Research and Data Analysis Intern

Position Overview

The Research & Data Analysis Intern will support the Grassroots Midwest team through research, data collection, reporting, and analytical projects related to advocacy campaigns, public policy, stakeholder engagement, and digital communications.

This position is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who enjoys identifying trends, working with information, and helping translate complex data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on public policy issues, legislation, demographic trends, industries, and stakeholder groups
• Compile and organize research findings into reports, summaries, and briefing materials
• Assist with data collection, entry, validation, and database management
• Analyze campaign, engagement, and audience performance metrics
• Support geographic and voter data projects, including district and community research
• Conduct in-depth research relevant to Michigan politics
• Find and synthesize information about candidates, local officials, political organizations, events, etc.
• Track activity and identify key stakeholders in regional markets
• Complete targeted social media analysis of key stakeholders, issues, or elections
• Manage communication through email, phone, and occasional in-person meetings with government officials, business executives, nonprofit organization leaders or others
• Prepare reports, memos, and spreadsheets for both internal and client-side distribution
• Assist with survey analysis, trend tracking, and issue monitoring
• Help prepare client-facing analytics reports and presentations
• Support internal strategic planning and research initiatives
• Collaborate with team members on special projects and rapid-response research requests

Required Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed a degree in political science, public policy, communications, marketing, economics, statistics, journalism, data analytics, or a related field
• Must have completed at least two years of coursework
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and organizational ability
• Comfortable working with spreadsheets, databases, and large amounts of information
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Research experience, either in a professional setting or through coursework
• Experience with Excel and G Suite applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Background or coursework in statistics
• Experience with writing in a professional setting
• Experience and/or comfort with public speaking
• Familiarity with social media platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram
• Experience with Excel, Google Sheets, ArcGIS, CRM systems, survey platforms, or analytics tools 
• Interest in politics, public affairs, advocacy, communications, or public opinion research

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in political consulting and public affairs research
• Exposure to real-world advocacy and communications strategy
• Experience analyzing and organizing complex information and datasets
• Opportunities to contribute directly to active client projects
• Professional mentorship and portfolio-building experience
• Insight into Michigan politics, issue advocacy, and stakeholder engagement

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Brief writing sample, research sample, or portfolio (if available)
• Short statement explaining your interest in research, politics, communications, or data analysis