Research Analyst

THE ROLE
The Research Analyst partners with consultants in the development, execution, and completion of search assignments and in the informational support of new business development. This role will be a thought partner and advisory to the Search teams—ensuring the research is there in support of a successful search outcome/placement. In collaboration with business partners, the Research Analyst evaluates the work history and education of potential candidates to determine fitness, and is responsible for determining the candidates who will be included in the search record. The Research Analyst will be responsible for developing a candidate identification strategy, reviewing, and analyzing research data, locating potential candidates, and assessing the highest priority candidates. In addition, the Research Analyst will retrieve and analyze relevant prior searches, and use library and external resources for gathering data on potential candidates/sources/industry information.

Work will be conducted in a remote or hybrid environment; occasional travel for in-person meetings is required (10-15%).

This position offers a base salary of $45,000 to $70,000, plus a 10% target bonus. Salary within our ranges is determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. WittKieffer offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, life and disability insurances, and generous paid time off.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Research & Information Gathering:

• Manages research projects associated with search assignments and business development, including monitoring work efforts, creating project artifacts, creating, and implementing communication plans, managing issues and risks, and reporting progress.
• Identifies most appropriate target organizations and candidates using existing internal and external resources.
• Seeks opportunities to develop new strategies and resources as needed.
• Analyzes organization and candidate profiles to determine the highest priority targets for each assignment.
• Acts as power user of the WittKieffer database.
• Research appropriate individuals, organizations, and key industry issues to support business partners in new business development and thought leadership; presents the information in a clear format that is easily accessible.
• Gathers compensation data for job titles from surveys, online sources or through the WittKieffer database.
• Determine fitness of potential candidates by evaluating work history and education.
• Conducts ongoing competitive analysis and monitoring of trade publications for new business leads.

Administrative:

• Adds newly identified individuals to the WittKieffer database and updates existing database records.
• Coordinates the sending of search letters with Research Operations colleagues.
• Coordinates the placing of advertisements for open searches with Research Operations colleagues.

Foster Business Partnerships & Team Relationships:

• Partner closely with Associates and Senior Associates within the Search solution to ensure the research is focused and supporting a successful client outcome.
• Develops and implements a research strategy for every search, communicating regularly with the Search team on progress and/or impediments.
• Assists other Research Analysts with overflow.
• Actively participates in monthly research staff meetings to share resources and search strategies with the department.
• Initiates a strategy start-up meeting with search team once a new search is booked.
• Develops a research strategy for each search and communicates with business partners on progress.
• Collaborate with business partners to ensure successful completion of search assignments.
• Reviews relevant trade publications and update consultants on key topics of and changes within a given industry.

Knowledge Management:

• Provides suggestions and input about changes to Research Strategy processes.
• Documents the research strategies and resources used on each assignment using department standard templates.
• Builds and documents a network of information sources (i.e., associations, publishers, suppliers, industry colleagues, etc.) to enhance internal research capabilities.
• Contributes to the growth of the WittKieffer knowledge management repository by suggesting additional publications and developing research tools when resources do not exist.
• Participates in Research Strategy process improvement efforts.

CANDIDATE PROFILE
Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree preferred.
• 1 to 3 years' experience in executive search or similar professional services research function preferred.

Critical Competencies:

• Strong project management skills, the ability to employ critical thinking and analysis, and proven success in creative problem solving are required.
• Able to present and communicate information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Must be comfortable with using reference materials, databases, social media, online services, and internet searching tools. Advanced computer skills are necessary, including proficiency with Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and customer service skills needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of people.
• Healthcare, higher education, or not-for-profit industry knowledge acquired through education or work experience is a plus.