Research Strategist - Junior

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local presence to innovate at every scale. We're not just designers. We are story tellers, collaborators, innovators, and thought leaders. Fueled by passion and entrepreneurial spirit, our people generate new ideas to solve some of the world's most challenging problems. Simply put, we come to work every day to design a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable future for communities and cities around the world.

Our team member focused, "people first" culture and "one firm-firm" philosophy allows us to work seamlessly across geographies and align individual interests with career opportunities wherever they exist. Gensler's mission is to "Create a Better World Through the Power of Design," and we do that with a deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment that enables our people to do their best work, pursue their personal passions and realize their full professional potential.

Your Role

Gensler is seeking a Junior Research Strategist to support the continued expansion of our research methods into trends, forecasting, and ethnographic and qualitative research. Your research will focus on understanding what brings people together and providing designers with the insights they need to make successful places that strengthen the social fabric, with an initial focus on supporting the Institute's rapidly growing body of Lifestyle-focused research.

Successful candidates will be interested in popular culture, trends in design and experience, how brands express themselves in the built environment, and future forecasting. They will design research studies, conduct field research, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop strategic solutions to inform design practice, strengthen client relationships, and advance Gensler's thought leadership. Strong candidates will also bring an editorial sensibility, social media/communications savvy, with an ability to collaborate closely with the Institute's communications team to create compelling research findings and insights that answer not just the "what?" but also the "so what?"

As a Junior Research Strategist at the Gensler Research Institute, you will work as part of the Institute's diverse analytics and strategy team, alongside researchers with a wide variety of backgrounds. You will work as part of the Institute's overall highly collaborative team dedicated to developing original research that is as engaging and resonant as it is rigorous and evidence-based. You will be able to prioritize tasks for yourself across multiple projects and project leaders. You will be a strategic thinker who is detail-oriented, organized, and enjoys "playing the tape forward" to anticipate what's next, and explaining why it matters.

What You Will Do

As a Junor Research Strategist, you will collaborate with Subject Matter Experts and other team members on the following:

• Plan and perform primary and secondary research and data collection activities
• Analyze and synthesize data from primary and secondary sources, including observations, intercepts, long-form interviews, focus groups, and ethnography
• Collect and synthesize signals and drivers of future culture and design trends
• Develop findings to support compelling communications across multiple media and channels, from long-form reports to "snackable" video content, and new formats, such as topic-focused trend forecasts
• Create captivating narratives to connect insights to thoughtful strategic direction
• Connect across design and strategy studios within Gensler to embed and apply research to client projects
• Contribute entrepreneurial spirit to an emerging research practice at Gensler that has momentum and flexibility

Your Qualifications

• 2-4 years of relevant professional experience
• A background that combines research experience with some or all of the following: journalism, social media, trend analysis, cultural studies, and future forecasting
• A deep curiosity about people, what moves and motivates them, and how space and designed experiences can meaningfully support the social fabric
• Strong storytelling skills and a killer editorial sensibility that cuts through the noise in a crowded communications environment
• A strong portfolio of writing samples, trend analysis, and insights, demonstrating an excellent command of newsworthiness and storytelling
• Ability to work independently, but true belief in the power of collaboration
• Experience working in dynamic conditions that require fast iterations and pivoting between collaborative and individual work
• A Self-motivated and entrepreneurial spirit
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Powerpoint, Word, Excel, Outlook)
• A passion for learning new technologies and skills to support research, from applied AI to data visualization/analytics, etc.
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social sciences or a related discipline
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.

***The base salary is estimated to be between $75k-$85k plus bonuses and benefits and contingent on relevant experience***

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Awareness Week," our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email talentacquisition@gensler.com.