Senior Research Director at IDC – Needham, Massachusetts

About the Role & Team

IDC is seeking an innovative Senior Research Director to join its Workplace Solutions market research and advisory group. The Senior Research Director will be responsible for leading IDC's worldwide Future of Work market research service. The Future of Work is a major market research initiative for IDC and customer interest in it has created an opportunity to add a senior member to the team. This is a public role with many client-facing and industry-facing responsibilities, but with primary responsibility for producing the research product and providing advisory services. The Senior Research Director will be responsible for building the reputation and the revenues of the service in collaboration with a global team of technology and industry-focused analysts. They will also be heavily involved in consulting and custom research. Successful candidates will have prior experience or knowledge in several technology areas critical to the future of work, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, intelligent inter-connected workspaces, security, talent acquisition/development/management platforms, and/or collaborative tools. The candidate must demonstrate thought leadership in this space and be able to communicate the importance of new ideas and trends to clients' senior management through written research, in-person and virtual presentations and one on one client conversations

What You’ll Do

• Managing the Future of Work research agenda, conducting primary and secondary market research including survey design, data and market analysis and qualitative interviews, writing research reports.
• Presenting at client and industry events
• Helping with marketing activities to raise visibility of IDC in the Future of Work arena
• Supporting sales by conducting business development acting effectively as a client advisor to both technology suppliers and technology buyers

What You Bring

• 10+ years of related work experience with similar areas and levels of responsibility in the information, consulting, or technology industries.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for supporting client inquiry and internal collaboration with local and global analyst teams.
• Strong, demonstrated verbal (including public speaking) skills
• Strong, demonstrated written communication skills, including writing of reports, developing visual presentation, or other documents that are actionable and relevant for the target audience.
• Strong skills in social science methodologies.
• Strong understanding software, hardware and services technology markets and the impact of these technologies on shifting work trends.
• Ability and interest in collaborating in a global environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft suite of products is a must; advanced skills in Excel required; knowledge of analytic tools for social sciences market research preferred
• Proficiency and willingness to learn and adopt emerging agentic tools such as Chat GPT and similar solutions.
• Ability to travel (<25%) will be required on an as needed basis
• BA/BS; MBA and/or advanced degree (attractive)
• Given IDC's global customer base, experience with or in international work environments is helpful.
• Sound judgment, planning, project management, business planning and organization skills

Why This Role Stands Out
At IDC, your work helps shape how the world understands technology and where it goes next. You collaborate with curious, high-caliber colleagues who value rigor, integrity, and shared success. As the premier global provider of trusted technology intelligence, IDC equips business and technology leaders with the evidence they need to make confident decisions. Our insights inform strategy, investment, and innovation across industries and regions.

Recognized by IIAR as Analyst Firm of the Year for five consecutive years, IDC sets the standard for credibility and impact. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide and a truly global perspective, we combine deep expertise with practical relevance. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your contributions provide the insights leaders rely on every day. It is meaningful work, backed by a culture that supports growth, collaboration, and long-term career development with a globally respected brand.

What We Offer

• 15 vacation days (prorated based on start date)
• 12 company-paid holidays
• 6 paid sick days (prorated based on start date; may vary by state)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 2 floating holidays (prorated based on start date)
• 1 volunteer day
• 401(k) company match (IDC matches 3% on the first 6% of employee contributions)
• Company-paid short-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
  
• Company-paid parental leave
  

Compensation Transparency

At IDC, we are committed to fair and equitable pay practices. Employees are compensated equitably for their work, aligned with their skills and experience. Salary and incentive structures are determined through a rigorous process that considers experience, education, certifications, role-specific requirements, internal equity, and verified U.S. market data from an independent third-party partner.

The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between $130,000 – $200,000, inclusive of base salary and variable compensation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify.