Streetwise Retail Advisors is seeking a Research Director to join our team as the sole research lead, responsible for managing all aspects of research and market analysis for our tenant representation and project leasing services. This role is perfect for a highly self-motivated individual with a strong GIS and mapping background, who thrives in an independent, fast-paced environment. The Research Director will be responsible for gathering and analyzing data, creating detailed maps, and providing strategic insights that inform client-facing presentations, market reports, and internal decision-making. You will play a key role in ensuring the company's services are backed by accurate, timely, and impactful market intelligence.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Market Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research to support tenant representation and project leasing strategies. Collect and analyze data on market trends, retail spaces, competitive properties, demographics, and site-specific conditions.
GIS & Mapping Expertise: Lead the creation of detailed, high-quality maps that illustrate market trends, site opportunities, and property analyses. Use GIS tools to visualize data and create actionable insights for brokers, clients, and stakeholders.
Client-Facing Reports & Presentations: Develop and deliver customized research reports, presentations, and mapping solutions that highlight market conditions, site opportunities, competitive landscapes, and demographic data relevant to clients' leasing and expansion strategies.
Strategic Insights & Advisory: Provide actionable recommendations and strategic insights based on market trends and data analysis. Serve as a trusted advisor to brokers and clients by translating complex data into clear, understandable, and strategic guidance.
Data Management & Quality Control: Ensure that all data used in research is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant. Maintain a well-organized database of property listings, market statistics, and demographic information.
Project Leasing Support: Collaborate with project leasing teams to develop market research that supports property positioning, leasing strategies, and tenant recommendations. Tailor research to address specific project needs and leasing requirements.
Market Trends & Industry Updates: Stay current on industry trends, emerging markets, and competitive movements in commercial real estate. Regularly update internal teams and clients on market shifts and opportunities.
Main Objectives
Independent Execution: Function as the sole research resource within the firm, managing all aspects of research, from data gathering to final presentation, while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
Proactive Problem Solving: Take the initiative to identify research needs and anticipate future challenges. Provide proactive insights that help shape client strategies and business decisions.
Collaboration with Teams: Work closely with the tenant representation and project leasing teams to ensure that research outputs align with business goals. Communicate research findings effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
Efficiency & Accuracy: Deliver timely, accurate, and relevant research and mapping materials, ensuring that each project meets both internal and client expectations.
Continuous Learning: Stay on top of industry advancements in GIS technology, mapping tools, and data visualization techniques to ensure that your research remains cutting-edge.
Education | Experience | Skills
Education: A Bachelor's degree in Geography, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Economics, or a related field.
Experience: 3-5 years of experience in commercial real estate research or a related field, with a strong focus on GIS, market analysis, and mapping. Experience in tenant representation, project leasing, or retail real estate is a significant plus.
GIS & Mapping Tools: Advanced proficiency in GIS platforms (e.g., ArcGIS, MapInfo, QGIS) to create detailed maps and visual representations of data. Strong experience in spatial analysis, geospatial data management, and map creation.
Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Excel, and other data visualization platforms to present complex data in a clear, impactful manner.
Market Knowledge: A strong understanding of the commercial real estate market, particularly within the retail sector, including knowledge of demographic trends, site selection, and market analysis.
Attention to Detail: Highly organized with an eye for detail. Ability to ensure that research and maps are accurate, up-to-date, and visually compelling.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to distill complex data into clear, strategic insights for clients and internal teams.
Self-Starter: Strong ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks independently while maintaining a high level of quality and productivity.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a self-driven, detail-oriented research professional with a deep passion for GIS and mapping within commercial real estate. You are comfortable working independently, with the ability to deliver high-impact research and mapping solutions that drive business decisions. Your expertise will be critical to providing our clients with the insights they need to make informed, strategic decisions in tenant representation and project leasing.
Why Join Streetwise Retail Advisors?
Impact: As the sole research lead, your work will have a direct and meaningful impact on our clients and the firm's business.
Independence: Enjoy the autonomy of managing the research function independently, while still being a critical part of a collaborative, client-focused team.
Growth: Play a key role in shaping the research capabilities of a growing firm, with opportunities to grow and expand your impact over time.
Innovative Environment: Work in a dynamic, innovative company that values creative problem-solving and cutting-edge technology.