Job Description
Job DescriptionPosition Overview: Research Associate
We are a growing national retained executive search firm based in Boston seeking a Research Associate to support our partners and search team through high-quality research and analytical work. We partner with leading private equity and venture backed firms and their portfolio companies to recruit senior executives and board leaders. We support investors across the full investment lifecycle from deal diligence and leadership assessment through value-creation hires and exit readiness. Our work requires deep market insight and speed. This role is ideal for someone with strong research instincts, attention to detail, and an interest in how organizations, leadership teams, and markets are structured. Reporting to our Vice President of Research, the Research Associate is a core member of the research team and will play a critical role in supporting executive search assignments by identifying and evaluating potential candidates, conducting company and market research, and helping develop informed perspectives on talent landscapes. The Research Associate will help map executive talent markets and identify high-impact leaders. This is a hands-on, analytical role that requires curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously. While this role is ideally hybrid with time in our Wellesley office, we are open to considering strong remote candidates with the right experience and working style. Key Responsibilities Candidate & Talent Research
- Support time-sensitive searches with accuracy, urgency, and attention to detail
- Maintain robust candidate pipelines and search documentation
- Conduct targeted candidate sourcing for executive search assignments across a range of industries and functions
- Identify, map, and assess potential candidates using a variety of research tools and methodologies
- Develop lists and talent pipelines in partnership with partners and search team members
- Maintain accurate, well-organized candidate records and research documentation
Company & Market Research
- Conduct in-depth company research to support search and business development efforts
- Develop market maps and competitive landscapes for specific roles, sectors, or functions
- Analyze talent trends, organizational structures, and leadership profiles within defined markets
- Support partners with research-based insights to inform search strategy and client discussions
Client Deliverables & Insights
- Produce high-quality written materials including market assessments, target lists, and candidate briefs
- Support preparation for client update calls, market mapping, and business development discussions
- Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism
Team & Search Support
- Collaborate closely with partners, recruiters, and operations colleagues to execute search assignments efficiently
- Track progress against research deliverables and adjust priorities as searches evolve
- Prepare research summaries, briefing materials, candidate profiles and internal updates
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in research processes and tools
Qualifications & Experience
- 2–5+ years of experience in retained executive search research, talent research, consulting, investment banking, or a related analytical role
- Experience in a small professional services environment strongly preferred
- Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to conduct structured research and synthesize complex information clearly
- Strong attention to detail and high standards for accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-moving environment
- Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with CRM or search databases a plus, and comfort learning new tools and systems
- Familiarity with research tools
- Exposure to private equity and private equity–backed businesses preferred
Core Competencies / Personal Attributes
- Curious, analytical, and thoughtful in approach
- Highly organized with strong follow-through
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, client-focused, collaborative environment
- Reliable, proactive, and responsive to evolving priorities
- Interested in learning how executive search engagements are structured and delivered
- Sound judgment and discretion in confidential situations
- Strong work ethic and comfort operating in a high-expectation environment
- Collaborative approach with senior consultants
- Consistently high standards for quality, accuracy, and responsiveness
Work Environment
- Hybrid role preferred, with in-office presence in Wellesley several days per week.
- Collaborative, entrepreneurial firm culture that values initiative, excellence, and continuous learning.