About the role#
We are looking for an MBA-level Business Development & Strategy Intern to own a merchant-acquisition initiative end-to-end. You will handle everything from market research and territory selection to self-sourced outreach and final recommendations to leadership. You will receive a goal and a blank page, and it is on you to determine the best way to win. You will be measured on real business outcomes like partners signed and pipeline built rather than just activity.
What you'll do#
- Map the local service-provider landscape in an assigned category or geography.
- Build a scoring framework to size opportunities and prioritize merchant categories.
- Create your own target list and source leads without an existing playbook.
- Pitch the value proposition to local business owners and negotiate directly.
- Build and maintain a pipeline in a CRM or spreadsheet.
- Test outreach channels, messaging, and timing to see what works.
- Analyze conversion data and turn merchant feedback into structured insights.
- Draft outreach scripts, pitch decks, and partnership proposals.
- Lead onboarding conversations through to close.
- Report weekly on outreach metrics and pipeline.
- Deliver a final presentation covering market analysis, results, and a go-forward strategy.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing an MBA or equivalent graduate business program.
- Prior experience in consulting, sales, BD, or a startup.
- Ability to work in a fully self-directed environment.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills with comfort working in spreadsheets.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Confidence to negotiate directly with small-business owners.
- High tolerance for ambiguity and rejection.
- Interest in hands-on, 0-to-1 work.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, full-time internship.
- The role is remote.
- Compensation is $40 to $60 per hour.
- The term is rolling with a duration of 3 to 6 months.
About NewsBreak
NewsBreak operates a digital platform that aggregates local news and community information. The company connects users with content from over 10,000 sources across the United States. It maintains a focus on machine learning and natural language processing to personalize information delivery. Founded in 2015, the organization is based in Mountain View, California.
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