Hire the Best Research & Public Policy Freelancers
in the United States

More than 3,000 reviews on G2
Rating is 4.5 out of 5.
4.5/5
of Upwork by G2 peer reviewers
Emily M.

Scottsdale, Arizona

$40/hr
5.0
89 jobs

The brain of a data detective, the pen of a journalist, and the instincts of a compliance lawyer. For 40+ years, I have worked as a writer, researcher, and editor across technology, finance, policy, operations, HR, healthcare, and regulated business environments. Clients and readers include C-suite executives, policymakers, engineers, academics, legal and compliance teams, and subject matter experts who need clear, credible content from complex material. With degrees in Journalism (BA), Behavioral Psychology (MS), and Law (JD), I bring a disciplined approach to research, structure, language, and evidence. My work is strongest when the subject is complex, the reader expects substance, and the final product needs analysis, judgment, and a compelling argument. I am comfortable working under tight turnaround, as long as we agree on scope and deadline. Projects maybe structured hourly or on a fixed-fee basis, depending on research depth, review cycle, and level of polish required. AI tools may support organization, synthesis, and workflow speed, but the judgment, source review, structure, voice, and final writing remain mine. ~Professional Highlights~ B2B Content Writing and Thought Leadership • Long-form articles, white papers, reports, guides, website copy, executive summaries, and thought leadership for business, technology, finance, healthcare, AI, SaaS, and policy audiences • Published work for The Financial Brand, Electronics360, Aura, and executive-facing business outlets • Business book support and senior-level content focused on growth, strategy, workforce intelligence, revenue systems, and operational performance Research, Analysis, and Market Intelligence • Market research, competitor analysis, workforce trends, regulatory developments, benchmarking, and source synthesis • Qualitative and quantitative research across technology, finance, policy, HR, healthcare, SaaS, and enterprise operations • Clear analysis built from raw notes, expert interviews, technical materials, datasets, reports, and incomplete drafts Technical, Legal, and Compliance Writing • Legal content, compliance materials, policy papers, internal guidance, and formal business writing • RFPs, SOWs, SLAs, technical manuals, user guides, implementation materials, and customer-facing documentation • Contract-adjacent, regulatory, and technical documentation shaped by governance, risk, auditability, and operational constraints Editing, Proofreading, and Content Quality • Developmental editing, substantive editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, and final polish • Editing for logic, structure, rhythm, tone, clarity, precision, and reader usefulness • Fact-checking, citation review, source validation, terminology control, style-guide alignment, and publication-ready cleanup

  • Policy Writing
  • Technical Writing
  • Business Writing
  • Legal Writing
  • Article Writing
  • Financial Writing
  • Academic Writing
  • AI Fact-Checking
  • Fact-Checking
  • AI Content Writing
  • Content Research
  • Business Research
  • Copywriting
  • Content Writing
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • LLM Prompt Engineering
  • AI Model Training
  • AI Model Training Prompt
  • Government Documents
  • Grammar & Syntax Review
Emma T.

Chicago, Illinois

$35/hr
5.0
2 jobs

I transform organizational strategies into actionable plans through my expertise in research, strategic planning, and CRM systems design. With over 10 years of applied research and 7 years of consulting experience, I specialize in grant writing and management, research and analysis, strategic planning, and board development, helping organizations enhance their operations and achieve their objectives. My background includes conducting qualitative and quantitative research, managing projects efficiently, and facilitating strong communications. I provide tailored solutions that encompass fundraising strategies and partnership opportunities, utilizing data systems to inform decisions. If you're seeking a contractor who can streamline your processes and elevate your organizational impact, let's connect and discuss how I can support your goals.

  • Management Consulting
  • CRM Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Entry
  • Grant Application
  • Grant Writing
  • Grant Research & Prospect List
  • Analytical Presentation
  • Survey Data Analysis
  • Research Interviews
  • Governance, Risk Management & Compliance
  • Recruiting
  • Recruiting Process Consulting
  • Strategic Planning
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Microsoft Excel
  • PowerPoint Presentation
  • Tableau
  • Survey
Brandon H.

