Senior Research Director – Data-Driven Growth, Onsite Chicago

Colliers International; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 132,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical benefits (dental, vision)

Life/AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off (sick leave)

Job summary

Colliers International in Chicago, IL is seeking a senior research leader to guide market intelligence efforts for growth and client advisory. You will manage a multidisciplinary team, deliver forward-looking market analysis, and collaborate across brokerage, marketing, and valuation to drive opportunities.

You will champion advanced analytics, data storytelling, and regional thought leadership while overseeing quarterly reports and client deliverables.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, real estate or related field. Master’s preferred.
• Expertise in research platforms (CoStar, MSCI-RCA) and BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent).
• Mastery of predictive analytics, modeling tools, and AI-driven methodologies.
• Strong proficiency with Excel and data visualization tools.
• Strong communicator with senior stakeholder management.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the research strategy for the major market to support growth objectives, client needs, and competitive positioning.
• Produce forward-looking analysis and insights used in business development, market forecasting, and client advisory.
• Lead, coach, and manage research staff, ensuring delivery of high-quality, timely research materials and effective workflow management.
• Support ongoing skill development, team progression, and adoption of best practices.
• Oversee quarterly market reports, dashboards, presentations, and custom deliverables.
• Create compelling narratives that highlight trends, risks, and opportunities across submarkets.
• Serve as the primary research spokesperson for the market in media, industry groups, client presentations, and events.
• Partner with brokerage, marketing, and valuation teams to craft strategic insights for pursuits, pitches, and portfolio reviews.
• Provide analytics and market intelligence for major client opportunities.
• Implement advanced analytics tools, BI platforms, and improved data-storytelling methods.
• Introduce process improvements that streamline workflows and elevate the quality of research outputs.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and methodological rigor across datasets and published reports.
• Maintain data validation processes and continuously improve data quality.
• Collaborate with GIS, IT, marketing, and operations to improve tools, integrations, and reporting frameworks.
• Participate in regional research forums to align with broader priorities and share best practices.
• Partner with regional and national research leadership on cross-market initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader research strategies.
• Contribute to multi-market and regional thought leadership, including collaboration on reports, forecasts, and client deliverables beyond the Chicago market.
• Provide guidance and support to research teams in adjacent or emerging markets as needed.

Skills

Market research leadership

CRE experience

BI tools

CoStar/MSCI RCA

Predictive analytics

Excel

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

CoStar

MSCI RCA

Job description

Colliers International in Chicago, IL is seeking a senior research leader to guide market intelligence efforts for growth and client advisory. You will manage a multidisciplinary team, deliver forward-looking market analysis, and collaborate across brokerage, marketing, and valuation to drive opportunities.

You will champion advanced analytics, data storytelling, and regional thought leadership while overseeing quarterly reports and client deliverables.