Head of Research

FCLTGlobal’s mission is to focus capital on the long term to support a sustainable and prosperous economy. We are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose members are leading companies and investors worldwide that develops actionable research and tools to drive long-term value creation for savers and communities.

Our history is one of practical action. In 2011, then-McKinsey & Company Global Managing Partner Dominic Barton wrote Capitalism for the Long Term, a call for action to reform the system. This piece was met with agreement from many other observers, and as a result, Focusing Capital on the Long Term (FCLT) was founded in 2013 as a joint initiative of CPP Investments and McKinsey & Company.

Focusing Capital on the Long Term produced a number of seminal reports in the ensuing years, including Straight Talk for the Long Term, Rising to the Challenge of Short-termism, and Measuring the Economic Impact of Short-termism. The initiative’s message made it clear that those who participate in the capital markets could improve the system. In July 2016, CPP Investments and McKinsey teamed with BlackRock, Dow, and Tata Sons to found FCLTGlobal as an independent non-profit.

In the six years since, we have worked tirelessly to provide evidence and tools to overcome short-term behavior that has long-term costs. We now have over 75 members from around the world working with a world-class team on the most challenging issues in capital markets today.

FCLTGlobal’s task is just beginning, and the organization has a huge opportunity to have deep and lasting impact on business, capital markets, and society more widely.

We are seeking a Head of Research, reporting to the CEO, to take responsibility for all aspects of our research strategy. This role will shape the long-term research agenda and define its goals, work with FCLTGlobal’s members and staff to advance the organization’s research agenda, and produce research and communications that extend the organization’s reach and ensure its impact.

This role will take on the following responsibilities:

Work with FCLTGlobal’s senior leadership to define and scope the research and its intended impact

Lead the research team in:

• Overseeing all qualitative and quantitative analyses and coordinating any external academics, data providers or other vendors as appropriate
• Engaging with delegates from member organizations to develop the research, including structuring delegate working groups, capturing the perspective of member delegates, and supporting member delegates on testing new approaches in their organizations
• Identifying stakeholders, such as academics, think tanks, associations or other potential member organizations, who could advance the research and its implementation, and help expand the reach of FCLTGlobal
• Ensuring the research is suitable for our target audiences, and working with our Communications team to make it fit for public dissemination in a variety of formats.
• Building recognition of FCLTGlobal’s research, including presenting FCLTGlobal’s research at conferences and other events around the world.

The Head of Research will also contribute more broadly to the evolution of FCLTGlobal, including by developing the research team, providing input into strategic issues, and staying engaged with media coverage and public discussions on topics of long-term, sustainable investing and stakeholder capitalism.

FCLTGlobal combines the energy of a small start-up organization with the reach of a global network of top-tier members companies and investors. As such, the successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial mindset, global outlook, collaborative approach, demonstrated strategic aptitude, and excellent communications skills. They must have a sense of urgency, comfort dealing with ambiguity, and the tenacity to work through the unexpected.

The ideal candidate would have:

• Deep knowledge of capital markets, intellectual curiosity, and drive to improve the global capital markets system for the benefit of savers and communities
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, initiate, structure and execute projects, and to translate research and conceptual work into meaningful recommendations and products for a CEO-level audience
• An ability to manage diverse teams and collaborate effectively with colleagues
• Enthusiasm for working with FCLTGlobal’s member organizations
• 20+ years of work experience in strategy consulting, investment research, private equity, or a research setting
• Global experience and/or education; PhD, MBA, CFA, JD or other advanced degree preferred.

Competitive non-profit compensation packages commensurate with experience are provided, including healthcare and retirement contributions. FCLTGlobal is based in Boston. This role’s home location could be elsewhere, but the candidate would need to spend at least one week per month in Boston. Global travel will be expected as well. 

Applications are encouraged from a diverse set of backgrounds and will be considered on a rolling basis.

If you have the combination of the required skills and a mission orientation, we would like to discuss next steps. Please email us at CEOOffice@fcltglobal.org.