Associate, Insights & Intelligence

Summary

About This RoleRational 360 is hiring an Associate, Insights & Intelligence to support and grow the firm's integrated research and analytics offerings. This role is designed for early-career professionals with one to two years of relevant experience (including internships) who are ready to move beyond learning the basics and begin owning discrete pieces of client work.The Associate will execute research projects with increasing independence, develop proficiency across social listening and primary research platforms, and contribute to a team pushing the boundaries of what insights work looks like in a fast-paced public affairs environment. This is an ideal role for someone who is detail-oriented and intellectually curious, has built foundational skills, and is eager to apply them with greater ownership and accountability.About Rational 360Rational 360 is a full-service strategic communications and digital company that helps organizations win in high-stakes public affairs, corporate communications, and reputation management. We combine data-driven insights, creative storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to deliver results for clients across industries. Our team is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and driven by impact.With a staff of approximately 120 and growing, Rational 360 is partially employee-owned and deeply invested in professional development, mentorship, and career advancement. Our teams work at the forefront of strategic communications, public policy, and media engagement across a wide variety of sectors.ResponsibilitiesResearch and AnalyticsExecute social listening and media intelligence workflows, including building and refining Boolean queries, maintaining dashboards, and synthesizing narrative and sentiment trends for client deliverablesSupport the design and execution of primary research projects including surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews, owning discrete tasks such as questionnaire drafting, basic programming, data cleaning, and crosstab reviewAnalyze data across sources (social, survey, qualitative, and secondary) and contribute to integrated insights that inform client communications and public affairs strategyIdentify relevant trends and flag key findings proactively, building the habit of moving from observation to insightConduct rigorous quality control checks on quantitative and qualitative data to ensure accuracy and consistency in client deliverablesAI and Emerging MethodologiesDevelop working familiarity with AI-enhanced research approaches, including AI simulations and generative engine optimization (GEO), supporting senior team members in executing and iterating on these methodologiesStay current on new research tools, AI applications, and emerging technologies; bring awareness of relevant developments back to the teamParticipate in experimentation with new methodologies, contributing to the team's culture of curiosity and rigorClient and Team ContributionContribute to client-facing deliverables (presentations, memos, data visualizations) that translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiencesManage your own workstreams and project tasks reliably, meeting deadlines and communicating proactively when timelines are at riskCoordinate with internal teams and outside vendors to support on-time, high-quality deliveryActively participate in internal trainings, methodology development, and team knowledge-sharingSeek out feedback and continuously build skills across platforms and toolsRequirementsOne to two years of experience in research, analytics, communications, or a related field; internship experience counts. Agency or consulting background a plusDemonstrated hands‑on experience in at least one of the following:Social listening or media monitoring platforms (e.g., Brandwatch, Talkwalker, Meltwater, Quid), with the ability to derive insight from unstructured dataPrimary research methods, including survey design, programming, or quantitative analysisSEO or generative engine optimization (GEO)Strong command of Microsoft Excel, including comfort working with large datasets, pivot tables, and formulas; this role requires more than basic proficiencyGenuine curiosity about AI and a willingness to experiment with and apply AI tools in a professional contextStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill findings clearly for client audiencesDetail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environmentFamiliarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Flourish, Datawrapper) a plusProactive, eager to learn, and comfortable raising questions and seeking feedbackWhy Join Rational 360?Collaborative, mission-driven team environmentExposure to high-impact work across public affairs, communications, and digitalCompetitive compensation and benefitsHybrid work model with flexibility- this role will be required to adhere to our hybrid work policy which requires employees to work in-person from our HQ located in downtown DC on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.Salary range for this role is 60,000 to 65,500 USD annually.This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.Rational 360 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Job Description

About This RoleRational 360 is hiring an Associate, Insights & Intelligence to support and grow the firm's integrated research and analytics offerings. This role is designed for early-career professionals with one to two years of relevant experience (including internships) who are ready to move beyond learning the basics and begin owning discrete pieces of client work.The Associate will execute research projects with increasing independence, develop proficiency across social listening and primary research platforms, and contribute to a team pushing the boundaries of what insights work looks like in a fast-paced public affairs environment. This is an ideal role for someone who is detail-oriented and intellectually curious, has built foundational skills, and is eager to apply them with greater ownership and accountability.About Rational 360Rational 360 is a full-service strategic communications and digital company that helps organizations win in high-stakes public affairs, corporate communications, and reputation management. We combine data-driven insights, creative storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to deliver results for clients across industries. Our team is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and driven by impact.With a staff of approximately 120 and growing, Rational 360 is partially employee-owned and deeply invested in professional development, mentorship, and career advancement. Our teams work at the forefront of strategic communications, public policy, and media engagement across a wide variety of sectors.ResponsibilitiesResearch and AnalyticsExecute social listening and media intelligence workflows, including building and refining Boolean queries, maintaining dashboards, and synthesizing narrative and sentiment trends for client deliverablesSupport the design and execution of primary research projects including surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews, owning discrete tasks such as questionnaire drafting, basic programming, data cleaning, and crosstab reviewAnalyze data across sources (social, survey, qualitative, and secondary) and contribute to integrated insights that inform client communications and public affairs strategyIdentify relevant trends and flag key findings proactively, building the habit of moving from observation to insightConduct rigorous quality control checks on quantitative and qualitative data to ensure accuracy and consistency in client deliverablesAI and Emerging MethodologiesDevelop working familiarity with AI-enhanced research approaches, including AI simulations and generative engine optimization (GEO), supporting senior team members in executing and iterating on these methodologiesStay current on new research tools, AI applications, and emerging technologies; bring awareness of relevant developments back to the teamParticipate in experimentation with new methodologies, contributing to the team's culture of curiosity and rigorClient and Team ContributionContribute to client-facing deliverables (presentations, memos, data visualizations) that translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiencesManage your own workstreams and project tasks reliably, meeting deadlines and communicating proactively when timelines are at riskCoordinate with internal teams and outside vendors to support on-time, high-quality deliveryActively participate in internal trainings, methodology development, and team knowledge-sharingSeek out feedback and continuously build skills across platforms and toolsRequirementsOne to two years of experience in research, analytics, communications, or a related field; internship experience counts. Agency or consulting background a plusDemonstrated hands‑on experience in at least one of the following:Social listening or media monitoring platforms (e.g., Brandwatch, Talkwalker, Meltwater, Quid), with the ability to derive insight from unstructured dataPrimary research methods, including survey design, programming, or quantitative analysisSEO or generative engine optimization (GEO)Strong command of Microsoft Excel, including comfort working with large datasets, pivot tables, and formulas; this role requires more than basic proficiencyGenuine curiosity about AI and a willingness to experiment with and apply AI tools in a professional contextStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill findings clearly for client audiencesDetail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environmentFamiliarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Flourish, Datawrapper) a plusProactive, eager to learn, and comfortable raising questions and seeking feedbackWhy Join Rational 360?Collaborative, mission-driven team environmentExposure to high-impact work across public affairs, communications, and digitalCompetitive compensation and benefitsHybrid work model with flexibility- this role will be required to adhere to our hybrid work policy which requires employees to work in-person from our HQ located in downtown DC on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.Salary range for this role is 60,000 to 65,500 USD annually.This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.Rational 360 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.#J-18808-Ljbffr