Join Our Team
Research Director
Who are we?
DRG is a talent advisory group that serves nonprofit organizations that care for, inspire, and enrich the lives of people all over the world. Our team of talent advisors shares a commitment to the values that matter to our clients, bringing more than 35 years of experience to serving the nonprofit community.
As a talent advisory group, we offer a suite of services to help nonprofits search for, attract, and nurture innovative, diverse leadership for their organizations. We help organizations maximize their impact through talent assessments, leadership transition planning, and by providing insights into compensation and organizational design. Our mission is to support nonprofits in bringing together the right leadership, talent, culture, and structure – so people and organizations can thrive together.
The Position
The Research Director will play a key leadership role responsible for shaping and leading the firm’s research strategy and database. This individual will oversee research processes, tools, data, and a team of researcher contractors, to ensure the delivery of high-quality candidates and market insights that drive successful search outcomes.
The Research Director will collaborate closely with search consultants and other internal stakeholders to support the firm’s mission of placing transformative leadership in the nonprofit sector. They will drive research for searches while also providing ongoing research support and training to the search team to ensure the quality of our candidate lists.
This individual will play a critical role overseeing Loxo, our Applicant Tracking System, ensuring data is entered and maintained accurately. They will be responsible for building and refining research systems and processes, leveraging technology – including AI – to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
This position will report to the Managing Director of Search. This could be a full-time position or a part-time position at 32 hours/week.
Role Overview
Research Strategy & Processes
- Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement when it comes to research.
- Supervise a team of researchers and manage the assignment of work ensuring work product is high quality and on time.
- Develop a research strategy and support its implementation at the outset of each new search engagement ensuring research aligns with client needs and organizational priorities.
- Conduct research for individual searches and oversee the identification of diverse and qualified talent pools across all searches.
- Stay abreast of trends in the nonprofit sector and executive search, as well as the human resources and talent industry to inform research practices.
- Train and support current staff and contractors on research skills to ensure high performance and professional growth.
- Ensure the effective use of research tools, including AI, and other methodologies to enhance our research approach.
Database Management
- Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement when it comes to database management.
- Maintain and expand the team’s usage of Loxo, DRG’s applicant tracking system.
- Design and implement processes to improve data organization and knowledge management of our research.
- Build and maintain “starter pools” of candidates for common roles, proactively developing strong pipelines of qualified candidates for frequently searched positions.
The Ideal Candidate
Qualifications & Experiences
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a relevant field such as Library and Information Science is a plus.
- 7+ years of experience in research, talent acquisition, executive search, database management, or a related field, preferably within the nonprofit or social impact sector.
- Proven experience managing and developing research teams and training/supporting individuals on effective research practices.
- Understanding of the nonprofit sector and role types within those organizations.
- Expertise in data analysis, database management, and market research.
- Proficiency in research tools, databases, CRM and ATS systems (e.g., LinkedIn Recruiter, Salesforce, LOXO or similar platforms), and AI-driven research methodologies.
- Experience designing and implementing research systems and processes to improve efficiency and knowledge management.
- Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, client-focused environment.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership and hiring practices.
Why Join DRG Talent?
- Work with a mission-driven team dedicated to strengthening nonprofit leadership.
- Engage with a diverse range of organizations and causes making a meaningful impact.
- Opportunity to shape the future of nonprofit executive search and talent strategy.
- Flexible, remote work environment with travel 2-3 times per year expected for staff gatherings.
Compensation and Benefits
DRG offers a comprehensive compensation package, which is made up of four components in addition to your base salary. The starting base salary band for this position is between $80,000 and $100,000 depending on experience, plus commission as well as discretionary bonus opportunities. Compensation would be further adjusted if part-time.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (DRG covers 100% of the base rate for all employees), plus complimentary access to supplemental health programs like Kindbody and One Medical
- Employee Assistance and Health and Wellness programs
- Flexible Spending Account options
- Generous PTO policy (25 days) and expanded holiday/office closure calendar (20 days)
- Early Summer Friday office closures
- 401k with matching (after one year of employment)
- Wellness stipend
- Expanded Parental Leave
- Home office set-up stipend
- Professional development opportunities
- Sabbatical opportunities
- A great team!
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to the link below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
DRG Talent is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
