Research Director, Commercial Real Estate

About the role

This position is an Onsite role based out of Chicago, IL.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the research strategy for the major market to support growth objectives, client needs, and competitive positioning.
• Produce forward-looking analysis and insights used in business development, market forecasting, and client advisory.
• Lead, coach, and manage research staff, ensuring delivery of high-quality, timely research materials and effective workflow management.
• Support ongoing skill development, team progression, and adoption of best practices.
• Oversee quarterly market reports, dashboards, presentations, and custom deliverables.
• Create compelling narratives that highlight trends, risks, and opportunities across submarkets.
• Serve as the primary research spokesperson for the market in media, industry groups, client presentations, and events.
• Partner with brokerage, marketing, and valuation teams to craft strategic insights for pursuits, pitches, and portfolio reviews.
• Provide analytics and market intelligence for major client opportunities.
• Implement advanced analytics tools, BI platforms, and improved data-storytelling methods.
• Introduce process improvements that streamline workflows and elevate the quality of research outputs.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and methodological rigor across datasets and published reports.
• Maintain data validation processes and continuously improve data quality.
• Collaborate with GIS, IT, marketing, and operations to improve tools, integrations, and reporting frameworks.
• Participate in regional research forums to align with broader priorities and share best practices.
• Contribute to multi-market and regional thought leadership, including collaboration on reports, forecasts, and client deliverables beyond the Chicago market.
• Provide guidance and support to research teams in adjacent or emerging markets as needed.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, with 5+ years in a leadership role with direct accountability for managing teams, performance, and complex analytical programs.
• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, real estate or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Expertise in research platforms (CoStar, MSCI-RCA) and BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent).
• Mastery of predictive analytics, modeling tools, and AI-driven methodologies.
• Strong proficiency of the Microsoft Office Suite, specifically in Excel, as well as other data visualization tools.
• Strong communicator and ability to interface and manage senior stakeholder expectations.
• Possesses superior writing, presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.