Job Description
Director of Research - Remote
The Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) is seeking a Director of Research to launch and lead the organization’s new data and research initiative. This is a foundational role for a capable and ambitious professional who can independently build a high-quality knowledge platform from the ground up. The successful candidate will serve as the lead intellectual architect and principal author of IPA’s research outputs, combining quantitative analysis with clear, insightful qualitative narrative to produce reports, studies, and insights that address the needs of IPA members and the broader alternatives industry. The role requires strong analytical capability, exceptional writing and communication skills, sound judgment, a high degree of independence, and the ability to build credibility with stakeholders with confidence and professionalism.
The association is based in Washington, D.C. but our staff works 100% remotely. This role requires up to 15% travel.
Responsibilities:
· Lead the launch and development of the organization’s new data and research initiative, building a high-quality knowledge platform that delivers original, rigorous, and actionable insights to IPA members and the broader alternatives industry.
· Serve as the association’s lead research professional, independently managing the full research lifecycle — from topic identification through data analysis, report writing, and final publication — while leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency.
· Drive the formulation of the initiative’s research priorities in collaboration with IPA leadership, members, committees, sponsors, and external experts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and member needs.
· Produce high-quality research outputs, including quarterly outlooks, thematic studies, bench-marking reports, and annual flagship publications.
· Establish and maintain rigorous research standards, ensuring that AI tools are used as accelerators while independent human analysis, critical thinking, and editorial oversight remain central to all outputs.
· Engage directly with IPA members, sponsors, and external stakeholders to understand information needs, gather input, and build strategic relationships that enhance the value and reach of the initiative’s work.
· Monitor and interpret developments across private markets, capital markets, regulatory policy, tax, retirement, and related areas, translating complex findings into accessible, decision-useful insights for members.
· Oversee external research partners, data providers, academic collaborators, and consultants as needed, ensuring effective coordination and quality control.
· Support broader association initiatives, including conferences, board and committee meetings, member engagement activities, and stakeholder events, particularly where research, data, or analytical content is involved.
· Advise the President & CEO and other senior leaders on emerging trends, market developments, and research findings affecting the association and its membership.
Experience Required:
· 5+ years of relevant professional experience in research, analysis, or thought leadership roles preferred. Experience independently producing original research reports, studies, or publications in finance, investments, economics, or a closely related field preferred.
· Advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, or PhD) in economics, finance, public policy, or a related discipline strongly preferred; CFA charter a plus.
· Strong understanding of the alternatives investment industry, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, private credit, and hedge funds.
· Proficiency with AI-powered research, data analysis, and productivity tools.
General Requirements:
· Ability to lead independently with minimal oversight while building a new function in a lean, fast-paced environment.
· High degree of intellectual curiosity, initiative, writing skill, and attention to detail.
· Excellent professional credibility, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, IPA members, sponsors, and external partners.
· Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: President & CEO
COMPENSATION
Total compensation (base salary + bonus): $145,000 to $175,000, commensurate with experience, with potential for growth as responsibilities expand.
ABOUT THE IPA
For more than 40 years, the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) has served as the leading voice for global asset managers, distributors and service providers in the private markets and alternative investment industry. We deliver best-in-class education for practitioners and champion policies that expand investor access to wealth-building private market strategies, including real estate, credit, infrastructure, private equity and venture capital, among other asset classes. These investments offer lower correlation to public markets, strengthen retirement outcomes and enhance portfolio diversification while operating within robust investor-protection standards. Over the past 25 years, private market and alternative investments have driven more than $1 trillion in capital formation, playing a critical role in fueling national and local economic growth. Further information about the IPA is available at www.ipa.com.