Seneca, South Carolina

$50/hr
5.0
2 jobs

Versatile and mission-driven workforce analyst with a strong federal background spanning the U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Education, and earlier experience as a middle school educator. Proven success in program management, technical assistance, and performance improvement across large-scale federal initiatives, including leading national oversight of the Pathway Home reentry grant program. Adept at translating complex regulations into actionable guidance, designing scalable systems, and using data to drive strategic decision-making. Recognized for exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and a collaborative, service-oriented approach that strengthens cross-agency operations and improves outcomes for diverse populations. Data & Performance Analysis: - Performance metric design and analysis - Federal performance reporting (e.g., WIOA indicators, GPRA, SPP/APR) - Quantitative and qualitative data synthesis - Tableau, Excel (advanced), Power BI (working knowledge) Program & Grant Management: - Oversight of large-scale federal initiatives (e.g., Pathway Home, Reentry Projects) - Grant monitoring and compliance - Risk management and continuous improvement - Federal grants systems (e.g., GrantSolutions, G5, OLDC, and WIPS) Policy & Regulatory Expertise: - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) - Education and Labor federal policy frameworks - Reentry and second chance programs - Interpreting and operationalizing federal regulations Technical Assistance & Capacity Building: - TA design and delivery at local, state, and national levels - Stakeholder engagement across agencies and grantees - Development of user-friendly guidance and resources - Workshop facilitation and virtual training delivery (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) Systems Design & Strategic Planning: - Scalable technical assistance systems - Logic models and implementation frameworks - Process mapping and workflow improvement - Strategic planning aligned to performance goals Communication & Collaboration Tools: - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) - Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms) - MS SharePoint, MS Teams, Slack - Content development (briefs, toolkits, newsletters, etc.) Instructional & Educational Expertise: - Curriculum design and instructional delivery (former middle school educator) - Differentiated instruction and behavior management - DEIA-aligned communication strategies

  • Public Policy
  • Policy Writing
  • Project Management
  • Policy Analysis
  • Policy Development
  • Customer Experience
  • Human-Centered Design
  • Workforce Management
  • Canva
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot
  • Legal Research
  • Government & Public Sector
  • Education
  • Research & Strategy
  • Government Reporting Compliance
  • Public Relations
Andrea H.

Brooklyn, New York

$50/hr
4.9
15 jobs

I love coding and analyzing qualitative data. I have served as Research Associate and Project Manager for 17 domestic and international research projects on gender based violence. I specialize in instrument and protocol development, trauma informed data collection, content analysis, grounded theory and thematic analysis approaches, as well as writing literature reviews. I have coded hundreds of interviews, agency meeting notes, service case notes, and other data. I have a passion for synthesizing information and writing and presenting research findings in a manner that is clear and understandable to all audiences. I have extensive experience drafting reports, manuscripts, recommendations, briefs, presentations, and tool kits for various audiences such as government agencies, academia, social services, law enforcement, and local and international non-governmental organizations.

  • Academic Research
  • Scientific Literature Review
  • Training & Development
  • Qualitative Research
  • Report Writing
  • Academic Writing
  • Academic Editing
  • Editing & Proofreading
  • Data Analysis
  • Academic Content Development
  • Content Writing
  • Training Materials
  • Focus Groups
  • Program Evaluation
  • Research Interviews
Sarah E.

