Oak Brook, IL, 60523, USA
9 days ago
Director of Research
At NAI Hiffman | Hiffman National, our mission is to make lives easier for our clients, partners, and team members. As we work toward our vision of becoming the premier third-party commercial real estate services firm in the U.S., we know it all starts with people. That s why we re committed to hiring and retaining the best professionals in the industry and providing an environment where they can learn, grow, and collaborate. Recognized as a USA Top Workplace year after year, we attribute our success to a culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, innovation, and integrity values that drive both our team and our continued national growth. We are currently seeking a Director of Research to lead and develop our Commercial Real Estate Research Services Team. The Director of Research leads our market intelligence efforts, delivering actionable insights on commercial real estate trends and enabling data-driven strategies across brokerage, advisory, management, and marketing teams. As a senior leader, you ll help shape our growth trajectory and enhance our standing as trusted advisors to clients. What sets us apart. · Culture: We believe in getting to know each other. Whether it s mentorship opportunities, leadership events, outreach programs, or collaborative committees, our goal is to provide an open door for new ideas and development across the organization. · Balance: We believe in creating an environment that helps maximize how you work best. From open seating options to flexible start times, our goal is to provide the tools to help you navigate life as it happens. · Impact: We believe in making a positive impact through work and community outreach. Whether your interest is charitable, environmental, or celebrational, we aim to show how diverse interests bring us together. What we offer. · Impressive Benefits Package Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Paid Parental Leave, Short/Long Term Disability, Pre-Tax Flexible Spending FSA and DFSA, Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program, Market Place Perks at Work. · Generous Company Paid Holidays, Paid Time-Off, Company Paid Flex Day, Summer Hours, Flexible Start Times · Career-related Education Reimbursement Program, Professional Development Enrichment · Paid time available for volunteer activities · The estimated Compensation Range for this position is $115,000-$165,000. In addition to the base salary, this role may be eligible for a discretionary, performance-based bonus. Bonus awards are not guaranteed and are determined based on individual contributions and overall company performance. What your day looks like. · Oversee the development and upkeep of comprehensive market databases tracking vacancy, occupancy, net absorption, constructions pipelines, market rents, lease/sales activity, and comparable properties · Capture market activity trends, including but not limited to migration patterns, transaction terms (duration, rates, concessions, etc.) and valuation variables. Maintain a robust comparables data set across the region s submarkets · Lead production and delivery of quarterly and ad hoc market reports, providing narrative insights and forecasting on local/regional trends · Establish performance KPIs for the research function (i.e., report turnaround time, client engagement from insights, media pickup); Track and report on research impact client wins, engagements influenced, internal adoption of findings · Develop advanced analytics capabilities, such as forecasting models, GIS/spatial tools, and interactive dashboards (i.e. Power BI) · Manage the research team hire, mentor, evaluate performance, and set developmental goals in line with company culture and strategic objectives · Foster a collaborative environment and ensure compliance with data accuracy and quality standards · Collaborate with business line leaders, brokers, and marketing to drive business development initiatives, deepen client relationships, and elevate the Hiffman brand · Participate in client presentations and pitches, offering guidance on market dynamics and trends · Collaborate with marketing to adapt research outputs into client-ready infographics, pitch decks, and website content · Partner with the marketing team to highlight research content and proactively pitch insights for coverage through local and national media, industry blogs, and thought leadership channels · Represent the firm at industry conferences, panels, and events What sets you apart. · 7-10 years of experience in commercial real estate research · Understanding of wider CRE industry dynamics including capital markets, investment analysis, asset management, leasing, and regulatory/legal frameworks · Ability to interpret market changes, pivot strategies, and identify actionable insights in a dynamic CRE landscape · Proven ability to manage and interpret large real estate datasets · Familiarity with real estate research platforms, MS Office, and data visualization and analytics (including tools like Power BI) · Strong strategic and analytical mindset with well-developed verbal and written communication skills · Experience producing polished reports and presenting to senior stakeholders and clients · Demonstrate leadership and project management capabilities NAI Hiffman | Hiffman National: Client-focused, People-centered. At NAI Hiffman | Hiffman National, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity enriches our culture and drives innovation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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