Business Operations & Strategy Intern (Unpaid)

Washington, DC | Minimum 24 hours/week | In-Office with Remote Opportunities

We’re seeking a Business Operations & Strategy Intern to join our Washington, DC-based team. In this role, you’ll support critical internal processes across the company. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, learns quickly, and likes the challenge of switching between administrative tasks and strategic problem-solving.

You’ll work directly with the Chief of Staff, supporting cross-functional teams to help build the systems, processes, and documentation that keep the company running smoothly. No two days will look the same, and your fingerprints will be all over the foundation we’re building as we scale. This role requires discretion, responsiveness, and sound judgment, as much of the work supports leadership-level decision-making and company-wide initiatives.

Operational & Strategic Support

• Support the development and documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Build internal templates, workflows, and repeatable reporting structures.
• Conduct independent research to inform operational decisions and process improvements.
• Translate research findings into brief summaries, slides, or memos.
• Create and manage simple project plans and schedules for internal initiatives.
• Interview staff and stakeholders to capture insights, requirements, and process details.

Company-Wide Coordination

• Assist in planning and coordinating all-company meetings, including agenda design, presentation preparation, and facilitator coordination.
• Capture clear and actionable meeting notes, then translate them into organized documentation for leadership and staff.
• Support internal communications and follow-up actions that keep cross-team efforts aligned.

Business Development & Administrative Support

• Help track and organize business development activities and next steps.
• Support light administrative tasks such as data entry and document organization when needed.
• Jump in on special projects as requested — often with short timelines and high visibility.

Background & Interests

• Current undergraduate, or recent graduate, with interest in business operations, strategy, consulting (public / private sectors), public policy, and technology.
• Experience in student leadership roles, research, internships, or project-based work preferred.

A Self-Starter with Range

• Comfortable with ambiguity — you don’t wait for perfect instructions.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• An independent worker who knows when to ask questions.
• Adept at managing multiple tasks and shifting priorities.

A Quick Thinker & Clear Communicator

• Able to synthesize conversations, notes, and research into structured outputs.
• Confident interviewing stakeholders and gathering information.
• Strong writer and editor with a professional communication style.

Tech-Comfortable (not necessarily tech-expert)

• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 applications; bonus points for advanced Excel capabilities and project management tools.
• Excited to learn new systems quickly.

• Hands-on experience in operations, project management, and internal strategy.
• Exposure to how a growing consultancy builds scalable systems and processes.
• Opportunities to interface with all levels of an organization.
• Real responsibility — your work will matter immediately.

If you’re passionate about technology and making an impact, apply today! Protagonist is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and innovative environment where everyone’s voice can make a difference.

Protagonist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is an unpaid internship based in our Washington, DC office and requires regular onsite collaboration. Limited remote work may be permitted by mutual agreement. Academic credit can be supported as applicable.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.