Policy Analyst

About Catalyst·Wayfare

Washington’s premier, boutique policy firm serving the most promising deep-tech startups. Founded in 2017, Catalyst·Wayfare works to accelerate the pace of positive technological change globally, helping companies with complex regulatory and geopolitical challenges navigate them to deliver for the world.

Position summary

Catalyst·Wayfare seeks a Policy Analyst to provide rigorous research, analysis, and written work product that supports clients operating at the forefront of energy, mobility, AI, and other breakthrough technologies. The analyst will monitor legislative, regulatory, and geopolitical developments; distill complex information into clear insights; and assist senior team members in formulating and executing advocacy strategies.

Responsibilities

• Policy research and monitoring – Track federal, state, and international legislative and regulatory activity; prepare concise briefs, memos, and data sets.
• Writing and synthesis – Draft comment letters, issue primers, presentations, and executive talking points that translate technical innovation into policy language.
• Stakeholder engagement support – Develop background materials and logistics for meetings with Congress, the Administration, and international bodies; manage follow-up actions.
• Strategic analysis – Evaluate how emerging trends (e.g., AI governance, critical-minerals supply chains, climate incentives) create opportunities or risks for clients.
• Special projects – Contribute to events, competitive landscape scans, and ad-hoc client requests in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidate

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, economics, political science, engineering, or a related discipline 
• 0–3 years of experience in legislative affairs, consulting, think-tank research, or a comparable analytical role, or from a relevant master’s degree (not required).
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and succinctly for diverse audiences, from senior executives to policymakers.
• Familiarity with how change occurs in Congress, the Executive Branch, and international policy-making bodies; proven capacity to learn new institutional processes quickly.
• Interest in emerging technologies and their policy implications.
• Self-starter, entrepreneurial, comfortable working remotely with a distributed team.
• U.S. work authorization required; Washington D.C. Metro Region (Virginia, DC, Maryland) proximity preferred but not mandatory.

Compensation 

• Competitive hourly contract with flexible hours (up to 35–40 hrs/week) with potential to transition to full time as appropriate; rate commensurate with experience.
• Close collaboration with senior partners on high-impact projects.
• Flexible remote work, with reimbursed travel for in-person meetings as needed.
• Opportunity to influence policy outcomes that enable world-changing technologies.

Application process

Please email talent@catalyst.wf with:

1. Résumé
2. Brief cover note (≤ 300 words) explaining your interest in Catalyst·Wayfare
3. One existing writing sample relevant to policy or analytical work (1-2 pages preferred)

Use the subject line “Policy Analyst – [Your Name]”. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is encouraged.