Research Associate - Spring 2026
Company: Delve
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 19, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Salary: Launch Your Career in
Public Affairs Competitive Intelligence Program Start Date: March
2026 Launch your career at the intersection of politics, business,
and strategy. Delve Research is Washingtons 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
clientsFortune 500 companies, trade associations, and advocacy
coalitionsturn 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 dont just
observe from the sidelinesyoull 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 Youre 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 Youll Do As a Spring
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: March 2026 May 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 Spring 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.
Keywords: Delve, Charlottesville , Research Associate - Spring 2026, Executive , Washington, Virginia
