Research Director, Commercial Real Estate

About this role

Make your next move an expert one. At Colliers it’s not our success that sets us apart, it’s how we achieve it. Our people are passionate, take ownership and always do what’s right for our clients, people and communities.

Why Colliers? Our enterprising environment needs your expertise to facilitate Colliers’ continued growth as an industry leader. Our nimble, decentralized culture can provide you with a wealth of opportunities to learn about our business and quickly gain experience to accelerate your career.

***This position is an Onsite role based out of Chicago, IL.***

About you You are a strategic and data-driven research leader with a strong ability to translate market intelligence into actionable insights that influence business decisions. You take ownership of a market’s research strategy—delivering accurate analytics, predictive trends, and compelling thought leadership that elevates client engagement and drives revenue growth.

You’re confident serving as the go-to research voice for brokers, leadership, clients, and media, with a proven ability to communicate insights clearly and credibly. You thrive in a leadership role, developing and mentoring high-performing research teams while ensuring consistently high-quality outputs.

You’re also excited by the opportunity to make a broader impact - expanding research capabilities across markets and contributing to regional initiatives that strengthen market positioning and overall business performance.

In this role, you will… • Develop and execute the research strategy for the major market to support growth objectives, client needs, and competitive positioning. 

• Produce forward-looking analysis and insights used in business development, market forecasting, and client advisory. 

• Lead, coach, and manage research staff, ensuring delivery of high-quality, timely research materials and effective workflow management. 

• Support ongoing skill development, team progression, and adoption of best practices. 

• Oversee quarterly market reports, dashboards, presentations, and custom deliverables. 

• Create compelling narratives that highlight trends, risks, and opportunities across submarkets. 

• Serve as the primary research spokesperson for the market in media, industry groups, client presentations, and events. 

• Partner with brokerage, marketing, and valuation teams to craft strategic insights for pursuits, pitches, and portfolio reviews. 

• Provide analytics and market intelligence for major client opportunities. 

• Implement advanced analytics tools, BI platforms, and improved data-storytelling methods. 

• Introduce process improvements that streamline workflows and elevate the quality of research outputs. 

• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and methodological rigor across datasets and published reports. 

• Maintain data validation processes and continuously improve data quality. 

• Collaborate with GIS, IT, marketing, and operations to improve tools, integrations, and reporting frameworks. 

• Participate in regional research forums to align with broader priorities and share best practices.

• Partner with regional and national research leadership on cross-market initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader research strategies.

• Contribute to multi-market and regional thought leadership, including collaboration on reports, forecasts, and client deliverables beyond the Chicago market.

• Provide guidance and support to research teams in adjacent or emerging markets as needed.

What you’ll bring • 10+ years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, with 5+ years in a leadership role with direct accountability for managing teams, performance, and complex analytical programs.

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, real estate or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

• Expertise in research platforms (CoStar, MSCI-RCA) and BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent). 

• Mastery of predictive analytics, modeling tools, and AI-driven methodologies. 

• Strong proficiency of the Microsoft Office Suite, specifically in Excel, as well as other data visualization tools.

• Strong communicator and ability to interface and manage senior stakeholder expectations.

• Possesses superior writing, presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Pursuant to the laws regarding job postings where the position is located in, Colliers is disclosing the following information:

Area/Location Specific: Chicago, IL (Onsite) Approximate Salary Range for this Role: $131,940 to $180,000 USD

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Bonus This position is eligible for an annual bonus, based on company and individual performance.

Benefits Employees (and their families) are provided options for employer subsidized medical benefits including dental, vision as well as employer paid basic life/AD&D insurance and short-term / long-term disability. Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan, which includes an employer match. Employees will also receive 10 days of sick leave and a minimum of 15-days vacation annually.  Certain senior-level roles are eligible for unlimited time off.  Employees will also enjoy 10 paid holidays plus two personal flex days throughout the calendar year.  Twelve weeks (for birth parents) and 4 weeks (for non-birth parents, including adoptive/foster parents) for paid parental leave will also be available for use after successful completion of 90 days of employment. Individuals may be eligible for different or additional benefits under applicable state law.

#LI-EH1 #LI-Onsite Make your next move an expert one and join us as we lead the industry into the future.

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