Vice President, Research

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for data-driven insights and a deep understanding of the financial services industry? Do you thrive in a thought leadership role that blends research, analytics, content creation, and stakeholder engagement? If so, the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) invites you to apply for the position of Vice President, Research.

Who We Are

IRI is the leading association championing retirement security for all Americans. Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and innovative committed to advancing financial well-being
through leadership in advocacy, awareness, research, diversity, equity, and inclusion and the advancement of digital solutions.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of retirement planning through research that informs policy, empowers financial professionals, and supports the financial well-being of individuals.

About the Role

The Vice President, Research will lead the strategic direction, development and execution of IRIs research agenda. You will design and deliver original research, white papers and educational resources that illuminate key trends and data shaping the insured retirement industry. Acting as a thought leader, you will collaborate with senior leadership, member firms, and external partners to ensure research initiatives align with IRIs mission and advance its strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops research concepts that promote retirement income planning and retirement preparation.

• Identifies emerging trends and issues in the financial service industry to inform proactive research topics.

• Manages relationships with external research partners, academic institutions, and data providers.

• Analyzes survey results and develops insightful and approachable written and graphic presentation of key findings, using member research where appropriate to corroborate findings.

• Coordinates with the communications team to publish and develop media interest in IRI research.

• Engages with various sub committees to develop new actionable research areas and industry advocacy events.

• Acts as a resource for member firms and internal constituents to provide research and insights as needed.

• Takes the lead in Asset Manager member engagement.

• Develops educational materials for financial advisors that effectively promote retirement planning concepts, including obtaining clean FINRA review.

• Works directly with
  the Membership and Business Development team in the annual reconciliation of membership tier assignments.

• Responsible for creating value for the Premier Alliance Partner (PAP) program
  including creation and promotion of
  co-branded research and
  Continuing Education webinars.

• Serves as the content developer and research related speaker liaison at the IRI Annual Conference and other events.

• Serves as a spokesperson and subject matter expert on IRIs research at media and industry forums.
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelors degree (Masters preferred in Business, Economics, Finance, Public Policy, or related field).

• 10 years of experience in market research operations, quantitative methodologies, and designing and analyzing surveys in the financial services industry.

• 5 years of project management experience involving multi-source data and stakeholder input.

• Strong understanding of annuity products.

• Proficiency with data tools such as Power BI, Tableau, SAS, R, or Python.

Preferred:

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills with the ability to analyze and communicate complex data to various audiences (i.e., senior leaders, members, partners, and external stakeholders).

• Excellent critical and analytical thinking skills with the ability to frame insight, teach, and relay ideas, and engage with members, employees and other audiences.

• Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative research into compelling narratives.

• Excellent organizational, project management skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced atmosphere with changing priorities.

• Excellent information gathering and information monitoring capabilities.

• Ability to interpret emerging trends with fact-based and transfer knowledge with documented conclusions and opinions.

• Ability to inspire trust and confidence, including ability to sell ideas and influence directly and indirectly.

• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Access) and interest in emerging technologies and technology-led innovation.

• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.

• Some travel is
  required with advanced notice.

Why Join IRI

This is a high-impact opportunity to lead meaningful research that influences public policy, drives industry innovation, and enhances the financial security of millions of Americans.

Compensation and Benefits

Our compensation and benefits address a wide range of personal priorities and needs, giving employees the assurance that their health and wellness are equally important to us. IRI offers medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401(k) plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, generous work/life balance programs (e.g., remote work, floating holidays, summer Friday hours, and volunteer service hours) and a commitment to professional development.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: IRI conducts background checks on all candidates.

Principals Only.