, or a closely related discipline.
· Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience drafting technical communications to support federal or Congressional requests, synthesizing public comments, and analyzing statutory criteria for regulatory applications; or, one (1) year of professional experience and a master’s degree in marine science, environmental policy, public administration, marine policy, or a related field.
· Experience preparing written policy analysis documents, regulatory summaries, briefing papers, or decision-support materials.
· Strong written communication skills and ability to produce high-quality written products on short timelines.
· Experience reviewing technical or policy documents and providing clear and concise written feedback.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications
· Demonstrated proficiency in reviewing complex statutory frameworks to provide technical reports to federal staff.
· Working knowledge of coordinating virtual public hearings and supporting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) record collections.
· Experience drafting high-quality Federal Register Notices and media talking points.
· Current or recent NOAA security clearance and CAC credentials.
Physical and Mental Requirements
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation:
· Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer at a designated office location.
· Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing.
· Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
· Ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions based on established guidance and procedures.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Offers of employment for this role will depend on applicants’ successful completion of a federal agency background check with fingerprinting.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Research Planning, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. We are committed to fostering a fair and merit-based workplace where every employee feels valued and respected.
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to careers@researchplanning.com, indicating “Policy Analyst” and your name in the subject line. Leading applicants may be contacted for a phone, online, and/or in-person interview; professional references; degree transcripts/certifications; and writing or other work samples.
Do not phone, contact staff members, or appear in person to apply or seek information on this position. Please understand that due to the potential volume of interest, we may not be able to respond to all applicants.
No agencies, please.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 50 Policy Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Policy JobsPolicy Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Policy Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
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What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in policy jobs across Maryland.
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field required
- Experience with Maryland state government processes or federal regulatory frameworks preferred
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for drafting briefs and stakeholder presentations
- Proficiency in policy research, data analysis, and legislative tracking tools
- Ability to manage relationships with government agencies, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders
- Master's degree in public policy or public administration preferred for senior roles
Policy Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a policy professional in Maryland?
Most policy roles in Maryland require at least a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, or a closely related field. Entry into state government roles typically goes through the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, which posts positions for policy analysts and program specialists. A master's in public policy or public administration strengthens candidacy for mid-level and senior roles, and experience with Maryland General Assembly processes or state agency work is a consistent differentiator.
Which companies hire policy professionals in Maryland?
Companies currently hiring policy professionals in Maryland include Johns Hopkins University, Peraton, and Lockheed Martin, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Maryland's mix of state government agencies, federally adjacent contractors, and major research institutions like Johns Hopkins creates a particularly wide range of policy employer types.
Which Maryland cities have the most policy jobs?
Baltimore, Bethesda, and Elkridge have the most policy openings in Maryland. Annapolis anchors state government and legislative affairs hiring, Baltimore draws in health policy and nonprofit roles tied to its major hospital systems and universities, and the Washington D.C. suburbs of Bethesda and Silver Spring attract federal relations and regulatory policy work because of their proximity to major federal agencies.
Are there remote policy jobs in Maryland?
Yes, and more than many fields. Policy analysis, government relations, and research roles are well suited to remote or hybrid arrangements since the work centers on writing, research, and stakeholder communication rather than physical presence. About 46% of policy openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how broadly this flexibility has taken hold. Roles involving direct state agency coordination or in-person legislative work tend to require more on-site time.
How can I get hired as a policy professional in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a Maryland state agency internship or fellowship, such as the Governor's Office Fellow program or legislative staff positions in Annapolis, which are designed specifically for early-career candidates. Large employers like Johns Hopkins, Leidos, and University of Maryland Medical System also hire policy assistants and program coordinators who transition into analyst roles. A strong writing sample, familiarity with Maryland budget or legislative processes, and a relevant graduate certificate can substitute for direct experience in many hiring decisions.
Where can I find and apply to policy jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to policy jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and interests, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 50 Policy Jobs in Maryland
Find roles in Maryland that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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