The posting
About This Role
Rational 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 360
Rational 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.
Requirements
Responsibilities
Research and Analytics
- Execute social listening and media intelligence workflows, including building and refining Boolean queries, maintaining dashboards, and synthesizing narrative and sentiment trends for client deliverables
- Support 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 review
- Analyze data across sources (social, survey, qualitative, and secondary) and contribute to integrated insights that inform client communications and public affairs strategy
- Identify relevant trends and flag key findings proactively, building the habit of moving from observation to insight
- Conduct rigorous quality control checks on quantitative and qualitative data to ensure accuracy and consistency in client deliverables
AI and Emerging Methodologies
- Develop 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 methodologies
- Stay current on new research tools, AI applications, and emerging technologies; bring awareness of relevant developments back to the team
- Participate in experimentation with new methodologies, contributing to the team's culture of curiosity and rigor
Client and Team Contribution
- Contribute to client-facing deliverables (presentations, memos, data visualizations) that translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences
- Manage your own workstreams and project tasks reliably, meeting deadlines and communicating proactively when timelines are at risk
- Coordinate with internal teams and outside vendors to support on-time, high-quality delivery
- Actively participate in internal trainings, methodology development, and team knowledge-sharing
- Seek out feedback and continuously build skills across platforms and tools
Requirements
- One to two years of experience in research, analytics, communications, or a related field; internship experience counts. Agency or consulting background a plus
- Demonstrated 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 data
- Primary research methods, including survey design, programming, or quantitative analysis
- SEO 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 proficiency
- Genuine curiosity about AI and a willingness to experiment with and apply AI tools in a professional context
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill findings clearly for client audiences
- Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Flourish, Datawrapper) a plus
- Proactive, eager to learn, and comfortable raising questions and seeking feedback
Benefits
Why Join Rational?
- Collaborative team environment with exposure to high-impact work across public affairs, strategic communications, marketing and digital
- Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, 401(k) corporate match, and paid time off
- Participation in our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
- Professional development and growth opportunities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Hybrid work model with flexibility: this role requires in-person work at 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 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.
