Research Strategist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Amazon's Employee Relations (ER) Strategy, Policy and Global Operations Employee Experience (GOEX) team supports Amazon's global workforce. We are seeking a HR Specialist, Research Intelligence & Strategic Insights to join our team as a individual contributor reporting to the ER Research, Strategy and Solutions Team Leader.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to: (i) assess data, workplaces, behaviors, external trends, and relationships to identify risks and gaps in the work environment; (ii) develop and execute sustainable, scalable initiatives, mechanisms, and programs that affect long-lasting changes at all levels; (iii) influence leaders to win alignment, support, and change; and (iv) work cross-functionally to design and execute effective large-scale proactive strategies.
This HR Specialist will possess significant employee relations expertise, excellent judgment, and highly-developed analytical, research, and communication skills. The role emphasizes data-driven research and forward-looking trend analysis rather than reactive ER issues and/or investigations management.
Key job responsibilities
Research & Trend Intelligence
• Design and maintain ongoing workforce research and trend-monitoring frameworks that detect emerging labor market shifts, geopolitical signals, and employee sentiment patterns
• Conduct competitive benchmarking and labor market research to identify best practices and emerging risks
• Develop predictive risk models to anticipate ER challenges before they escalate
• Produce research outputs (reports, dashboards, insights) that inform strategic decision-making
Risk Detection and Mitigation
• Apply employee relations expertise to successfully identify trends and challenges, predict and mitigate risk, and develop and execute solution-focused strategies and programs
• Synthesize workforce data, labor-market intelligence, and employee sentiment to surface emerging risks and opportunities
Data Analysis & Strategic Insights
• Exercise strong analytical skills using data and anecdotes to develop persuasive narratives and recommendations
• Define and measure success of programs through clear KPIs and research-backed evaluation frameworks
• Build and maintain research repositories and knowledge bases that enable organizational learning
Cross-Functional Leadership & Partnership
• Partner with cross-functional teams including
Public Policy, Public Relations, Legal, Operations, Investor Relations, and Internal Communications to develop and implement comprehensive strategies that align with organizational priorities
• Lead research initiatives that inform policy decisions and public-facing communications
Program & Project Delivery at Scale
• Independently design, own, and lead successfully large-scale, network-wide projects that improve frontline employee experience
• Translate research findings into scalable mechanisms and programs for entire networks
Communication & Executive Influence
• Rapidly produce high-quality written communications that concisely analyze problems and move solutions from concept to execution
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership with clarity and impact
• Build constructive relationships with critical stakeholders and peers to share information, influence change, and leverage resources to deliver results
Problem-Solving & Ambiguity Management
• Work independently with minimal supervision in ambiguous situations and persevere over internal and external barriers to drive resolutions
• Challenge current practices and industry status quo to generate creative mechanisms that bring about large-scale solutions
A day in the life
This role may also be based at one the following locations: Dallas (DFW20), NYC (JFK36), Boston (BOS21), Austin (AUS20), Sunnyvale (SJC44), Tempe (PHX12), Atlanta (ATL63), Chicago (ORD11), San Diego (SAN18), Culver City (LAX78). Relocation assistance will not be provided to these locations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of HR or business function experience
- 7+ years of employee relations, labor relations, or labor/employment law experience
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint)
- Bachelor's degree
- 3+ years of demonstrated experience conducting structured research, trend analysis, workforce intelligence gathering, or labor market research
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience producing executive-level written materials and presenting to executive audiences
- Experience creating and implementing large-scale organizational programs
- Master's degree or above in Human Resources, Human Resources Management, Labor Relations, Business/Management, Psychology, or a related field
- Experience analyzing HR data and translating metrics into actionable workforce strategies
- Experience supporting large hourly workforces
- Knowledge of general AI tools
- Background and/or experience in working with Public Relations, Public Policy, Internal Communications and Investor Relations
- Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in managing multiple and competing priorities
- Proven ability to design and execute research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches) to address complex workforce and organizational questions
- Proven ability to analyze and synthesize large, complex datasets into clear strategic recommendations
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, TN, Nashville - 113,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Arlington - 125,800.00 - 170,200.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Bellevue - 125,800.00 - 170,200.00 USD annually