Research Director – Persuasive Content and Digital Experience Management

Overview IDC is currently seeking a Research Director to lead our global research initiative and develop research across several customer and marketing content‑centric software technologies including persuasive content management (web content management, digital asset management, product content management, content sourcing/curation and content marketing platforms, video platforms), customer communications management and coverage of digital accessibility, and related domains. In addition, the individual must have a strong knowledge and expertise around AI Applications as it relates to the above market areas. Important research topics include the role of AI and other innovation accelerators in the customer and marketing content supply chain and the opportunity to develop the unified customer and marketing content model and experience‑orchestrated business for content agility.

The Senior Director will also participate in key IDC initiatives including the IDC FutureScapes, IDC Tech Buyer research and participate in the Customer Experience practice with written reports, blogs, social media activity and industry events such as IDC Directions. The Research Director will be primarily responsible for being IDC's strategic market advisor on how customer and marketing persuasive content and digital experiences are critical to bringing differentiation into the market. This is a highly visible position that requires the candidate to develop cutting‑edge quantitative forecasts, market shares, and complementary qualitative insights for IDC's diverse base of technology and end‑user clients.

Why IDC? IDC is the most respected global technology market research firm. We are changing the way the world thinks about the impact of technology on business and society. Our people, data, and analytics create global technology insights that accelerate customer success. IDC has been recognized for four consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) by the IIAR as one of the highest accolades for the technology market research industry. Our collaborative, innovative and entrepreneurial culture is the perfect place for you to discover your future.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate and cooperate with IDC's WW customer experience team and relevant industry analysts around the world.
• Publish and present innovative, insightful, and actionable quantitative and qualitative research on the market's ongoing efforts to elevate customer and marketing persuasive content and digital experiences as key foundational pieces of the digital experience. This work includes writing well‑researched and concise reports, generating forecasts, survey data, case study analysis, and IDC MarketScapes offering actionable market commentary and presenting findings to vendors according to a well‑defined research schedule.
• Support marketing, business development, sales prospecting and support efforts with technology vendors and end user clients.
• Provide first‑class customer support and advisory services. Our clients rely on us for timely and actionable insights and ongoing customer interaction is a top responsibility.
• The ideal candidate will also foster close relationships within the media and financial communities.
• The ideal candidate will be innovative and resourceful, with a good mix of technical, analytical, writing and communication capabilities.
• It is expected that the Senior Director will present IDC's market perspective to garner new business for IDC using excellent written and verbal communication, presentation skills and solid business development and client relationship capabilities.

Qualifications:

• A BA/BS college degree is required with a preference towards an MBA or MS degree.
• At least 10 years of previous market research experience as well as comparable digital experience / persuasive content industry experience.
• A solid understanding of customer and marketing persuasive content management, creative applications, digital accessibility, and document generation / customer communications software (influenced by AI/ML and Generative AI) with an understanding of how these technologies influence the digital experience of employees, customers, partners, suppliers, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for supporting both client inquiry and internal collaboration with other IDC analysts, including the ability to collaborate in a global environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain quantitative data models, develop related qualitative analysis, analyze survey data and deliver thought‑provoking research in a timely fashion.
• A proven track record of effectively multi‑tasking, meeting deadlines and delivering high‑quality research.
• Ability to work independently and with a team using sound judgment, planning, project management and organization skills to work under pressure with competing deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, with strong advanced Microsoft Excel or SPS data analysis.
• Travel is expected to be moderate (approx. 25%).

About IDC: International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact‑based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1,300 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide. For 50 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: IDC US is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, handicap, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, ancestry, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or other categories protected by law. At IDC we are committed to fair and equitable pay practices. We pay our employees equitably for their work, commensurate with their individual skills and experience. Salary range and additional compensation, including discretionary bonuses and incentive pay, are determined by a rigorous review process. This process considers the experience, education, certifications, and skills required for the specific role, equity with similarly situated employees, as well as employer‑verified US region‑specific market data provided by an independent 3rd party partner. The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between $142,000 - $180,000 USD and is inclusive of base salary and variable compensation (if applicable).