Public Relations Intern, Public Affairs (Spring 2026)

Weber Shandwick•Washington, DC

58d•$100,000 - $150,000

About The Position

Are you passionate about growing businesses, building relationships, and driving impactful insights? At KRC Research, we're looking for a results-oriented Vice President to lead our business development efforts and play a pivotal role in growing our portfolio of clients. In this role, you'll partner with some of the most influential organizations across industries to deliver cutting-edge research solutions that solve their biggest challenges. Backed by the resources of Interpublic Group (IPG), KRC Research provides an exciting environment for entrepreneurial thinkers who are ready to lead with vision, creativity, and a relentless drive for success. About the Role This is a leadership role for a bold, entrepreneurial business development professional who thrives on driving growth, deepening client relationships, and unlocking new opportunities. While a strong foundation in market research is required, the primary focus of this position is on building a robust sales pipeline, generating substantial new business revenue, and expanding KRC Research's reach. As Vice President, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of KRC Research, grow a high-performing team, and leave a lasting impact on the trajectory of the business. This role calls for an individual with a sales-driven mindset, a passion for delivering client success, and the ability to translate insights into action.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, market research, or a related field (advanced degrees preferred).
10+ years of experience in market research or a related field, with significant focus on business development and sales.
Demonstrated success in growing revenue streams, securing high-value partnerships, and expanding into new markets.
Strong understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and their application to real-world business solutions.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling pitches and proposals.
Advanced problem-solving skills to address client challenges and identify actionable opportunities.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, results-driven environments.
Authorization to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Sales-Driven Mindset: You thrive on meeting revenue targets, seizing opportunities, and building lasting client partnerships.
Collaborative Leadership: You foster strong team dynamics while empowering others to drive results.
Executive Presence: You inspire confidence in clients and internal teams alike with your ability to clearly articulate ideas and guide complex discussions.
Passion for Innovation: You're eager to redefine what's possible in market research, introducing new ideas and approaches to drive success.

Responsibilities

Driving Business Development (Primary Focus)
Own revenue generation: You'll lead efforts to secure new business, from identifying leads to delivering winning pitches that generate significant revenue.
Lead KRC's growth strategy: Develop and execute a sales strategy to expand into new industries, markets, and service offerings.
Grow existing accounts: Work with current clients to identify new needs and proactively introduce innovative solutions to deepen partnerships and increase revenue.
Mentor and inspire: Help coach and develop team members to build their business development skills, fostering a culture of entrepreneurial thinking across the organization.
Collaborate across IPG: Leverage relationships and resources within the global IPG network to expand KRC's footprint and offer integrated client solutions.
Building Strategic Partnerships
Act as a trusted advisor to senior clients, partnering with them to solve complex business challenges through intelligent, data-driven insights.
Proactively identify industry trends and opportunities to position KRC Research as a leader in addressing emerging client needs.
Build enduring relationships with C-suite executives, offering value beyond research to inform strategic decision-making.
Providing Research Expertise
Partner with internal teams to design customized, innovative research solutions that deliver actionable and measurable insights for clients.
Ensure all research engagements meet the highest standards of excellence, from methodology to final deliverables.
Serve as a bridge between client goals and internal teams, ensuring results align with strategic objectives.
Championing Team Growth and Collaboration
Lead and inspire a talented team of researchers and strategists, fostering an environment where innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity thrive.
Work closely with leadership across IPG's agencies to develop cross-functional solutions that exceed client expectations.
Contribute to thought leadership, marketing, and new service development initiatives to elevate KRC's profile in the market research field.

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
401k (with employer match)
Tuition Reimbursement
Juice Money - $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
MyDays - Flexible holiday schedules
Short-Term Disability
Paid Employee Family Leave
Family Building Benefit