Sales Development Representative Intern

This is a volunteer position

Company Overview

NDR is a consumer-behavior and market-research consultancy that partners primarily with VC-backed technology startups. We blend classic and novel research methods—surveys, user interviews, usability tests, and documentary-style consumer studies—to deliver high-impact insights that help clients raise capital, build better products, and stay aligned with evolving consumer needs. Our interdisciplinary team of data analysts, consumer-culture theorists, technologists, and industry researchers thrives on transforming rigorous research into actionable results for fast-paced tech companies.

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Job Overview

This is a volunteer position. We’re seeking a Sales Development Representative to support outbound growth and client acquisition across our research and consulting services. You’ll be responsible for identifying and engaging potential clients, generating qualified leads, and helping convert interest into meaningful business conversations.

This role sits at the intersection of sales, research, and strategy. You’ll use tools like Apollo, outbound outreach, and insight-driven messaging to connect with founders, operators, and decision-makers at high-growth companies.

You’ll Collaborate With

• Founding Team, sales strategy, positioning, and deal conversion
• Strategy and Innovation Analysts, insight generation and client value propositions
• Research Team, understanding offerings and translating them into client-facing messaging

This Role Suits Someone Who

• Is highly outgoing and can build rapport with anyone quickly
• Is naturally curious and asks thoughtful, high-quality questions
• Is proactive and comfortable with cold outreach
• Is resilient and able to handle rejection while maintaining energy
• Communicates clearly and persuasively in both written and verbal formats
• Is organized and able to manage multiple conversations and pipelines
• Is comfortable working in a fast paced, ambiguous environment

What You’ll Do

50% Outbound Prospecting and Lead Generation

• Use tools such as Apollo to source and manage lead lists
• Conduct cold calls and cold outreach across email and LinkedIn
• Build and execute email sequencing campaigns
• Craft personalized outreach that resonates with different customer segments
• Continuously test and refine messaging to improve response rates

25% Qualification and Relationship Building

• Engage with inbound and outbound leads to understand their needs
• Ask strong, thoughtful questions to uncover pain points and opportunities
• Qualify prospects and determine fit based on company priorities
• Build early stage relationships with founders, operators, and decision-makers
• Schedule and coordinate meetings for the founding team

15% Insight Driven Sales Support

• Leverage research insights and data to strengthen outreach and conversations
• Identify patterns in customer responses and refine targeting strategies
• Collaborate with analysts to translate insights into compelling narratives

10% CRM and Workflow Management

• Track outreach, conversations, and pipeline activity in CRM tools
• Maintain organized records of leads, follow-ups, and deal progress
• Support improvements to sales processes and workflows

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with cold calling and outbound sales
• Experience with tools such as Apollo or CRM platforms is a plus
• Interest in startups, venture capital, or consulting environments
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

Why Join NDR?

• Work directly with founders and decision-makers across high-growth companies
• Develop core sales and communication skills in a real client environment
• Gain exposure to data-driven research and strategy work
• Play a key role in driving growth and shaping client relationships
• Work in a fast paced, high ownership environment with direct impact

Pay: $17.20-$31.35 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON