Research Intern in Seattle, Washington at Downtown Seattle Association

Reporting Relationship

Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives

Status

Temporary, part-time, 20 hours per week *Varies days*

Schedule

Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 2-7 p.m. depending on concert schedules. *Weekend availability*

July 1, 2026 – September 11, 2026

Overview

At the Downtown Seattle Association, our mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. Research at the Downtown Seattle Association provides data-driven insights that inform policy, economic development, and public realm strategies. The team analyzes real-time inputs—from MID ambassador observations to platforms like Placer.ai, Tableau, ArcGIS, Neon, and Datafy—to track trends in foot traffic, public safety, and downtown activity. These insights are translated into dashboards, reports, and briefings that communicate impact, guide decision-making, and support DSA’s advocacy efforts.

Position Overview

This role will support DSA’s research team in advancing data-driven policy, legislative, and stakeholder engagement priorities. The intern will assist in analyzing and synthesizing incoming data from MID ambassadors and Placer.ai to help measure and communicate the impact of DSA’s work. Responsibilities include supporting research, data visualization, and reporting efforts, as well as contributing to communications, coalition coordination, and on-the-ground support for key initiatives that strengthen downtown Seattle’s economic vitality and public realm.

Duties and Tasks

Provide administrative, research, and data analysis support to the research team across policy, government affairs, and campaign initiatives

Use Tableau to build and maintain interactive dashboards that visualize trends in foot traffic, public safety, and economic activity for internal and external audiences

Use ArcGIS to map and analyze spatial data, including geographic patterns in downtown activity, public safety incidents, and neighborhood-level economic conditions

Use Neon to manage and analyze stakeholder, member, and engagement data to inform outreach strategies and coalition-building efforts

Use Placer.ai to analyze mobility and visitation patterns, including foot traffic trends, dwell time, and visitor origin data, to assess downtown performance and activation impacts

Use Datafy to track and interpret real-time downtown indicators, supporting reporting on cleanliness, safety, and overall district conditions

Synthesize data across platforms to produce clear, compelling insights for dashboards, presentations, economic reports, and policy briefings

Develop dashboards, presentations, and economic reports that communicate trends in foot traffic, public safety, and downtown economic activity

Provide support to the research team as needed

Minimum Qualifications

Strong customer service skills with the ability to engage with diverse members of the public.

Willingness to be helpful and make a difference in our community.

Ability to take direction

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to interact professionally with clients and demonstrate good judgment

Highly organized and attentive to details with excellent follow-through

Ability to work occasional early morning, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel

Marketing skills, with the ability to help with live social media posts a plus.

Concert and/or live production experience a plus.

Knowledge of the downtown area and how to get around is a plus.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work Environment – mostly in an office setting. Some work may require you to be in the parks and public spaces in downtown Seattle, outdoors in all weather conditions, and in *Urban outdoor conditions*

Physical Demands – Sitting or standing for long periods of time and walking in the downtown area on hills and uneven terrain.