Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization: Public Opinion Strategies, headquartered in historic Old Town Alexandria near Washington, D.C., is a national political and public affairs research firm which has been described by the New York Times as “the leading Republican polling company” in the country. The firm offers an internship opportunity at the heart of the nation's government and politics. Renowned for accuracy and meticulous attention to detail, the company prides itself on going the extra mile for clients and colleagues, taking on complex tasks to ensure exceptional outcomes. Public Opinion Strategies prides itself on knowing that its work is accurate. The firm places a premium on paying attention to every detail and showing concern for all aspects of the job, no matter how small. The firm is committed to going the extra mile for their clients and colleagues. As a company, Public Opinion Strategies does not shy away from difficult tasks and dedicates itself to doing whatever it takes to get the job done well.

Internship Summary: Join Public Opinion Strategies as a Survey Research Intern, working directly with influential pollsters to synthesize results and create research reports for political and public affairs clients. This hands-on internship places you at the forefront of assisting clients in solving complex questions through data-driven solutions. The intern will work directly with partners, some of the most influential pollsters in the country, and the intern will have the opportunity to assist in synthesizing results and creating research reports for political and public affairs clients. The intern will be at the forefront of helping clients get answers to their most complex questions and develop data-driven solutions to the challenges they face.

Responsibilities: Interns will assist partners, research analysts, and project directors in the completion of survey research projects, including making charts and data tables in PowerPoint and Excel, proof-reading and editing memos and reports, and a variety of other project-related activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interest in Republican politics, public policy, and/or survey research
• Data-driven and a strong desire to work with numbers
• Knowledge of analytical techniques
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to juggle multiple projects
• Strong computer skills

Eligibility:

• Domestic students
• Undergraduate students

About the Supervisor: Neil Newhouse is a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies, a national political and public affairs research firm which has been described by the New York Times as “the leading Republican polling company” in the country. Neil has been named “Pollster of the Year” by the American Association of Political Consultants a record-tying three times for his work on political and public affairs campaigns. Neil is a former IOP Pritzker Fellow and has worked in public opinion research for more than 35 years and has helped elect dozens of Members of Congress, U.S. Senators, and Governors. He has served as the Republican partner in the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, and he has twice been named as one of the “Money 20″ political consultants in the country who make a difference. Neil has polled for four Presidential campaigns – Senator Robert Dole, President George W. Bush, Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and he was the lead pollster for Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s 2012 campaign.

Location/Modality/Commute: 214 N Fayette Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Mostly in-person

Start/End Date: Summer internships will take place during the period of June 8 - September 25, with specific dates to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process.

Required Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter