Corporate Engagement Research & Analysis Manager

Developing data-driven insights to accelerate the alternative protein industry

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization at the forefront of the movement to use food technology and markets to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger to antibiotic resistance and the exploitation of animals. 

How You Will Make a Difference 

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead the Corporate Engagement team’s research and analysis function to accelerate the alternative protein industry, leveraging both primary and secondary research. You will be the go-to expert on market and consumer research. You will identify industry knowledge gaps, determine the necessary research and/or data solutions, and lead development of models and projections to showcase the industry’s opportunities. Your work will bring data-driven insights to influence all of Corporate Engagement activities, steering efforts and resources within GFI and among our external stakeholders. The Corporate Engagement Research & Analysis Manager will be responsible for:

• Collaborating with the VP of Corporate Engagement to develop and implement a strategic vision for maintaining and building upon the team’s research and analysis capabilities. 
• Building an annual research and data plan to ensure we consistently have up-to-date data and insights on the alternative protein industry and consumer behavior. This would include:
  • Determining the appropriate types, depth, and cadence of data to purchase in areas such as syndicated retail sales data, household panel data, foodservice sales data, etc. 
  • Identifying necessary annual consumer behavior/sentiment and market research projects to benchmark industry progress on the key consumer purchase drivers of taste, price, and convenience, such as annual sensory studies for plant-based products. 
• Analyzing existing GFI resources and the broader industry knowledge base to identify key knowledge gaps and determining the appropriate research solutions. 
• Identifying, prioritizing, and leading ad-hoc research projects to further the Corporate Engagement department’s goals. 
• Building relationships with major consulting firms and other industry partners to secure pro-bono research or identify mutually beneficial partnership opportunities. 
• Planning scope of work and deliverables, developing RFPs, selecting external partners, and managing external contractors or collaborators, and reviewing deliverables.
• Translating the insights and findings from internal and external analyses into public-facing resources (such as white papers, web content, data repositories, presentations, webinars, and PowerPoint decks) that include actionable recommendations for stakeholders, and identifying resource allocation needs or areas for further research.
• Engaging with researchers, companies, funders, and other organizations to guide resource allocation toward the highest-impact opportunities within alternative protein research.
• Tracking relevant secondary market and consumer research, determining which reports GFI should purchase, identifying actionable insights from these reports, and organizing insights for use by Corporate Engagement team members.
• Working collaboratively within the Corporate Engagement team, as well as across departments with International affiliates, to align goals, coordinate activities, and report outcomes.
• Engaging with prospective research funders to articulate the importance and impact of these analyses for accelerating the growth of the alternative protein industry.
• Managing a Business Analyst and in time, possibly building up a small research and analysis team. 
• Overseeing the development of models for assessing current demand-side bottlenecks and challenges within the alternative protein industry and for forecasting future challenges and necessary solutions, as the industry grows.
• Performing quantitative analysis in conjunction with the Business Analyst.
• Supporting engagement and presentation efforts as necessary. 
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For 

The Corporate Engagement Research & Analysis Manager must have:

• A bachelor’s degree.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience. Consulting and/or consumer packaged goods industry research, analysis, and/or consumer insights experience preferred. 
• Familiarity with syndicated sales data such as Nielsen, IRI, SPINS preferred. 
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and managing others.
• Strong project management skills and a demonstrated ability for high-level synthesis of intersections between multiple projects.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to succinctly communicate actionable insights to stakeholders. 
• Self-motivation and ability to work well both independently and in concert with a larger group.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop relationships with diverse external stakeholders.
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Intellectual curiosity and interest in the alternative protein industry. 
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in public health, environmental sustainability, animal protection, and/or food security.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and other marginalized groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The Fine Print

• Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
• Reports to: Caroline Bushnell, Vice President of Corporate Engagement
• Location: Remote; United States 
• Travel: Flexible, but anticipated travel of one week per quarter for conferences, workshops, and organizational retreats. During the pandemic, all business is being conducted virtually.
• Benefits: Working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, opportunity for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues.
• This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 
• Salary: $55,000-$65,000

Applications accepted on a rolling basis; position to be filled in Q3 2021.