Graduate Intern Jobs in Hackensack, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Karp Strategies is actively hiring a part-time Graduate Analyst to join our team for Fall 2026. This is a hands-on, client-integrated role for a graduate student who is excited about urban strategy and consulting, and ready to contribute from day one. Graduate Analysts play a meaningful role across client and internal projects, with work spanning research, writing, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the creation of compelling client-facing materials. You won't be sitting on the sidelines: you'll be a real part of the team, engaged across many aspects of the consulting process. This role is a strong fit if you are excited about working at the intersection of economic development, urban planning, and community engagement; thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; are comfortable with ambiguity and learning as you go; and share our commitment to growing stronger communities and thriving economies. We are looking for candidates who can commit 20–25 hours per week. We will prioritize candidates available for both fall and spring semesters, with the possibility to extend through the summer. Dependent on firm needs, there is potential for Graduate Analysts to transition to a full-time Analyst role upon graduation.

Core Areas of Work

Research & Writing

Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to support client projects across the firm's portfolio. This includes desk research, policy analysis, literature reviews, and synthesizing complex information into clear, accessible narratives for a range of audiences. Strong writing is central to this role, from internal memos to polished client deliverables.

Data Analysis

Support quantitative and qualitative data analysis across a range of project types, with a particular focus on market analysis, socioeconomic and labor market research, and mapping and data visualization. Translate data into meaningful findings and recommendations that inform client strategy and decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement

Support outreach and engagement activities including focus groups, interviews, community briefings, and facilitated meetings. Help design engagement materials and facilitation guides, manage related logistics, and synthesize findings into actionable insights. Experience with creative engagement methodologies is a plus.

Client Materials & Design

Create compelling, polished client-facing materials including presentations, reports, infographics, and decks that translate technical findings into accessible formats. You should be comfortable working in PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Adobe Suite, and have a strong sense of what good design looks like.

What You Bring

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in urban planning, public policy, economics, or a related field
• 1–3 years of demonstrated experience in research, writing, and/or data analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write clearly for diverse audiences
• Comfort with data analysis and visualization; experience with mapping tools, Excel, or similar platforms a plus
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Google Suite, and Adobe Suite
• Experience in community economic development, workforce development, placemaking, or stakeholder engagement preferred
• Entrepreneurial mindset: proactive, curious, and comfortable contributing in a maturing startup environment
• Multilingual skills are highly valued given our work with diverse communities
• Genuine commitment to equity, inclusion, and the communities we serve

We don't expect candidates to bring all of these skills; we're genuinely excited to learn what you'd contribute to the team and our work.

Karp Strategies is a community-driven urban strategy consultancy. We work to build stronger communities, cities, and economies where people are proud to live and work—and where they can access the means to do so.

Our core values underpin everything we do: access, inclusion, and engagement are at the center of our work. We live these values not only through our projects, but in how we build our internal team culture. We partner with cross-sector clients to uncover insights, craft strategies, and deliver results—translating analysis into action. Whether helping stand up New York's semiconductor industry, advising nonprofit housing agencies, or designing workforce strategies for the green economy, our work tackles complex urban and economic development challenges with creativity and depth.

Stage 1: Application Received

Stage 2: Review

Stage 3: Interview

Stage 4: Round 2 Interview

Stage 5: Hired

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