Associate, Insights & Intelligence — AI-Driven Research

Rational-360; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Job summary

Rational 360, a full-service strategic communications and digital firm, is seeking an Associate, Insights & Intelligence. You will execute research projects with increasing independence, build skills across social listening, primary research, and AI-enabled methods, and contribute to high-impact client deliverables.

This early-career role emphasizes ownership, rigorous quality, and collaboration within a fast-paced public affairs environment. Hybrid work with in-person HQ days in DC.

Qualifications

• One to two years of experience in research, analytics, communications, or related field; internships count.
• Hands-on experience in at least one: social listening or media monitoring platforms; primary research methods; SEO or GEO.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and large datasets.
• Genuine curiosity about AI and willingness to experiment with AI tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to distill findings for clients.
• Detail-oriented and organized, capable of managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute social listening and media intelligence workflows; build/refine Boolean queries; maintain dashboards; synthesize trends for client deliverables.
• Support primary research projects including surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews; handle questionnaire drafting and data cleaning.
• Analyze data across social, survey, qualitative, and secondary sources to inform client strategy.
• Identify trends and flag key findings; push from observation to actionable insights.
• Ensure quality control for quantitative and qualitative data in client deliverables.

Skills

Social listening

Primary research

Excel

AI tools curiosity

Data visualization

Communication

Attention to detail

Project management

Tools

Brandwatch

Talkwalker

Meltwater

Quid

Flourish

Datawrapper

Job description

Rational 360, a full-service strategic communications and digital firm, is seeking an Associate, Insights & Intelligence. You will execute research projects with increasing independence, build skills across social listening, primary research, and AI-enabled methods, and contribute to high-impact client deliverables.

This early-career role emphasizes ownership, rigorous quality, and collaboration within a fast-paced public affairs environment. Hybrid work with in-person HQ days in DC.