Research Specialist, Isaacson Miller, Boston, MA

Posted April 21, 2016

Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, is recruiting a Research Specialist for its Boston office. This position works with the firm’s search teams to assist with the identification and evaluation of potential candidates and networking contacts. This is a unique opportunity for a curious, self-driven and motivated individual to gain a thorough understanding of our nation’s civic infrastructure while supporting the recruitment of exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations.

Position Summary

Isaacson, Miller (IM) is the largest executive search firm to focus exclusively on recruiting leadership for nonprofit organizations and it is rapidly growing. The firm has hired 40 new professionals in the last two years and in 2015, IM placed 280 executives at mission-driven organizations domestically and internally.

To support the firm’s expansion, IM is seeking a new Research Specialist to build out the existing Research Team that spans all three of the firm’s offices. The successful candidate will possess a team-oriented approach, an enthusiasm for finding and organizing information, and a high attention to detail. Research Specialists are members of the firm’s Research team and they are also members of the broader Knowledge Management & Search Services group. This position will join a dynamic team that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Key Responsibilities for the Research Specialist

• Support several search teams and searches simultaneously at various stages of the search, with research projects that include but are not limited to:
  • Institutional and market research: Provide background on the institution or field; generally done before the first meeting with the potential client
  • Networking and candidate research: Build lists of names or organizations to support associates during networking, using online databases and IM’s internal records and database
  • Public records research: Conduct public records research on candidates  using Nexis and Google
• Work with the Knowledge Management & Search Services staff across our offices to collect and organize research in order to ensure centralized accessibility of all updated research materials for both current and future searches.
• Participate in research team meetings and projects; coordinate workload with other research specialists.

Key Qualifications

• Background: Bachelor’s degree with two to three years of translatable, professional experience; non-profit or higher education experience is a plus.
• Project management: Ability to prioritize and work on multiple tasks for multiple search professionals simultaneously and independently, delivering high quality work within established timelines.
• Communication: Ability to listen well, and to write and speak clearly and concisely. Respond promptly and maintain a pleasant attitude. Motivated to understand the context and goals for research assignments; engages internal customers in ongoing dialogue about research projects.
• Collaboration: Active inclination to seek knowledge from and share expertise with colleagues.
• Technical ability: Familiarity with search engines, web browsers, databases, and common office software. Willingness to discover, explore, master, and, when appropriate, teach new tools, sources, and techniques. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Outlook, Word and Excel).
• Attention to detail: Ability to contribute to and follow research protocols, where applicable.
• Flexibility: Ability to recognize and accommodate internal customers’ varied approaches to and expectations of research. Ability to tailor communications to each recipient.
• Self-motivation: Self-directed and able to work independently. Ability to recognize and articulate problems and propose creative solutions. Inquisitive and driven to understand the context and implications of the work. Ability to identify and articulate professional development goals.
• Mission: A clear commitment to Isaacson, Miller’s mission.

To Apply

All inquiries, nominations, and application materials, including résumé with cover letter, may be submitted in confidence to: Erin DeCurtis, Senior Consulting Associate, [email protected]

About the Firm

Isaacson, Miller recruits transformative leaders for education, healthcare, philanthropy, advocacy, and other endeavors that advance the public good. We have over 175 employees located in our Boston headquarters and in offices in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Our Results page includes stories about our work’s broad impact. 

Isaacson, Miller is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates in this search.