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POSITION: Research Director

LOCATION: Flexible/Remote. We primarily work on an Eastern time zone schedule with flexibility for other U.S. zones.

REPORTS TO: Chief Program Officer

ABOUT MAJORITY ACTION

Majority Action is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering shareholders of all sizes to hold corporations and their leaders accountable to high standards of long-term value creation, corporate governance, and social responsibility.

Our campaigns expose harmful corporate governance and behavior, catalyze investor and public action, and confront the minority who make corporate abuses possible to defend the long-term financial, environmental, and social interests of the majority. We do this by weaving together investigative research, institutional investor engagement, strategic communications, and grassroots partnerships into integrated strategic campaigns.

While Majority Action is not a traditional membership-based organization; the team works in close partnership with grassroots organizations. We work together to develop strategies and execute tactics that support everyday people making their power felt in corporate boardrooms. Learn more at www.majorityaction.us.

Majority Action staff collectively believes that transformational change is possible, and that achieving such change requires tenacity, creativity, rigor, and collaboration. We strive to balance strategic pragmatism to advance campaigns with the courage to challenge ideas and systems that undermine sustainability, equity, and justice.

OUR TEAM VALUES

• Integrity in our relationships
• Asking hard questions, and adapting based on what we learn
• Excellence in our work
• Nimbleness and strategic flexibility in the face of challenge
• Deep, equitable, and mutually beneficial partnerships
• Working with awareness of and respect for our needs

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Research Director leads a team of researchers to develop and execute research strategies for our core campaigns and programs, currently focused on Climate and Racial Justice, and partnering with our legal, investor engagement, campaigns, and communications teams.

The Research Director leads the design and implementation of significant original research projects, both qualitative and quantitative, that anchor Majority Action campaigns and thought leadership. The Research Director has a high level of responsibility for both the impact and accuracy of Majority Actions core public-facing campaign materials and research products, and will oversee the development of a variety of products for a wide range of audiences including partners, investors, regulators, allies, policymakers and the media. See for example our flagship annual reports Climate in the Boardroom and Equity in the Boardroom, and our Proxy Voting for a 1.5 Degree World voting guide.

The Research Director ensures that Majority Action has the expertise and up to date information on capital markets, corporate governance, and in its core programmatic areas that it needs to develop campaign plans, execute campaign strategy, adapt to changing needs and circumstances, and plan for future initiatives. The Research Director manages the work, development and training of the research team, and manages research resources, tools and consultants, to grow the capacity of the organization to perform high-level research and intellectual leadership in service of its mission.

The Research Director reports to the Chief Program Officer and will work closely with the senior leadership team and others across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the overall research agenda and program, in service to and anticipation of Majority Actions mission and theory of change
• Oversee the development, planning and execution of compelling, accurate, and strategic research products, including reports, exempt solicitations, investor presentations, internal briefings, data analysis, and proxy voting guides
• Actively participate in the senior leadership team to contribute to the creation of powerful campaign strategies for corporate reform in our core programs of Climate and Racial Justice
• Lead the Research Department in developing and maintaining subject matter expertise, including monitoring developments in corporate governance, the financial markets, and the shareholder advocacy ecosystem; developing relevant research relationships and partnerships in the ecosystem; and establishing effective knowledge management and sharing systems.
• Coordinate the work of researchers across multiple projects, and issue areas across the organization to ensure effective and powerful participation in campaign planning and execution

• Manage research staff and provide training, supervision, and consistent feedback, growth, and professional development opportunities for the research team
• Manage the research budget and resources, including relationships with service providers, vendors, consultants and other contractors
• Contribute to the positive development of Majority Action team norms, management, and practices, in service of our mission and our organizational values

Requirements

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL DEMONSTRATE

• At least 7 years of research experience, with a proven record of turning research into campaign strategy and outcomes. Experience managing staff is crucial to this role.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, the ability to identify and assess sources of information, and interpret and synthesize insights from large and complex data sources, particularly those relating to corporations, capital markets, and corporate governance.
• Experience planning and coordinating large research and data projects, long-term research plans, and managing multiple priorities.
• Experience developing a variety of research products for publication, from initial concept stage to final drafting, with strong writing and editing skills. Experience managing publications with a view to complying with defamation laws and/ or SEC requirements highly preferred.
• Skill in managing staff, including the ability to develop researchers and provide effective feedback.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity with ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Excellent judgment and a commitment to critical thinking and experimentation. Deep intellectual curiosity, creativity and the ability to quickly learn new skills.
• Deep commitment to racial, economic, and climate justice with a demonstrated record of prioritizing racial equity in the development and execution of research programs.

How To Apply

Provide a cover letter, resum and two writing or research samples. These could include published reports, articles, internal memos or briefings, well-organized data presentations, spreadsheets, or other analytical products.

COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, Exempt position based anywhere in the US. While we are a fully remote organization, COVID vaccinations are required for in-person meetings and work. The salary for this position is $130,000 annually.

Benefits

Majority Action is proud to offer the following:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Life insurance
• Long-/short-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 12 weeks, paid parental leave
• Home office stipend
• 401k Safe Harbor Plan - Employer contributes 3% for all employees
• Professional development opportunities

This is a full-time, exempt position. Majority Action is an equal-opportunity employer. Majority Action prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic characteristics, disability, status as a special disabled veteran or veteran, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity or any other basis prohibited by law. If you require reasonable accommodations for a disability so that you may participate in the selection process, please email Yanira@majorityact.org.