Research Associate - Channel Services - Intern

Public Interest Registry (PIR, the Reston, VA-based non-profit operator of the .ORG top-level domain with more than 11 million active registrations worldwide) has an outstanding internship opportunity within our Channel Services team for a Research Associate for the summer of 2025. 

The Channel Services team is responsible for creating and closing opportunities and maintaining and strengthening relationships with channel partners internationally. They develop and implement promotions and programs for channel partners, focusing on supporting the adoption of PIR’s products in applicable regions whilst aligning efforts with PIR’s goals and mission. The team is accountable for achieving regional growth and sales targets as assigned.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Channel Services Research Intern supports the Channel Services team in achieving growth across global markets. Responsibilities will include:

Primary Project(s) 

• Conduct global analysis research on the reseller channel to identify and assess new partnership opportunities, including those with domain and web hosting providers, website builders, and web enablers.
• Perform in-depth research into additional countries outside the current markets PIR focuses on, such as African and other Latin American markets, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the regional domain space, uncovering growth opportunities across traditional, non-traditional, and non-profit sectors.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Offer ongoing assistance and support to the Channel Services team to ensure seamless business operations.

Learning Objectives 

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Domain Name Channel landscape (registrar, resellers, registry) and the external operations involved and explore how they effectively market their products and services to diverse regional audiences.
• Develop a foundational knowledge of the internet infrastructure and governance frameworks that shape the global online ecosystem.
• Acquire a holistic view of the processes involved in online sales and account management, with an emphasis on collaboration within a global team environment.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Position works under direct supervision of the Senior Director, Channel Services. 

Preferred Skills, Qualifications and Other Requirements

• Ability to work 40 hours per week throughout the term of the internship on a hybrid location basis with two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) in our Reston, VA office and the remaining hours per week remotely.
• Enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university majoring in business, or related field. 
• Excellent listening, negotiation, presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to overcome resistance and solve problems.
• Ability to work independently, with excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to PIR’s mission.
• Ability to communicate confidently.
• Ability to use CRM databases and proficiency in MS Office.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship or CPT Authorization.

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• Ability to access information using a computer for up to 4 hours at a time.
• Requires sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Requires mobility within the office.
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Work Environment. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.

Reasonable Accommodation. PIR will provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified individual with a disability, unless doing so poses an undue hardship on the operation of the business.

Equal Employment Opportunity, OSHA, and Harassment

Public Interest Registry (PIR) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identification or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, PIR complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall and transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

PIR expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of PIR’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

PIR provides a workplace free from recognized hazards and complies with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSH Act.