Job Summary: The Associate Director, Data Research leads the development and delivery of commercial real estate (CRE) research, analytics, and insights using internal and external economic, financial, lending, and market data sources. This role advances informed, data-driven decision-making by directing the organization and analysis of complex datasets and translating findings into clear market intelligence, risk analysis, forecasts, models, visual content, and research materials. The Associate Director oversees research tools and databases, produces timely analyses of national and local market conditions, and communicates findings through presentations, written materials, webinars, podcasts, and other channels. This role also mentors team members, guides repeatable research processes, and reviews analytical products and communications for accuracy, consistency, and overall quality across the Research Group.
Responsibilities: - Set the direction for CRE research on market performance, economic developments, lending trends, and key financial indicators.
- Integrate internal and external data sources to produce quantitative and qualitative market insights.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of research tools, models, and databases.
- Develop economic forecasts, statistical analyses, and risk assessments that support evidence-based decisions.
- Monitor national and local economic, CRE, banking, and financial conditions and deliver timely analysis.
- Create research content for internal and external audiences across market briefings, reports, presentations, websites, webinars, and podcasts.
- Partner with Client Services on research offerings, client presentations, and related communications.
- Mentor team members in analytical, research, and communication practices.
- Ensure analytical tools and deliverables meet standards for accuracy, consistency, and quality.
- Standardize and improve research, reporting, and review processes across the Research Group.
Required Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business, Real Estate, Finance, Data Research, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience analyzing commercial real estate, CRE finance, lending, economic and market conditions, financial institutions, or related risks.
- Proven ability to evaluate, organize, and combine economic, financial, real estate, lending, and market data from multiple sources into clear insights.
- Experience building and maintaining analytical tools, data visualization platforms, statistical models, or research databases.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and confidently to audiences of any size.
- Strong organization, attention to detail, accountability, and responsiveness, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Experience mentoring team members and reviewing analytical and written deliverables for accuracy, consistency, and quality.
- Ability to standardize and improve research, reporting, and quality review processes, supported by a strong interest in economics, commercial real estate, finance, and continuous improvement.