Dunedin, Florida

$65/hr
4.9
42 jobs

Struggling to translate social science or health data into compelling deliverables? Need to strengthen existing material? With 25+ years of experience in sociology and public health, I help academic institutions, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and government agencies conduct original research, secure funding through grant writing, refine documents, and synthesize existing data into reports, white papers, and manuscripts that drive research, policy, and systems change. What I Deliver: • Research & Evaluation: Study design, qualitative methods, data analysis, and literature reviews. • Community Health & Health Equity Research: SDoH analysis, disparities research, Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA), and evidence-based strategy development. • Academic & Medical Writing: White papers, policy briefs, and research translation. • Grant Strategy & Writing: Funding strategy, proposal development, and full-cycle grant writing. • Editing: Substantive editing of proposals to enhance clarity, organization, argument strength, impact, and compliance with funder guidelines. Why Work With Me: • PhD-Trained Expertise: Sociologist, public health researcher, and grant and medical writer. • Proven Impact: Co-author of the Springer book Deconstructing Toxic Narratives and former Director of Community Research at Adelphi University. • Funding Success: Helped secure a $1.5M National Academies of Science-funded award for health equity initiatives. • Editing Precision: 25+ years of experience refining complex academic, legal, and policy material for publication and funding. I manage complex projects from concept to final delivery with scientific rigor and strategic clarity. Let’s discuss how to secure funding, publish your work, or advance health and social equity initiatives.

  • Qualitative Research
  • Technical Writing
  • White Paper
  • Ghostwriting
  • Writing
  • Academic Writing
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Developmental Editing
  • Academic Editing
  • Scientific Literature Review
  • Topic Research
  • Medical Writing
Taylor G.

Sacramento, California

$150/hr
4.8
66 jobs

California licensed attorney and legislative consultant with nine years experience working in and around the California State Legislature, holding top positions for members of both the Senate and the Assembly. Former extern for the now Chief Judge of the Sacramento Division of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. Admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Graduate of McGeorge School of Law, with Distinction, and a member of the Traynor Honor Society for academic excellence, as well as a primary editor for the legislative section of the McGeorge Law Review. Available for legal research and writing, including pleadings, law and motion practice, demand and settlement letter drafting, alternative dispute resolution, document review, limited scope representation, general legal advice, etc., as well as legislative and regulatory tracking, drafting and analysis. Currently working remotely from Antigua, Guatemala.

  • Public Policy
  • Legal Research
  • Legal Writing
  • Legal Drafting
  • Proofreading
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Policy Analysis
  • Drafting
  • Legal Negotiation
  • Public Affairs
  • Legal Pleadings
  • Litigation
  • Politics
  • State Bar of California
  • Legal Terminology

How it works

Post a job for freePost a job

Tell us what you need. Create your own job post or generate one with AI then filter talent matches.

Hire top talent fast

Consult, interview, and hire quickly, so you can meet the freelancers you're excited about.

Collaborate easily

Use Upwork to chat or video call, share files, and track project progress right from the app.

Payment simplified

Manage payments in one place with flexible billing options. Only pay for approved work, hourly or by milestone.

Don't just take our word for it

How do I hire a Research & Public Policy Freelancer in the United States on Upwork?

You can hire a Research & Public Policy Freelancer in the United States on Upwork in four simple steps:

  • Create a job post tailored to your Research & Public Policy Freelancer project scope. We'll walk you through the process step by step.
  • Browse top Research & Public Policy Freelancer talent on Upwork and invite them to your project.
  • Once the proposals start flowing in, create a shortlist of top Research & Public Policy Freelancer profiles and interview.
  • Hire the right Research & Public Policy Freelancer for your project from Upwork, the world's largest work marketplace.

At Upwork, we believe talent staffing should be easy.

How much does it cost to hire a Research & Public Policy Freelancer?

Rates charged by Research & Public Policy Freelancers on Upwork can vary with a number of factors including experience, location, and market conditions. See hourly rates for in-demand skills on Upwork.

Why hire a Research & Public Policy Freelancer in the United States on Upwork?

As the world's work marketplace, we connect highly-skilled freelance Research & Public Policy Freelancers and businesses and help them build trusted, long-term relationships so they can achieve more together. Let us help you build the dream Research & Public Policy Freelancer team you need to succeed.

Can I hire a Research & Public Policy Freelancer in the United States within 24 hours on Upwork?

Depending on availability and the quality of your job post, it's entirely possible to sign up for Upwork and receive Research & Public Policy Freelancer proposals within 24 hours of posting a job description.