Insights & Intelligence Fellow (On Site - Washington, DC)

Rational 360 is hiring a Fellow, Insights & Intelligence to support and grow the firm’s integrated research and analytics offerings. This is an entry-level, full-time role designed for early-career professionals who are eager to build hands-on experience with social media analytics and primary research, including surveys and qualitative methods.

The Fellow will work closely with senior team members to help execute research projects, analyze data, and translate findings into clear, compelling insights that inform client strategy. This role is ideal for someone curious, detail-oriented, and excited to learn new tools and methodologies in a fast-paced public affairs and communications environment.

About Rational 360

Rational 360 is a leading, independently-owned, strategic communications and public affairs firm with expertise across media relations, public policy, corporate reputation, and digital strategy. Our bipartisan team members work with clients including Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, national nonprofits, and advocacy groups operating in highly regulated and politically sensitive environments. We are entrepreneurial, client-focused, and committed to results.

Responsibilities

• Compile regular reports and contribute insights to client-facing deliverables, supporting the development of presentations and data visualizations that translate findings into clear, actionable insights
• Analyze trends across the social, news and broadcast media landscape
• Learn how to build Boolean queries and dashboards in listening tools to track narratives and audience sentiment
• Assist in the development and execution of surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews
• Support questionnaire drafting, discussion guide preparation, and basic survey programming and testing
• Help review survey data, crosstabs, and toplines to identify key findings
• Stay current on new research tools, AI applications, and emerging technologies
• Coordinate with internal departments and outside vendors
• Gather preliminary data and conduct background research for projects
• Monitor focus groups and other qualitative interviews
• Conduct rigorous quality control checks on quantitative and qualitative data
• Support experimentation with new methodologies, including AI-enhanced research approaches
• Participate in internal trainings and actively develop new skills across platforms

Requirements

• • Six months to two years of experience, either in a marketing/communications or agency/consulting setting. This can include internship or academic experience
• • Strong interest in data-driven storytelling and audience insights
• • Basic understanding of surveys, polling, or qualitative research methods, including familiarity with questionnaire design or interpreting results
• • Comfort working in Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn new research and analytics platforms
• • Familiarity with social listening or research software (e.g., Brandwatch, Talkwalker, Meltwater, Qualtrics, Survey Monkey, Forsta, Dynata etc.) is a plus but not required
• • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• • Curious, proactive, and eager to learn new skills

Benefits

The Rational 360 Insights & Intelligence Fellowship is a minimum of six-month paid program in our Washington, DC office. Fellows are expected to work 40 hours per week and earn $20.00/hour.

Fellows are expected to work in our Washington, DC office Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week and have the option to work remotely each Tuesday and Friday.

Fellows have the opportunity to grow their digital and communication skills through professional development trainings hosted weekly in the Rational 360 office. Additionally, a member of the digital team will be paired with each fellow for mentorship and training throughout the duration of the fellowship.