External Affairs Intern

Penta is a global company providing data-driven solutions to help clients achieve their objectives in an increasingly complex stakeholder environment. We provide cutting-edge intelligence products to help clients understand what their stakeholders think, see, and hear, and then leverage that intelligence to develop and execute effective, measurable strategies. 

Our global team brings decades of experience in business, government, communications, research, data science, and media. Our clients include companies across a variety of industries, including technology, financial services, energy, healthcare, and more. Penta has offices in New York, London, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Vail, Dublin, London, Brussels, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Position Summary: Penta is seeking full-time paid interns for 2024 to support the External Affairs team within our Policy Brand Research division. Interns will benefit from immediate opportunities for professional development while working in a fun, fast-paced, and challenging environment. They will support research recruitment efforts across our Federal, state, and international projects. This role is a great opportunity for a current junior or senior in college or a recent graduate who is interested in learning about a career in marketing and policymaker engagement, as the work of this team sits at the intersection of research and public affairs. Interns will develop skills in, contact and list management, membership retention strategies, research recruitment strategies, email marketing, building policymaker relationships, and public affairs campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contact list development and support: Research and develop comprehensive contact directories to support policymaker research support using stakeholder mapping strategies
• Outreach support: Implement outcome-driven outreach strategies for public and private sector stakeholders. 
• Policymaker engagement: Build policymaker networks through direct, multi-channel marketing platforms (i.e.: phone, in-person, email) and personal recruitment.

Qualifications:

• Interest in communications and/or marketing (including relevant internship or academic experience).
• Demonstrated proficient time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Curious and proactive mindset, consistently striving for high achievement
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• An analytical approach to problem-solving and careful attention to detail.
• Understanding of Excel basics and/or experience maintaining databases.
• Interest in a collaborative and fast-paced work environment.
• Interest in government affairs and/or advocacy.
• European language fluency is a plus.
• Previous experience working with policymakers is a plus.

Location and Hybrid Schedule:  For this position, we are only considering applicants in the Washington, D.C., area and are looking to fill the role as soon as possible. This person will be expected to join our team in our Washington, D.C., office and work a hybrid schedule of three days a week in person and two days remote.   Benefits:

• Dynamic and supportive environment for learning and growth
• Frequent firm-wide social events and activities (Washington, D.C.)
• Knowledge Meeting lunches with all staff on a variety of topics (Washington, D.C.)
• Mentoring opportunities and support in the development of long-term career goals
• Opportunities for flexible work arrangements