Intern - East or West Coast (Remote)

Intern, United States

Remote 

About the Group 

Panterra is a global strategic advisory firm. Over the last 25 years, we have grown from boutique strategic communications and research firms into a leading international consultancy. We advise governments, embassies, corporations, and individuals on a wide range of complex policy and communications issues. Our work is typically at the nexus of the worlds of politics, business, and the media.  

Our mission is to participate in – and positively impact – the great debates of our age, including (but not limited to) geopolitical crises, election campaigns, high-value litigation cases, international events, and public diplomacy initiatives. In all our work we are guided by our core values of honesty, integrity, ambition, and accountability.  We are not just problem-solvers; we are pioneers who lead the way in finding unique, impactful solutions to the challenges faced by our clients.

About our division – Panterra Research

Panterra Research, formerly ClearPath Strategies, provides research-driven strategy to leaders around the world. Our mission is to promote progressive forces who strive to make life better for more people. We help good people do great things, and we have fun doing it.

The work of Panterra Research principally involves conducting opinion research projects such as surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews, and providing our clients with actionable guidance based on that research. We have a long track record of implementing strategic public opinion research globally. Our client portfolio includes diverse technology clients from Silicon Valley, non-profit advocacy clients (focused on environmental sustainability, civil rights, and education, among others), and international political leaders in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

The Opportunity

Our Interns have an immersive experience, providing project support to team members while gaining valuable skills to kickstart a career in the public opinion research and strategy space. Working alongside a variety of Analysts and project leaders, you will be exposed to real industry challenges and understand how to provide critical solutions to help clients prosper. No two days will be the same so we are looking for passionate, curious, and team-oriented individuals who are eager to work in a fast-paced environment to ensure outstanding client delivery. As an Intern, you’ll learn about project lifecycles and research methodologies, and you will be mentored by leaders who will give you practical advice to ensure your success, both at Panterra and throughout your career. Our internship is not about checking boxes; it’s about developing thoughtful researchers who are prepared to succeed in opinion research and related fields.

We are a fully remote company with staff across the country. The expected working hours for this internship is 40 hours per week, though the nature of our work may sometimes require some evening or weekend hours. 

This is a 6-month internship starting from January 2027. End dates can be flexible, and internships may be extended upon mutual agreement and good fit. There is potential for interns to be hired into permanent positions with the company.

We are looking for candidates with a Bachelor's degree in social sciences, political science, communications, information sciences, public policy, or related field. This position is non-exempt hourly, eligible for overtime pay in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and paid at a rate of $20 per hour.

Due to the requirements of this role, candidates must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, one of the following locations:

• San Francisco Bay Area, CA
• New York, NY 
• Washington DC 
• Portland, OR

Key Responsibilities  

Day-to-day, your work will include:

• Background research, project management, survey logic testing & proofreading (QA)
• Interacting with vendors and partners in multiple countries
• Observing focus groups (either online or in-person), notetaking, creating and proofing memos and PowerPoint slides
• Light administrative support.

You will have a dedicated manager overseeing your progress and ensuring you have opportunities and exposure to a variety of topics.

Interns will support Panterra Research’s opinion research projects across several areas:

• Politics, Policy, & Public Affairs: Research supporting political campaigns, advocacy organizations, and other clients navigating complex political and policy environments. Our work helps clients understand public opinion, identify key audiences, develop effective messages, and shape strategies for public engagement.
  
• Corporate Strategy & Reputation: Research helping leading global companies understand their customers, stakeholders, and the broader public; assess their brands and reputations; and navigate complex business and policy challenges facing their industries.
  
• Tech Strategy: Research helping major tech companies on issues ranging from artificial intelligence and cloud computing to digital infrastructure and the evolving technology landscape. Our work helps clients understand public attitudes, anticipate emerging challenges, and inform business and communications strategies.
• Environment & Sustainability: Research helping companies, organizations, and policymakers navigate issues related to energy, climate, sustainability, and decarbonization. Our work identifies opportunities and barriers at the international, national, and local level and informs strategies for engaging communities and decision-makers.
  

Skills & Experience

Successful candidates will:

• Be mission-driven with interest in politics, global affairs, campaign-thinking, social sciences and public opinion research.
• Have a healthy intellectual curiosity; you enjoy learning about new places and new issues and like taking on different challenges and tasks each day.
• Be able to execute a strong work ethic in a flexible environment and be team-oriented with a sense of humor. 

Organization

• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to hit deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  
• Must be comfortable operating in a remote setting, collaborating virtually while remaining engaged with colleagues

Communication

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills including comfort supporting team members and senior leaders

Technical skills and interests

• Interest or experience in political campaigns, public policy, public opinion research, or market research
• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, political science, communications, information sciences, public policy, or related field  
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research in the classroom or project setting is preferred, but not required
• Proficiency with MS Office, especially PowerPoint
• Authorized to work in the United States
  

What We Offer 

We are a dynamic, diverse, and fast-growing company which believes in supporting our team members both professionally and personally. In addition to our teams in San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, London, Brussels and Abu Dhabi, we have an Associate network of global leaders and experts in their fields who employees have the chance to work with and learn from.

Panterra has a friendly company culture with regular social events and a flexible working environment. Moreover, we give all our employees a high degree of autonomy and responsibility early on in their careers, accelerating their progression to the benefit of both the individual and the company. This is especially important because the pace of the work is often fast, in line with the critical issues and events we are involved in. We are a privately-owned business, and our strength is in our people.

Our CSR Commitment

At Panterra, we pride ourselves on not only delivering exceptional strategic advice and services but on doing so with a deep sense of responsibility. We value giving back by striving to contribute to the betterment of society and a sustainable future. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy is a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact beyond business success. It is rooted in two main pillars: purpose-oriented projects and environmental responsibility. Panterra actively invests in the communities it serves through pro-bono projects which leverage the company’s skills and networks. In addition, Panterra is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact. By offsetting our carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting eco-friendly transportation, we ensure that our operations are aligned with a greener future.

To Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and Cover Letter introducing yourself, and outlining your interest in this position. Please also highlight any relevant qualifications and/or experience, and why these make you suitable for the role.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond to all applicants. 

We value diversity and aim for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society. Our recruitment process is competency based and no applicant will be discriminated against regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity.