Director of Research

Overview:

Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) seeks a visionary and entrepreneurial Director of Research to shape the next generation of its research, influence, and impact. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director will lead a nationally recognized research function and position research as a powerful strategic asset for advancing inclusive economic prosperity.

This leader will define ICIC’s research agenda, oversee high-impact research and advisory engagements, and explore how AI, emerging technologies, and new methodologies can expand the efficiency, scale, and impact of ICIC’s work. The Director will also translate rigorous research into actionable insights and thought leadership, cultivate cross-sector partnerships, and help generate philanthropic and earned revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead ICIC’s research agenda and oversee high-impact research and advisory projects.
• Lead program and impact evaluations that generate actionable insights.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing research team.
• Translate research into accessible thought leadership for diverse audiences.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships and philanthropic and earned revenue opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively senior experience in applied research, consulting, policy, or a related field.
• Advanced degree in Economics, Business, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a related discipline; PhD strongly preferred.
• Expertise in economic development, entrepreneurship, or small business ecosystems.
• Demonstrated success leading research or advisory functions and managing high-performing teams.
• Experience generating funding, building cross-sector partnerships, and communicating research to senior and external audiences.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $170,000–$200,000.

This is a full-time remote position open to candidates in AL, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, and VA.

About ICIC

Founded in 1994, ICIC is a national nonprofit dedicated to driving inclusive economic prosperity in under-resourced communities. Through research, executive education, coaching, technical assistance, and access to capital, ICIC helps more than 3,000 small businesses each year create jobs, generate wealth, and strengthen local economies.

Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of ICIC. Consideration of candidates will continue until the position is filled.

• Three weeks of vacation per year to start, with an additional day added for each year of service up to 5 years
• Thirteen days of paid holidays, half days on Fridays before long weekends, plus one floating holiday
• Ten days of paid sick leave and two days paid personal leave each calendar year
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (70% paid by ICIC)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching up to 4% after the first year of employment
• Up to 16 weeks of paid Parental leave
• Individual Professional Development benefit of $1000 each year