Director of Research

About the Role

The Security Industry Association (SIA) is launching a new strategic function to produce in-depth industry insights and market analysis tailored to the issues and trends that matter most to its members and the security industry. As Director of Research, you will build this function from the ground up, leading cutting-edge research initiatives that deliver tangible value, position SIA as a leading provider of security market business intelligence, and contribute to revenue growth. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will establish the operating model for the research function and initially serve as its lead market intelligence and research professional, with plans to hire a Research Manager in the near term.

This is a high-visibility, collaborative role with a dual focus: building strategic industry relationships and producing high-value thought leadership, benchmarking studies, trend analyses, vertical market reports, and other research publications. You will partner with the member-led Research Committee to shape SIA’s annual research agenda and drive participation in research initiatives that generate credible, actionable insights for the security market.

Responsibilities

• Build SIA’s research function from the ground up. Define the operating model and establish standards for research design, sampling, data collection, analysis, reporting, data integrity, and confidentiality.
• Develop and execute the annual research agenda in partnership with the member-led Research Committee. Identify priorities, evaluate new opportunities, balance competing interests, and build consensus around program direction.
• Build trusted relationships with SIA members and other industry leaders to identify research needs, validate research priorities, and secure broad participation in surveys, interviews, focus groups, benchmarking studies, and data-sharing initiatives.
• Lead all phases of quantitative and qualitative research, including study design, survey development, interviews, focus groups, data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation, and publication.
• Oversee data collection to support representative participation, data quality, and reliable analysis.
• Translate complex findings into actionable insights through thought leadership, benchmarking studies, trend analyses, vertical market reports, and other research publications.
• Establish and maintain systems, databases, analytical tools, and processes to securely collect, store, manage, query, and analyze sensitive industry data through reliable and proven technology platforms.
• Track the performance of the research portfolio, using participation, revenue, and market response to guide future priorities, investments, and growth opportunities.
• Hire, supervise, and develop a Manager of Research to support research execution and program operations.
• Partner with the Member Services team to promote research publications, support subscriptions and sales, and identify opportunities for custom research.
• Present SIA’s research findings and their business implications to members, senior industry leaders, media, conference audiences, and other stakeholders. Serve as an industry analyst and trusted source of information on security market trends, industry data, and SIA research.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading primary research using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Experience building or expanding a research program or publications portfolio is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to design surveys, conduct interviews and focus groups, analyze data, and translate findings into high-value insights.
• Experience managing staff, consultants, or research partners and leading multiple projects from planning through publication.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, committees, and industry stakeholders.
• Experience using research, statistical analysis, survey, and data visualization tools (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Power BI).
• Bachelor’s degree in business, market research, economics, statistics, social science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. MBA preferred.

About the Security Industry Association

The Security Industry Association (SIA) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,700 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation, creating open industry standards, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities, and collaborating with other like-minded organizations.

Work Environment

This role offers a hybrid work environment with two days each week in the Silver Spring, MD, office. Travel up to 20% is required to attend events and meetings.

Pay

The budgeted salary range for this position is $150,000–$170,000.

Benefits

• 20 days of annual leave plus paid holidays
• Sick, bereavement, and parental leave
• Medical and dental insurance with an FSA option
• Life and short- and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) with 6% employer contribution
• Cell phone and transit reimbursement