Vice President of Research

Heartland Forward is a first-of-its-kind think-and-do-tank focused on the heartland—the 20 states in the middle of the country that make up the third largest economy in the world. The organization’s goal is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative in the region, and generate $500M in economic impact by 2030. Heartland Forward bridges sectors, geographies, and ideologies to drive progress, translating insight into implementation and shaping a new model for impact that is agile, entrepreneurial, and grounded in results.

About the role

Heartland Forward seeks a Vice President of Research to lead and scale its work at the intersection of economics, policy, and community impact. This leader will generate rigorous research and translate ideas into action, building a dynamic network of academic excellence to ensure insights drive tangible outcomes across the heartland. The Vice President of Research will serve as a connector and catalyst, linking leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to advance Heartland Forward’s mission. Reporting directly to the President, this role is central to advancing the organization’s think-and-do model, bridging academic excellence with real-world application.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a research strategy that prioritizes practical application, delivering insights that directly inform policy, programs, and economic development outcomes.
• Develop and manage a robust network of university partners, research fellows, and subject-matter experts, ensuring Heartland Forward is connected to leading-edge thinking and talent.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a mission-driven research team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and impact.
• Ensure research outputs are actionable, accessible, and aligned with implementation, collaborating closely with internal teams to bring ideas to life in communities across the heartland.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the President and Board, contributing to strategic decisions and organizational direction.
• Represent Heartland Forward as a leader in the field, engaging policymakers, media, funders, and stakeholders to shape national conversations around economic growth.
• Oversee the research budget and align investments with strategic priorities and impact goals.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years leading high-impact research initiatives with a strong record of translating analysis into real-world outcomes.
• Ph.D. in economics, public policy, regional development, or a related field (or equivalent experience), highly preferred.
• Proven ability to build, manage, and inspire high-performing teams in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Experience working across organizations and functions, aligning research with broader strategic and operational goals.
• Strong record of building relationships across sectors, including academia, government, philanthropy, and business.
• Deep grounding in quantitative and qualitative methods, economic analysis, and policy research.
• Familiarity with the economic and social dynamics of the heartland.
• Experience securing funding and managing research grants.

Skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action.
• Collaborative, team-oriented leadership style.
• Intellectual curiosity paired with practical execution.
• Ability to operate and communicate effectively in a dynamic, growing organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.
• Commitment to the highest standards of ethics, rigor, and professionalism.

Benefits

Compensation for the Vice President of Research includes a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.