Research Specialist

Company: Isaacson, Miller
Location: Boston
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Isaacson, Miller (IM), a national retained executive search firm specializing in leadership recruitment in the civic sector, seeks to hire a Research Specialist to support our Search Services Department, which in turn contributes to the growth of the firm and the conduct of its work . This IM position offers exciting opportunities for a talented individual who is dedicated to the success of mission-driven organizations, drawn to the intellectual demands and professional pace of executive recruiting, and wishes to have an impact on the caliber and diversity of leadership in organizations that advance the common good. Since IM’s founding in 1982, IM has been committed to strengthening and diversifying the leadership of mission-driven organizations. A belief in the power of exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to service excellence, integrity, and impact animate the firm. IM conducts nearly 500 searches a year, and 80% of our searches are for returning clients, reflective of our enduring relationships. IM has practices in higher education, healthcare and academic medicine, science and technology, PreK-12 education and education improvement, conservation, environment and natural resources, associations, foundations, arts and cultural organizations, human and social service agencies, and advocacy organizations. IM’s more than 225 staff members share a fundamental commitment to its clients’ missions, motivating them to continue to achieve outstanding results, and their work is guided by seven core values that anchor IM today and drive the firm’s aspirations for the future: We value diversity, equity, and inclusion We value excellence in our craft We are intellectually curious We are generous colleagues We seek and support opportunities to grow We create social impact We are transparent These core values guide firm strategy, client service, teammate recruitment, day-to-day interactions, and the firm’s and its peoples’ drive for continuous improvement. For additional information about the firm, please visit www.imsearch.com KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE RESEARCH SPECIALIST · Research Specialists report to Managing Research Specialists. · Research Specialists work with Partners, Associates, and Search Coordinators across the firm, supporting multiple search teams simultaneously at various stages of the search. Research work includes, but is not limited to: Public Profile Research · Target and analyze publicly available information (including news articles, websites, and legal information) using advanced searching techniques for specialized databases and Google. · Exercise sound judgment to synthesize hundreds of pages of information for each candidate into a succinct client deliverable report of potentially derogatory or controversial information. · Summarize key findings for search teams in preparation for semi-finalist interviews and notify search teams immediately of any major concerns identified through research process. Networking Research · Employ advanced research techniques to target and collect information from a variety of sources, including databases, institution websites, and Google. · Develop detailed, customized lists of potential candidates in support of search teams’ networking and outreach. · Develop research strategies and creative solutions for complex searches in partnership with Associates and Partners. · Promptly and proactively communicate with search teams throughout research process. Information Management · Complete projects for Search Coordinators, Associates, and Partners, such as locating difficult to find information. · Ensure data quality when updating, creating, and maintaining information in IM’s proprietary database. · Learn, and when appropriate teach, strategies for finding information and resources, including Boolean search strings and advanced database searching. · Collect and organize research to ensure centralized accessibility of all research materials for both current and future searches. The Research Specialist will also be a collaborative team member and engaged learner, and will be expected to: · Participate in firm and research team meetings. Rotate leadership of weekly team meeting with other Research Specialists. · Coordinate workload with other members of the Research Team. · Engage internal partners in ongoing dialogue about research projects, including deadlines and project status; actively work to understand the context and goals for research assignments. Requirements IM seeks Research Specialist candidates who are drawn to our firm’s belief in the power of exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to service excellence. An investment in the success and integrity of the firm is essential, as is a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Cultural competence to work effectively across multiple lines of difference is important. While no one candidate will possess all of them, the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences, skills, and attributes. · Background: Bachelor’s degree with two to three years of translatable, professional experience. Experience in, or familiarity with, at least one of IM’s practice areas is a plus. · Project management: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities, delivering high quality work within established timelines. · Communication: Demonstrated ability to listen well, communicate clearly and concisely, and to tailor communications to diverse stakeholders. · Analytical Writing: Strong writing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise, and compelling narratives. Experience drafting reports or other professional documents is a plus. · Technical capability: Working knowledge of techniques to effectively utilize search engines, web browsers, and databases, and interest in learning more. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Outlook, Word and Excel). · Attention to detail: Ability to closely follow research protocols and best practices and refer to training materials as needed. Commitment to data quality and integrity and consistency of all research products. Experience with accurate data entry. · Flexibility : Ability to recognize and accommodate internal customers’ varied approaches to and expectations of research. · Independent and team-based approach: Enjoy heads-down, independent work, in addition to collaborative engagement with both the search team and fellow researchers. Self-motivated and able to work independently. · Creativity: Ability to recognize and articulate problems and propose creative solutions. · Growth mindset: Ability to identify and articulate professional development goals. · Intellectual Curiosity: Inquisitive and driven to understand the context and implications of the work. Willingness to discover, explore, and learn new tools, sources, and techniques. Ability to learn new content areas quickly is essential. · Mission: A clear commitment to Isaacson, Miller’s mission and core values. APPLICATION, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS Please visit www.imsearch.com/IMcareers to learn more about the opportunities offered at IM, and to submit application materials in confidence. Applications should include a resume as well as a cover letter explaining your interest in Isaacson, Miller and the available role. As an employee-owned firm, IM offers competitive compensation and benefits, including a non-contributory health and dental offering as well as participation in a profit-sharing pension plan and an employee stock ownership plan. The salary range for this position is $63,000$72,000. Every hire for this position will join the firm at $63,000. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER IM is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a safe work environment for its employees free of discrimination and harassment. IM hires the most qualified individuals for each position, and does so without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), sex stereotyping (including assumptions about a person’s appearance or behavior, gender roles, gender expression, or gender identity), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status of an individual or that individual’s associates or relatives. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy applies to all areas of employment for all employees. Salary Description $63,000-$72,000/year

Keywords: Isaacson, Miller, Boston , Research Specialist, Human Resources , Boston, Massachusetts