Research Associate - Summer 2026

Launch Your Career in Public Affairs Competitive Intelligence

Program Start Date: June 2026

Launch your career at the intersection of politics, business, and strategy.

Delve Research is Washington's premier strategic intelligence and risk advisory firm, equipping the advocates and practitioners of free enterprise with the insights they need to navigate high-stakes policy and reputational issues. Our clients-Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and advocacy coalitions-turn to us to make sense of complex and heavily scrutinized issues so they can protect their ability to innovate, invest, and grow.

Featured by The Washington Post, Politico, and other leading outlets, we combine a deep understanding of the stakeholders, dynamics, and reputational factors shaping public affairs with cutting-edge research techniques and AI-driven tools to deliver in-depth, actionable intelligence that drives results.

Why Join Us?

Our three-month, full-time, stipended Associate Training Program is the launchpad for recent graduates and early-career professionals who want to build a career in public affairs research and competitive intelligence.

Associates don't just observe from the sidelines-you'll work alongside our analysts to:

• Analyze the people, organizations, and dynamics influencing high-stakes issues -- who can the client engage and work with? Whose efforts will they have to overcome?
• Learn how to map stakeholder networks, track reputational threats, and understand who is shaping outcomes.
• Turn open-source information into concise, actionable insights for senior executives and their public affairs teams.
• Gain hands-on exposure to client work across industries such as energy, life sciences, financial services, AI and other technology sectors, as well as trade and other complex, sensitive policy and political issues.

Successful Associates will have the opportunity to advance into full-time Analyst roles upon completing the program.

Who Thrives Here?

Our most successful Associates share these qualities:

• Commitment to advancing free enterprise and working with discretion - You believe in the power of free markets and can be trusted with highly sensitive client strategies.
• Exceptional research and writing skills - You can take large volumes of information and craft clear, concise, actionable analysis under tight deadlines.
• Curiosity and fast learning - You quickly master unfamiliar industries, issues, and stakeholder networks.
• Client-service orientation - You're motivated to help practitioners and advocates succeed, not to push your own agenda.
• Proven initiative and leadership - Experience running student organizations, political campaigns, or legislative projects under deadline pressure.
• Relevant exposure - Hands-on experience with a political campaign, association, lobbying or public affairs firm, or a Congressional or state legislative office is expected.

What You'll Do

As a Summer 2026 Research Associate, you will:

• Complete intensive training in competitive intelligence research and analysis techniques.
• Support analysts by producing stakeholder profiles, monitoring key actors, and contributing to issue-focused reports.
• Track and synthesize information from news, social media, government filings, and other open sources.
• Contribute to client deliverables and internal knowledge-building on sectors and issues central to our work.

Program Details

• Program Dates: June 2026 - August 2026 (full-time)
• Location: Hybrid (Washington, D.C. office + remote flexibility)
• Compensation: Stipend provided for the duration of the program

Ready to Launch Your Career?

Spots for the Summer 2026 class are highly competitive. Apply now to gain the skills, experience, and connections to build a career in public affairs consulting, strategic research, or competitive intelligence.