Position Summary:

Research working groups consist of networks of 15-25 executives from leading organizations. The executives come together to develop the intellectual capital that provides companies with practical information they need to strengthen their performance in today’s global business environment. Participants take part in a series of consultative meetings — both in person and on line to formulate and carry out research initiatives needed to achieve the working groups objectives. The working group meets for approximately one year.

Recent working groups have included: Global Leadership Development; Maximizing Rotational Assignments; Strategic Workforce Planning; Managing the Maturing Workforce; Sarbanes Oxley 404: Best Practices in Implementation; Assessing Offshoring Risks: Financial and Operational Issues.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports to Vice President Councils & Research Working Groups.

Principal Direct Activities:

The Conference Board is searching for an entrepreneurial individual to lead and expand on the success of the research working group program. Responsibilities include:

1. Identifying new research working group topics to launch new research working groups.
2. Selecting and providing guidance and direction to working group leaders and working group researchers in the management of the research working groups.
3. Supervising four program coordinators who provide in-person and web meeting logistical support and customer service.
4. Coordinating and implementing the marketing plans for each research working group operation with each working group leader.
5. Managing budgets for each working group to ensure the overall program is profitable.
6. Working closely with The Conference Board research directors, economists and editorial staff members in the development and publication of the final output of the research working groups .

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will have:

• In-depth knowledge of business topics vital to large, global companies.
• Experience conducting and/or leading business research; familiarity with business research methodology.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with corporate executives to solve business problems.
• Customer orientation.
• Successful management of P&L for a program of at least $1 million in revenues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to supervise subordinates, guide the work of consultants, and work closely with peers.