Director of Research - Driving Innovation in Financial Planning through Quantitative Data Analysis and Team Leadership

Join a Culture of Innovation and Teamwork at Kitces.com At Kitces.com, we're on a mission to empower financial advisors to be more successful, creating a multiplier effect that positively impacts the lives of countless consumers. As a leading online publication in the financial planning industry, we're committed to producing high-quality, relevant, and insightful content that resonates with our audience. We're now seeking an exceptional Director of Research to lead our Kitces Research program, driving the production of our core research studies and expanding our research capabilities. About Kitces.com and Our Mission Kitces.com is a pioneering online platform that has established itself as a trusted source of information for financial advisors. Our flagship blog, Nerd's Eye View, has garnered a reputation for its award-winning commentary on financial planning strategies and practice management trends. We pride ourselves on our commitment to creating value directly for our readers, without relying on advertising or sponsored content. Our Members Section offers a wealth of resources, including white papers, webinars, and training courses, to help financial planning professionals stay ahead of the curve. As the Director of Research, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our research agenda, driving the production of our four core research studies on financial advisors (Productivity, Marketing, Technology, and Wellbeing), and collaborating with our Platform team to develop and refine our data collection processes. You will also be responsible for authoring research reports, blog articles, and academic journal articles, as well as leading and managing our Research team. Key Responsibilities Oversee the end-to-end production of our four core Research studies on financial advisors, including study design, data gathering, data analysis, and report writing. Collaborate with our Platform team to develop and refine our Kitces Advicer Database (KAD) and data collection processes. Author at least 12 blog articles per year on Kitces Research studies and support other authors in writing for Nerd's Eye View using Kitces data. Ensure the publication of at least two academic journal articles per year using Kitces Research data. Lead, manage, and develop our Research team, including weekly team meetings, one-on-ones, quarterly check-ins, and annual performance reviews. Track and report key data metrics regarding research participation, traffic, and visibility, ensuring our content meets our QNR (Quality, Nerdiness, Relevance) standards. Explore opportunities for new enterprise research, consulting, and academic data licensing offerings. Essential Qualifications To succeed in this role, you should possess: A relevant graduate degree (PhD strongly preferred) and a proven track record of conducting and publishing research using quantitative data. Extensive experience in managing multiple projects, leading a team, and meeting deadlines while maintaining quality. Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., Stata) and survey questionnaire design. Excellent writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex research findings in a clear and accessible manner. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently in a virtual environment. Preferred Qualifications While not essential, the following qualifications are highly desirable: Experience in the financial planning industry. A proven track record of leading a team of researchers. Experience in developing and delivering presentations and workshops. Skills and Competencies To excel in this role, you should possess: A strong analytical mindset, with the ability to dive deeply into complex data sets. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development. A service-oriented mindset, with a focus on delivering high-quality results and supporting others. Adaptability and flexibility in a rapidly changing environment. Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits As the Director of Research, you will have opportunities to: Develop and lead new research initiatives, expanding our research capabilities and offerings. Collaborate with our Platform team to refine our data collection processes and develop new data-driven products. Share your expertise through speaking engagements, webinars, and consulting opportunities. Participate in our 'Get Your Nerd On' Core Value, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. Work Environment and Company Culture At Kitces.com, we pride ourselves on our unique company culture, which is built around our Core Values: Do the Right Thing Advisors First Be the Trusted Source Deposit More Than We Withdraw No A**holes Get Your Nerd On We are a remote company, with a distributed team that works from various locations across the United States. We leverage technology tools to facilitate communication and collaboration, including Slack, Asana, and video conferencing. Our social committee organizes regular virtual events and activities to foster a sense of community and connection among team members. Compensation and Benefits We offer a competitive compensation package, including: A base salary ranging from $90,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on experience. A bonus of up to 12% of base salary, tied to key business metrics. A $3,000 budget for additional training and skills education. A $4,000 conference budget. A $1,000 budget for technology hardware/software or related office materials. Paid membership in a relevant membership association and professional designation or certification. 20 days of paid time off for combined vacation and sick leave, plus six national holidays. Participation in our company health plan and 401(k) plan. Conclusion If you're a driven and passionate researcher with a passion for quantitative data analysis and team leadership, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As the Director of Research at Kitces.com, you will play a critical role in shaping our research agenda and driving the production of high-quality research studies. Join our team and be part of a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning. Apply for this job