Research Director

About the Job

The Research Director at the GIIN plays a pivotal role in cultivating actionable market insights and impact performance analytics. This role is crucial in helping investors understand the market, track their progress, and make informed, data-driven investment decisions.

The GIIN conducts both qualitative and quantitative research using primary and secondary data collection methods and manages projects both in-house and via external partners. Deliverables of the research program are market intelligence, impact performance infrastructure, and topical insights. These produce impact investing market activity and trends, the state of practice, market sizing, insights surfaced from the GIIN’s investor engagement work, and the development of analytical methodologies and prototypes to demonstrate the potential of infrastructure development through the GIIN’s Impact Lab. This work, in collaboration with other functional teams, underpins GIIN’s commitment to enhancing the scale and effectiveness of impact investing.

The Research Director is responsible for managing the effective and efficient delivery of this program of work. Working closely with the Chief Research Officer, they are part of shaping the overarching research strategy. The Research Director translates that strategy into a program plan and directs resources to delivery. They drive collaboration with programmatic partners, foster a culture of intellectual rigor, curiosity and excellence, and ensure that delivery of the research program contributes to the overall success of the GIIN’s mission.

Areas of responsibilities of the role include:

Research Strategy, Planning and Program Execution:

• Direct and implement the GIIN’s research agenda, ensuring alignment with GIIN’s mission and goals, and deliver high-quality research collateral that are meaningful to our investor audience.
• Translate the research agenda into key research areas, scope the work, allocate and direct a talented team to conclusion, and ensure adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Develop for review the research department’s budget, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and efficient delivery.
• Establish and maintain rigorous research processes, ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines and procedural requirements.
• Manage the performance and professional development of at least two direct reports.
• Cultivate a diversity of perspectives, responsible leadership, learning & adaptation, and constructive team spirit.

Knowledge Dissemination:

• Produce publishable research findings in GIIN publications and dynamic analytic platforms, as well as other relevant forums in an audience focused way.
• Present research outcomes to internal and external stakeholders, including executives, the wider impact and financial community, and the media.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in impact investing and capital markets and identify opportunities for innovation, new research approaches, and potential industry knowledge gaps where GIIN research can provide a pragmatic bridge.
• Build relationships with peer institutions, funders, and investors to drive collaborative opportunities for data collection, dissemination and knowledge sharing.

Research Funding:

• Contribute to the preparation of compelling research proposals and grant applications to secure funding.
• Provide progress reports and presentations to funders.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will meet the following requirements:

• Ten years of experience with proven track record of successful research leadership, including experience managing research teams and projects.
• Experience in an asset management or asset owner environment is preferred.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field of study.
• Demonstrated strategic orientation and ability to apply vision into actionable plans and drive program execution.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex research findings to a diverse investor audience in understandable ways.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of research methodologies, data analysis and statistical techniques, and accessible research writing for pragmatic action.
• Familiarity with ethical guidelines and reliable research methods.
• Proficient in using research tools and software as well as data analysis and visualization tools (for example SQL, STATA, advanced Excel, Tableau).

Commitment to equity and justice. Successful candidates will be aware that race, income, age, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender and gender expression, and other identities can play, and have historically played, a role in equity disparities, including within organizations. Successful candidates will be committed to continuous learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion and how to manifest these principles in the workplace.

To apply

This position will be based in our New York City office with significant remote work flexibility offered through the GIIN’s hybrid in-person/remote work model. Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States that does not require employment visa sponsorship.

The GIIN is committed to pay equity. The salary range for this role is between $108,000-$135,000, with exact salary depending on experience, with an excellent benefits package.

• We aim to offer competitive salaries and benefits and are committed to equality, trust, and consistency in compensation. Basing compensation on someone’s willingness and ability to negotiate or on their prior salary can lead to unfair outcomes in how people are paid, particularly for individuals experiencing barriers. Therefore, we do not ask for prior pay history from our candidates and our offer-making process is negotiation-free for salaries and benefits.

Please apply by March 20, 2025, submitting your cover letter and CV here:

No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. The GIIN is an Equal Opportunity Employer.