Research Associate

The Asian American Foundation

. Lead candidate research and manage board search projects from initial request through completion .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeUnited StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $95,000 - $110,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in executive search research and candidate profiling, with a strong ability to manage multiple projects and maintain stakeholder communication. Proficient in utilizing various research tools and platforms to identify and assess candidates while ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Executive Search ResearchCandidate ProfilingProject ManagementLinkedIn Boolean SearchCorporate Governance Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Candidate AssessmentMarket MappingResearch AnalysisProfile WritingData Management

Soft Skills

Stakeholder EngagementConfidentiality ManagementCommunication SkillsOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

SalesforceEquilarCapital IQPitchBookHubSpotMonday.com

Industry Keywords

AAPI RepresentationBoard SearchGovernance ResearchExecutive RecruitingCandidate Database Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead candidate research and manage board search projects from initial request through completion
Translate board needs into targeted search strategies
Identify and assess AAPI candidates within and beyond TBA's network
Develop well-researched, prioritized candidate slates
Independently manage searches and collaborate with internal teams and external partners
Support outreach, stakeholder engagement, events, and broader research initiatives
Scope board openings, including board composition, skills gaps, committee needs, industry, geography, and strategic situation
Build target lists of companies, sectors, and functional profiles
Identify candidates using TBA's candidate pool, Equilar, LinkedIn, proxy statements, public filings, advisor networks, and partner organizations
Assess leadership scope, P&L responsibility, public-company and board experience, committee qualifications, independence, conflicts, and board commitments
Produce client-ready slates with candidate profiles and recommendation rationales
Validate candidate interest, availability, and fit discreetly
Maintain accurate candidate records, readiness, engagement history, and board appointments or departures
Track board-refreshment signals and flag likely openings
Create scalable templates, search briefs, profile standards, and research processes
Manage intake, timelines, deliverables, status updates, and candidate-material handoffs
Run multiple concurrent requests and prepare partner-call agendas and notes
Follow up on outcomes with partners and candidates
Track and report requests, slates, introductions, interviews, and appointments
Research and build outreach target lists for companies, search firms, and investors
Draft campaign materials, newsletters, and social content
Prepare updates and meeting materials for leadership, advisors, and funders
Support roundtables, dinners, and conferences, including guest lists, invitations, briefing materials, and logistics
Conduct research on AAPI board representation, landscape analyses, and thought leadership
Perform other assigned duties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Undergraduate degree in a related field or equivalent experience
2–5 years identifying and profiling senior leaders
Experience in executive search research, senior-level recruiting or sourcing, prospect research, expert-network sourcing, or governance research
Track record of building market maps and target lists and turning them into prioritized slates or shortlists
Fluency with LinkedIn, Boolean search, and public filings
Experience with at least one of Salesforce, Equilar, Capital IQ, or PitchBook
Experience keeping a CRM or candidate database clean
Ability to manage several projects at once, meet deadlines, and keep stakeholders informed with little supervision
Ability to write concise, polished candidate profiles and updates for very senior readers
Ability to handle confidential candidate, board, and company information carefully
Research experience on board or CEO searches preferred
Working knowledge of corporate governance preferred
Comfort reading proxy statements and other company disclosures preferred
Familiarity with AAPI professional and leadership communities and organizations preferred
Experience supporting outreach campaigns or events using tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or Monday.com preferred
Comfort using AI-enabled research tools responsibly preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
100% 401(k) match on the first 5% of salary
Work-from-home flexibility on Mondays and Fridays
Competitive pay
Salary transparency and pay equity
Equal opportunity workplace
Occasional weekend, off-hours, or evening work for events