Position Summary:

Develops, conducts, and communicates research as part of the Human Capital program. As a thought leader, the Principal Researcher engages deeply with users and peers in the research field to strengthen the track record and reputation of The Conference Board in his/her areas of expertise. The position requires strong grounding in research techniques and practice, and a record of publication in human capital, and the broader HR/workforce issues of particular interest to the CHRO. A practitioner background is highly desired. The position requires demonstrated track record of publications in both academic as well as non-academic outlets. Substantive experience to present research findings to business and public audiences is required.

The Principal Researcher works independently as well as in close cooperation with other research staff. He/she works with Program Directors of delivery channels (e.g., conferences, councils and centers), Center and Institute leaders (and their Advisory Boards) to determine subject matter and research content of deliverables so that The Conference Board continues to be a reliable source of timely and relevant information in Human Capital. Serves as TCB specialist & spokesperson in the areas of expertise. Is comfortable disseminating research findings with executives at member companies as well as to the public in briefings, small group, and conferences settings as well as webcasts. Works closely with, and as part of the team, to add value and research depth to member offerings, as well as support activities to obtain additional funding for parts of the research program.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as a leading authority in the profession, responsible for research stream(s) in human resources area of human capital, both authoring own research as well as supporting research of others, serving as TCB spokesperson for specified fields/topic areas and related offerings.
  • Provides innovation, thought leadership, and entrepreneurship for research agenda and offerings in specified fields/topic areas and Human Capital area overall.
  • Works collaboratively with global colleagues at The Conference Board, business executives, and academic researchers across the full scope of research responsibilities from designing data collection instruments in collaborative workgroup to shaping and growing the global breadth and scope of research in specified field/topic area and Human Capital area overall.
  • Successfully executes and/or manages multiple research projects with tight deadlines to completion. 
  • Keeps current in subject matter specialty, research methodologies and available information dissemination techniques, so as to be recognized as a research expert in the specified field/topic area.
  • Serves as expert advisor for The Conference Board presence on specified fields/topic areas, and works with high-level experts to increase The Conference Board's impact in the broad area of specified field/topic area through expanded research projects, services, offerings, and executive involvement.
  • Under the direction of Vice President, Human Capital Research, seeks and obtains underwriting support for The Conference Board research projects as appropriate. 
  • Shows leadership through providing guidance and assistance to TCB colleagues in the resolution of research problems and interacting collaboratively with business executives and academic researchers. Supports overall Human Capital program.
• Serves as the Chair for one or two of the ten Institutes of the Human Capital Center and works with the Advisory Board (both internal staff and external Senior Fellows and Distinguished Principal Research Fellows) to guide content creation and dissemination for the Members of the Human Capital Center. Ensures the relevancy and quality of related offerings (research, webcasts, quarterly calls with Member executives, community platforms, etc).
• Serves as lead for The Conference Board presence on specified fields/topic areas and works with high-level experts to increase The Conference Board's impact in the broad area of specified fields/topic areas through expanded research projects, services, offerings, communications, and executive involvement. Provides information and high-level briefings to members, policy makers, the press, and general public, in specified fields/topic areas as a result of direct contact or requests from TCB Program or Research Directors, as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications: Please include writing samples: One research report 5-7 pages and one shorter article.

• Ph.D. in human-capital related field (e.g., business, psychology, analytics, or talent management) highly preferred; MA in human-capital related field required
• 7-10 years directly related work experience (e.g., CHRO, HR practitioner, business researcher)
• Expertise in specified field/topic area – e.g., Human Capital analytics, diversity & inclusion, general HR programs, leadership development, talent, employee engagement, workforce demographics, and/or organization effectiveness
• Exceptional writing skills with a track record of published research in reputable journals
• Superior oral communication skills; a history of public presentations is expected
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, collaboration, presentation, project, and time management skills
• Strong command of the business landscape, superior business and human capital acumen
• Ability to collaborate and build trust with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to create high quality work efficiently while managing multiple projects autonomously
• Customer service skills in support of our Member companies
• Fluent ability in using Microsoft suite of technology platforms in PC environment (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel)