Director of Research

AQUILA Commercial is a close-knit group of fun, hardworking, and enthusiastic people who run Austin’s top local commercial real estate firm.

We are seeking a smart, experienced Director of Research to join our team. The chosen candidate will be charged with leading our market research department, leading innovative initiatives, finding areas of process improvements, and supporting AQUILA’s brokerage team with various market research and marketing efforts. 

Job Responsibilities

The Director of Research will lead the research department, delivering high-quality market intelligence, strategic insights, and thought leadership. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a drive to innovate. 

Strategic Leadership

• Supervise and lead the market research team and initiatives to innovate market research capabilities.
• Develop and execute the company’s research strategy to support business goals.
• Collaborate with leadership to align research initiatives with organizational priorities.
• Stay ahead of industry trends to position the company as a market leader.
  

Data Analysis & Insights

• Oversee the aggregation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of market research data.
• Work with executives to develop overall research business plans for all company business lines.
• Respond to ad hoc market research requests from brokers and clients for data such as lease and sales comps, overall market performance, competitive properties’ performances, tenant makeup, stacking plans, etc.
• Provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations to executives, brokers, and clients by synthesizing market intelligence, competitive analyses, and data-driven forecasts.
• Identify and evaluate emerging market trends, risks, and opportunities, offering strategic foresight and actionable recommendations to position AQUILA as a market leader.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies and tools in the market research and commercial real estate industries to ensure AQUILA maintains a competitive edge through innovation.
  

Publications

• Work with the marketing department to update the company’s research-based marketing collateral.
• Lead publication of AQUILA’s quarterly Austin Office and Industrial Market Reports.
  • Utilizing AQUILA’s maintained databases, produce charts, graphs and maps for the report.
  • Provide written analysis of Austin’s office market and updates on each of the city’s submarkets.
  • With the marketing team, create additional content such as infographics, tweets, blog posts to promote the report in email and on social media channels
• Publish quarterly whitepapers analyzing and providing insight into local market trends.
  Assist with the creation of fresh content for the official company blog with the goal of attracting inbound sales leads for corporate and property marketing initiatives.
  Prepare materials using market data for external presentations.
  
• Assist with the creation of fresh content for the official company blog with the goal of attracting inbound sales leads for corporate and property marketing initiatives.
• Prepare materials using market data for external presentations.

Database Management & Updates

• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and proper storage of all data used in the research function by implementing rigorous data collection, input, verification, and review processes.
  • Oversee the management and continual enhancement of AQUILA’s proprietary lease and sales comparable databases, ensuring they remain robust, accurate, and up-to-date.
  • Design and implement systems to unify data storage, streamline data integration, and ensure platform compatibility across brokerage, marketing, and research teams, while maintaining best practices for data governance, including accuracy and accessibility.
• Regularly audit and update databases to enhance relevance, usability, and market intelligence by incorporating new data sources and identifying trends for deeper analysis or predictive modeling.
• Develop real-time dashboards and reporting tools that provide brokers, executives, and clients with accessible, actionable insights into key market indicators.
• Research, recommend, and implement new technology for the maintenance of research information; regularly evaluate existing data management products and recommend upgrades/changes if necessary
• Contribute to internal reports recapping research initiatives.
• Assist in managing all aspects of AQUILA’s intern program, including hiring, training, recruiting, etc. 

Other

• Assist with other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Ability to work late or on weekends may be required.

Qualifications

Education & Experience, Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in real estate, economics, finance, urban planning, or a related field (master’s preferred)
• Experience: 3 years in a research leadership role, ideally in commercial real estate research, but not required
• Technical skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), database management (e.g., SQL), data analysis tools, and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau).
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.

Business Skills

• Provide strategic insights from multiple data sources.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision required.
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat.
• Web savvy, skilled internet researcher.
• Possess excellent research skills for marketing material development with strong quantitative analysis skills.
• Experienced writer with sound knowledge of grammar and spelling.
• Fluent in the English language, its rules and proper usage; experience with AP style preferred.
• Excellent oral and written business communication skills.

Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail & Process Management 

• Excellent organizational/time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proven ability to multi-task; strong attention to detail and quality.
• Produces accurate work, even when under pressure.
• Checks the accuracy of information before using or passing it on to others.
• Arranges information in a useful manner; keeps files organized and up to date.
• Prioritizes work and asks for direction when overwhelmed or uncertain.
• Ability to learn and follow established processes and procedures.
• Monitor calendar for scheduled activities and comes prepared to meetings.

Soft Skills

• Capable of building strategic relationships across platforms and among varying personalities.
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude, can complete challenging projects within set parameters.
• Can solve problems, think strategically and creatively.
• Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and has a strong drive for results.
• Willingness to work outside of the main job description when necessary.
• Come to work with a positive attitude; friendly, personable, enjoyable to work with.