JOB DESCRIPTION

Help Advance Research That Shapes Downtowns Worldwide

The International Downtown Association (IDA) is seeking a Research Manager to support and expand the body of research on downtowns and urban place management organizations. This is an exciting opportunity for a research professional who is passionate about cities, data and community impact and who takes pride in bringing complex projects to completion.

Working closely with IDA's Director of Research, this position will manage research initiatives, analyze complex datasets and develop practical insights that inform downtown leaders, economic development professionals, policymakers and community stakeholders across North America and beyond. 

IDA’s research department operates in a fast-paced, high-output environment. The position leads data collection, analysis, project coordination and report development for IDA’s Value of Downtowns program and other research initiatives. The Research Manager also supports the development of cross-district insights, facilitates member research groups, maintains research content and data resources, and translates complex findings into clear, useful information for practitioners and other audiences. You will also develop direct working relationships with IDA members, research partners, data providers and other stakeholders and build a national and international network of colleagues. 

What You'll Do

• Manage research projects from initiation through final deliverables, including timelines, budgets and stakeholder coordination.
• Collect, clean, validate and analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
• Conduct research on downtowns, place management organizations and emerging urban trends.
• Develop reports, presentations, briefs and other publications that translate research findings into actionable insights.
• Create data visualizations, maps and supporting research materials.
• Support survey design, implementation and analysis.
• Coordinate with member organizations, research partners and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate research-focused member groups and working sessions.
• Present findings to professional audiences, members and industry stakeholders.
• Maintain research databases, documentation and project records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of relevant professional experience, or Master's degree with at least 1 year of related experience.
• Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing projects and meeting deadlines across multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, GIS, ESRI Business Analyst, Survey Monkey, Power BI.

Please review the full job description here: https://downtown.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/IDA26_ResearchManager_111226.pdf

Why Join IDA?

At IDA, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Conduct research that directly influences the future of downtowns and urban centers.
• Collaborate with leading practitioners and experts from around the world.
• Work in a mission-driven, collaborative environment.
• Develop professionally while helping advance the profession of place management.

BENEFITS

IDA offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, professional development opportunities and a flexible hybrid work environment. 

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance