Overview:
The Lede Company is seeking a creative and experienced academic researcher and consultant to join the Social Impact division as a lead researcher and account manager for our social impact client roster. The Lede Company is a full-service strategy, communications and impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, entertainment and nonprofit sectors. The Research and Account Manager will play an integral role in leading, developing, designing and implementing research initiatives key projects and initiatives and overseeing client account management for Lede’s Social Impact partners.
Our ideal candidate is:
● An experienced account manager or consultant who thrives in an exciting and fast-paced client-service environment
● A proven researcher who can deliver thoughtfully and evidence-based findings and work product in a clear, concise and compelling manner to internal and client teams
● A driven and collaborative team leader and an out-of-the-box thinker who can co-create, design and implement social impact initiatives with clients that deliver impact in ways that can be measured and felt
● Passionate about social impact, sustainability and the role advocacy, policy, philanthropy and partnerships can play in building a better, more just and sustainable world
● A personable, client-facing professional with deep expertise in building, stewarding and growing relationships
● Equipped with significant knowledge of the evolving social impact, CSR and ESG landscapes, with past professional experience in social impact, international development, public affairs, economics, sustainability, philanthropy
● A detail-oriented and capable generalist with the ability to adapt to program, client or team needs on the fly
● An expert communicator, experienced researcher and proven social impact strategist committed to delivering excellent work
Responsibilities:
● Serve as a social impact account manager for key accounts, overseeing account workflows and processes for clients and for the division
● Lead and support social impact research across department-wide accounts, influencing and participating in social impact strategy, campaign design, issue research, analysis and reporting efforts
● Conceptualize, design and manage internal and external issue-focused briefings and resources for teams, clients or partners
● Develop research-informed programs, communications, campaigns, events or activation strategies to support client social impact goals
● Support strategic planning, business development and department operations
● Co-lead the development of long-term client partnerships and collaborations
● Build and innovate on Lede’s commitment to supporting clients who aspire to be a force for good
● Support The Lede Company’s internal CSR and social impact work
Required Skills & Experience:
● Proven, exceptional and rigorous research, data analysis capabilities (quantitative and qualitative), strategic communications and critical thinking skills (project example to be provided) with strong problem-solving capacity
● Robust client-management skills and project-management expertise in leading near- and long-term research initiatives, as well as client, accounts with a strong research basis or foundation
● 5-7 years of experience as an integral part of an academic institution, consulting firm, think tank, or in-house social impact organization with significant experience supporting multiple clients and/or research initiatives at once, as well as managing staff, vendors and partners
● 5+ years of experience working on and supporting global CSR or ESG efforts or complex social impact initiatives or on issues related to sustainability, the SDGs, sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion or philanthropy/impact finance
● 3+ years of experience building and supporting cross-sector partnerships, programs or campaigns with diverse stakeholders (talent, government champions, private sector partners, philanthropists and/or NGOs)
● Expertise in client relations, partnership building and stakeholder management
● Deep knowledge of the social impact landscape, national and international development issues and the role of advocacy, philanthropy and cross-sector partnerships in driving measurable change
● An advanced degree in a related social science field (economics, sustainability, international development, social justice, etc.) with significant coursework in quantitative and qualitative research, study design and data analysis
● Past experience in defining, designing and leading programs designed for scaled impact
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to work remotely and in-person, and ability to work independently and with a team
● Willingness and ability to travel internationally and within the US (less than 20% time)
Preferred Skills & Experience:
● Past experience as lead researcher on public, private or sector-specific social impact campaigns or cause partnership
● Published academic work in the CSR, ESG or related social impact fields
● Deep knowledge and experience working in CSR and ESG landscape and supporting projects or clients in this domain
● Strong understanding of the US sustainability, social impact or philanthropic landscape and some experience advising on individual, institutional or corporate philanthropy
● Existing relationships and experience working with NGOs, civil society and/or policy- or advocacy-related organizations
● Bilingual
More Details:
● Reports to the Chief Social Impact Officer
● Full-time staff role with excellent benefits package, must be based in NYC
● Hybrid working arrangement with 2-3 days per week in NYC office
● Must be authorized for employment in the United States
ABOUT THE LEDE COMPANY
Headquartered in Los Angeles and with offices in New York and London, The Lede Company is a full-service strategy, communications and social impact consulting firm. With dedicated Talent, Strategic Communications, Brand, Content and Impact divisions, The Lede Company works with its clients to advance business and social outcomes through innovative storytelling, campaigns, media and partnerships. Our team of 140+ has decades of experience at the intersection of culture, social impact and creative communications across brand, corporate, talent, nonprofit and entertainment sectors. Colleagues describe our culture as dynamic, inclusive and collaborative and we pride ourselves on breaking industry rules and developing cutting-edge strategies that result in category-creating brands and transformational campaigns that accelerate impact for our clients. We offer a suite of medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits, along with competitive paid vacation, holidays, and commuter benefits for eligible employees. Learn more at www.ledecompany.com