Research Director (Commercial Real Estate)

Location: Onsite in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; work visa sponsorship is not available.

Salary: $131,940–$180,000 USD annually, plus eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus.

Company

Global commercial real estate services organization supporting clients, communities, and market growth through research, advisory, brokerage, and valuation expertise.

What you will do

• Develop and execute research strategy for the Chicago major market and support growth, client advisory, and competitive positioning.
• Produce forward-looking market analysis, forecasts, reports, dashboards, presentations, and custom deliverables.
• Lead, coach, and manage research staff while improving workflows, quality standards, and team capabilities.
• Create market narratives covering trends, risks, and opportunities, and serve as the primary research spokesperson for media, clients, industry groups, and events.
• Partner with brokerage, marketing, valuation, GIS, IT, and operations teams on client pursuits, reporting frameworks, tools, and integrations.
• Contribute to regional and national thought leadership, cross-market initiatives, and research support for adjacent or emerging markets.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in commercial real estate, including 5+ years in a leadership role with direct team and analytical program accountability.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, real estate, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Expertise with CoStar, MSCI-RCA, and BI tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
• Mastery of predictive analytics, modeling tools, and AI-driven methodologies.
• Strong Excel, Microsoft Office, data visualization, writing, presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage senior stakeholder expectations and communicate research insights clearly.

Culture & Benefits

• Onsite work in Chicago within an enterprising, nimble, and decentralized environment.
• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision benefits, plus employer-paid basic life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• At least 10 days of sick leave, 15 vacation days, 10 paid holidays, and two personal flex days annually.
• Paid parental leave of 12 weeks for birth parents and 4 weeks for non-birth parents after 90 days of employment.
• Annual bonus eligibility based on company and individual performance.