Manager, Leadership Development

Cornerstone Research; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 102,600 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare options

Generous paid time off

Monthly wellness subsidy

Job summary

Cornerstone Research in Chicago is seeking a Manager of Leadership Development to shape the future of leadership at the firm. This critical role focuses on implementing effective leadership programs and developing consultant resources. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in talent management and leadership development, as well as proficiency in creating performance management assessments.

You will join a vibrant team dedicated to mentorship and continuous improvement, while contributing to a culture of high performance and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in talent management and leadership development.
• Experience working within a professional services or consulting environment preferred.
• Proven expertise in implementing assessment and performance management programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the firm’s developmental assessment programs.
• Manage operations for 360-degree feedback tools.
• Oversee development process for critical firm-building roles.

Skills

Talent management

Leadership development

Project management

Communication skills

Competency frameworks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Office

Talent management platforms

Job description

Role Overview

If you are a results-driven leadership development professional who excels at building leadership pipelines, designing and executing leadership development programs, and driving continuous feedback cultures, then we would like to meet with you!

The Manager, Leadership Development is critical to the success of the initiatives that shape the future of our leadership pipeline and advisor community. This role is responsible for the implementation of competency frameworks, leadership programming, and consultant career development resources. This position supports the firm's performance management processes and oversees specialized programs designed to maximize advisor effectiveness.

Reporting directly to the Associate Director, Talent Development, this role owns the delivery of high-impact leadership initiatives, including 360-degree assessment frameworks, team effectiveness models, and competency modeling. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively to implement scalable development strategies that support the firm's growth and cultivates a strong culture of continuous feedback, mentorship, and leadership effectiveness.

At Cornerstone Research, you will be part of a thriving, 1,100-strong team that spans nine offices, comprises more than 55 nationalities, and leads the industry in its commitment to develop team members across all levels. Inc. Magazine has recognized Cornerstone Research five times as a Best Workplace for its outstanding employee engagement, collaborative culture, and professional growth opportunities.

You’ll Love It Here If You

• Embrace learning and continuous improvement
• Set and strive for a high bar of excellence
• Believe that teamwork leads to success: ask us what it means to be #onefirmfirm!
• Take pride in always doing your best work, even if it’s harder or takes longer
• Are passionate about what you do

How You’ll Help Our Team Succeed

• Design and implement the firm’s developmental assessment programs, utilizing psychometric instruments and 360-degree feedback to guide leadership effectiveness.
• Manage the end-to-end operations and debriefing support for 360-degree feedback tools to help staff elevate self-awareness regarding leadership presence and impact.
• Design, launch, and establish firm-wide best practices and toolkits for Individual Development Plans (IDPs), continuous feedback, and high-impact 1:1 meetings.
• Support ongoing competency development and modeling to align skills with evolving firm objectives.
• Monitor, analyze, and refine ongoing career development initiatives to ensure they meet the complex, changing needs of our staff.
• Provide operational support for the firm’s external coaching practice. Coordinate seamlessly with internal coachees and external executive coaches to facilitate effective engagements.
• Oversee the development process and operations for critical firm-building roles - Advisor Coordinators, Office Training Coordinators, and Learning Advisors.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• 8+ years of relevant experience in talent management, learning and development, leadership development, organizational effectiveness or related roles.
• Experience working within professional services or consulting environment preferred.
• Proven expertise in implementing assessment and performance management programs.
• Strong background in designing career development initiatives and competency frameworks.
• Strong ability to manage large-scale projects.
• Experience designing content for programs delivered in-person, virtually and online.
• Strong team player who is highly adaptable and collaborates effectively with others Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to establish a high level of credibility quickly; appropriate confidence to gain the trust and respect of key stakeholders and leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate learning programs.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and capable of handling sensitive and confidential situations.
• Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and organization skills.
• Familiarity with talent management platforms and tools.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint , Excel.
• The desire to take initiative and actively contribute to the team and the firm.
• The ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to learn the firm’s financial and operational functions.
• The mindset to provide superior service.
• The ability to commute to one of our US office locations to comply with our hybrid work policy of 2-3 days per week in office.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Psychology, Adult Learning or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Relevant certification(s) in talent development, leadership programs or coaching (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, Myers-Briggs, Situational Leadership II, or ICF) a plus.

Compensation

Base Salary Range:

• Boston: $107,600.00 - $143,500.00
• Chicago: $102,600.00 - $137,000.00
• Los Angeles: $107,900.00 - $144,000.00
• New York: $109,800.00 - $146,600.00
• San Francisco: $117,800.00 - $157,200.00
• Washington, DC: $105,400.00 - $140,700.00

• Individual base compensation will be tailored to your primary work location and the unique depth of experience you bring to the firm.

• Annual Performance Bonus: This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus with a target of 12.5%.
  • This serves as a meaningful way for us to celebrate excellence, awarded based on both individual impact and our collective success as a firm.

A Holistic Investment in You

We view compensation as more than just a paycheck; it is an investment in your well-being and future. Our industry-leading benefits are designed to offer peace of mind and flexibility, featuring:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare options, a monthly wellness subsidy, and complimentary access to premium wellness apps.
• Financial Security: Robust retirement savings plans to secure your long-term financial goals.
• Work-Life Blend: A hybrid work model that balances collaborative in-office time with telecommuting flexibility, alongside generous paid time off to recharge.
• Family & Personal Support: Specialized support including fertility treatments, parental leave, back-up childcare, eldercare services, concierge assistance for personal errands, and pet care.
• Growth & Culture: A firm-wide commitment to mentorship, continuous learning, and a vibrant, inclusive community.

Please note that relocation assistance is not available for this role. We look forward to learning more about how your unique perspective can strengthen our team.

Who We Are

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial analysis and expert testimony in all phases of commercial litigation and regulatory proceedings.

We work with a broad network of testifying experts, including leaders from academia and industry, who are recognized for their depth of knowledge, accomplishments, and research. Our staff consultants contribute expertise in economics, finance, accounting and marketing, as well as business acumen, familiarity with the litigation process, and a commitment to produce outstanding results.

We’re looking for passionate individuals who share our firm’s core values and can bring varied perspectives and experiences to our team. The firm’s uniquely collegial, supportive atmosphere makes Cornerstone Research a great place to work. We invest in our people in a host of ways, from providing meaningful learning and development opportunities to organizing memorable social events. To many, our culture and our people are the most exciting, enriching aspects of a Cornerstone Research career.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cornerstone Research provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to legally protected categories, such as age, sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, creed/religious belief, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics or genetic information or testing, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, military status, veteran status, arrest or conviction record (except where permitted by law), sexual orientation, ethnic background, citizen status, ancestry, national origin, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.