Lead Researcher, Business for the Public Good

Lead Researcher Job Description

Business for the Public Good Project

Transform Finance is hiring a Lead Researcher to join an exciting new year-long research project. The position is remote and may be applied to in a full-time or part-time (at least 20 hours per week) capacity.

About the project

This new initiative builds on Transform Finance’s historical work examining the role of business and finance in building a more equitable society. As an organization, we often find ourselves asking the questions: what are the tools and models that can drive real change for disadvantaged communities? Which are best fit in “impact-first” scenarios, and which can be implemented at an “economy-wide” level? Which exist already and which need to be created? Most recently, this inquiry has had us looking at enterprise structures that shift economic and governance rights to non-investor stakeholders: Alternative Ownership Enterprises (AOEs).

We are launching a new project that looks beyond AOEs, towards the role of business in furthering the public good at a much broader level. The research will create a robust map of models and examples that – to varying degrees – prioritize the public good in corporate decision making. In addition to mapping, we will compare, analyze, and promote scalable solutions with key stakeholders. The motivation is to create visibility for viable, existing examples of these models in the market, and empower leaders to incorporate public interests into corporate decision-making alongside investors, policy makers, and the public.

The scope of interest for the research includes, but is not limited to:

• ●  AOEs like Cooperatives and Perpetual Purpose Trusts;
• ●  Other ownership models, like public-private partnerships, non-profit corporations, and public- and community-owned utilities;
• ●  Corporations with governance features that shift corporate priorities (e.g. a board chair for climate representatives, dual-class share structures, oversight boards, other innovative uses of trusts);
• ●  Voluntary action that corporations have made that prioritize the long term and/or social  and environmental impact over short term profits.

The project is structured initially as a year-long engagement, with potential for further work as the project evolves

The Position

The Project Researcher will execute research (e.g. literature review, interviews), surface insights, inform project direction, and develop both internal and public-facing materials, under the guidance of, and in close collaboration with, Transform Finance’s Program Director.

We particularly value candidates who have experience in fields related to if and how business can advance positive change. The Project Researcher must also have a strong commitment to advancing conditions for communities of color, working class communities, and other marginalized communities.

This position is remote. The candidate must be generally available for meetings between 11am to 5pm Eastern Time (8am to 2pm PT).

Responsibilities

The responsibilities include:

• ●  Help create a map of existing corporations, financing and ownership structures, and innovative legal forms that enable leaders to prioritize the public good in corporate decision-making
• ●  Classify models and structures, work with Transform Finance staff to develop framework for evaluating impact and scalability
• ●  Uncover root causes, critical contextual information, and strategies to grow the adoption of these practices
• ●  Identify thought leaders and institutions at the forefront of this work
• ●  Develop an evaluation framework to identify the most relevant examples
• ●  Craft public-facing materials to share insights from this research
• ●  Provide thought partnership for the ongoing development of the project: supporting strategic decision-making, adjusting research direction, etc.

The Project Researcher must be available for the next 12 months. Possible responsibilities for future phases of work include:

• ●  Working with academic researchers on formal data collection and analysis
• ●  Surveying business practitioners to determine prevalence of certain models
• ●  Writing a series of comparative case studies on a selection of examples
• ●  A review of laws and policies that enable and disable business for the public good
• ●  A review of the role of finance in supporting business models and practices
• ●  Writing support for other public facing deliverables

Qualifications and Desired Experiences

• ●  4+ years of experience working on major research projects of this scope and familiarity with applicable research methodologies
• ●  Ability to follow, explore, and analyze trends and best practices in the space of business for the public good
• ●  Strong email and external communication capability; friendliness and professionalism in communicating with external stakeholders
• ●  Familiarity with developing and executing interviews with external stakeholders
• ●  Strong track record of delivering high-quality written research outputs, including reports, articles, or academic papers
• ●  Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• ●  Demonstrated interest in topics related to business for the public good, including but not limited to topics such as social entrepreneurship, corporate law and corporate governance, impact investing, stakeholder capitalism, and non-capitalist economies.

Qualifications we consider a plus (we don’t expect candidates to meet more than 1 of these):

• ●  Direct experience in the business for social good sector
• ●  Legal background
• ●  Financial modeling background
• ●  Lived experience that provides perspective on the needs of communities of color and other marginalized communities

Compensation and Benefits

We are looking for the right person for this position, and are willing to consider part-time applicants (20 hours/week minimum). However, our preference is for someone who is able to commit full-time. The application allows for indication of part- or full-time.

For full-time applicants, the salary range for the position is $90,000-105,000. Applicants seeking a part-time role will be compensated at a range of $60-80/hour, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

To apply, submit your answers to 3 questions and upload your resume here (no cover letter required). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled, but applications received by August 23rd will be given priority.

About Transform Finance

Transform Finance is a research, education, and implementation partner that supports all stakeholders to challenge legacy investment approaches, seed transformative investment models, and build movement power. As a decade-plus long leader in the spaces of impact investment and social change, Transform Finance has a unique perspective on mobilizing a wide variety of institutional actors towards changing behavior. We have researched and developed actionable frameworks for large asset owners to traditional impact investors to “deep impact” funds to community-led initiatives.