Research Specialist

Isaacson Miller (IM) a national retained executive search firm specializing in leadership recruitment in the civic sector seeks to hire a Research Specialist to support our Search Services Department which in turn contributes to the growth of the firm and the conduct of its work. This IM position offers exciting opportunities for a talented individual who is dedicated to the success of mission-driven organizations drawn to the intellectual demands and professional pace of executive recruiting and wishes to have an impact on the caliber and diversity of leadership in organizations that advance the common good.

Since IMs founding in 1982 IM has been committed to strengthening and diversifying the leadership of mission-driven organizations. A belief in the power of exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to service excellence integrity and impact animate the firm. IM conducts nearly 500 searches a year and 80% of our searches are for returning clients reflective of our enduring relationships. IM has practices in higher education healthcare and academic medicine science and technology PreK-12 education and education improvement conservation environment and natural resources associations foundations arts and cultural organizations human and social service agencies and advocacy organizations.

IMs more than 225 staff members share a fundamental commitment to its clients missions motivating them to continue to achieve outstanding results and their work is guided by seven core values that anchor IM today and drive the firms aspirations for the future:

• We value diversity equity and inclusion
• We value excellence in our craft
• We are intellectually curious
• We are generous colleagues
• We seek and support opportunities to grow
• We create social impact
• We are transparent

These core values guide firm strategy client service teammate recruitment day-to-day interactions and the firms and its peoples drive for continuous improvement.

For additional information about the firm please visit

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Research Specialists report to Managing Research Specialists.

Research Specialists work with Partners Associates and Search Coordinators across the firm supporting multiple search teams simultaneously at various stages of the search. Research work includes but is not limited to:

Public Profile Research

Target and analyze publicly available information (including news articles websites and legal information) using advanced searching techniques for specialized databases and Google.

Exercise sound judgment to synthesize hundreds of pages of information for each candidate into a succinct client deliverable report of potentially derogatory or controversial information.

Summarize key findings for search teams in preparation for semi-finalist interviews and notify search teams immediately of any major concerns identified through research process.

Networking Research

Employ advanced research techniques to target and collect information from a variety of sources including databases institution websites and Google.

Develop detailed customized lists of potential candidates in support of search teams networking and outreach.

Develop research strategies and creative solutions for complex searches in partnership with Associates and Partners.

Promptly and proactively communicate with search teams throughout research process.

Information Management

Complete projects for Search Coordinators Associates and Partners such as locating difficult to find information.

Ensure data quality when updating creating and maintaining information in IMs proprietary database.

Learn and when appropriate teach strategies for finding information and resources including Boolean search strings and advanced database searching.

Collect and organize research to ensure centralized accessibility of all research materials for both current and future searches.

The Research Specialist will also be a collaborative team member and engaged learner and will be expected to:

Participate in firm and research team meetings. Rotate leadership of weekly team meeting with other Research Specialists.

Coordinate workload with other members of the Research Team.

Engage internal partners in ongoing dialogue about research projects including deadlines and project status; actively work to understand the context and goals for research assignments.

IM seeks Research Specialist candidates who are drawn to our firms belief in the power of exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to service excellence. An investment in the success and integrity of the firm is essential as is a commitment to diversity equity and inclusion. Cultural competence to work effectively across multiple lines of difference is important. While no one candidate will possess all of them the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences skills and attributes.

Background: Bachelors degree with two to three years of translatable professional experience. Experience in or familiarity with at least one of IMs practice areas is a plus.

Project management: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities delivering high quality work within established timelines.

Communication: Demonstrated ability to listen well communicate clearly and concisely and to tailor communications to diverse stakeholders.

Analytical Writing: Strong writing skills including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear concise and compelling narratives. Experience drafting reports or other professional documents is a plus.

Technical capability: Working knowledge of techniques to effectively utilize search engines web browsers and databases and interest in learning more. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Outlook Word and Excel).

Attention to detail: Ability to closely follow research protocols and best practices and refer to training materials as needed. Commitment to data quality and integrity and consistency of all research products. Experience with accurate data entry.

Flexibility: Ability to recognize and accommodate internal customers varied approaches to and expectations of research.

Independent and team-based approach: Enjoy heads-down independent work in addition to collaborative engagement with both the search team and fellow researchers. Self-motivated and able to work independently.

Creativity: Ability to recognize and articulate problems and propose creative solutions.

Growth mindset: Ability to identify and articulate professional development goals.

Intellectual Curiosity: Inquisitive and driven to understand the context and implications of the work. Willingness to discover explore and learn new tools sources and techniques. Ability to learn new content areas quickly is essential.

Mission: A clear commitment to Isaacson Millers mission and core values.

APPLICATION COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Please visit to learn more about the opportunities offered at IM and to submit application materials in confidence. Applications should include a resume as well as a cover letter explaining your interest in Isaacson Miller and the available role.

As an employee-owned firm IM offers competitive compensation and benefits including a non-contributory health and dental offering as well as participation in a profit-sharing pension plan and an employee stock ownership plan. The salary range for this position is $63000--$72000. Every hire for this position will join the firm at $63000.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

IM is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a safe work environment for its employees free of discrimination and harassment. IM hires the most qualified individuals for each position and does so without regard to race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth and medical conditions related to pregnancy childbirth or breastfeeding) sex stereotyping (including assumptions about a persons appearance or behavior gender roles gender expression or gender identity) gender gender identity gender expression national origin age mental or physical disability ancestry medical condition marital status military or veteran status citizenship status sexual orientation genetic information or any other protected status of an individual or that individuals associates or relatives. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy applies to all areas of employment for all employees.