Arena Careers

The Carpenter Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York (CCA Metro) is seeking an experienced, innovative, and collaborative Research Director to work closely with union and contractor leadership to achieve the shared goals of the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters and New York City's unionized contractors as they build the greatest city in the world.

This is an exciting opportunity to build and lead a unique and impactful research initiative in one of New York City’s largest industries, addressing some of the most significant challenges in the city’s history including housing and economic development, public infrastructure improvements, climate resiliency and renewable energy, and a changing industry and workforce. The Research Director will join a dynamic and powerful coalition representing thousands of union members and contractors across the New York City metropolitan area to build a research practice that identifies employment and contracting opportunities, analyzes financial and market data, deepens the understanding of the changing construction industry, reviews public policy that affects union carpenters and contractors, and helps them make strategic decisions to increase their market share and help their members prosper.

About CCA Metro

CCA Metro is the leading voice on issues affecting the joint interests of 20,000 carpenters in all crafts represented by the nine local unions of the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters (NYCDCC) and the 1,000 talented contractors and subcontractors that employ these carpenters under collective bargaining agreements.

CCA Metro uses research and engagement with industry and community stakeholders to promote the dependable quality and safety that is delivered by trained, skilled and experienced union carpenters and contractors.

We actively support investment in public building and infrastructure, private economic development, and a regulatory climate favorable to growth and responsible employment and contracting policies.

Our mission is simple: encourage as much employment and business opportunity as possible for union carpenters and contractors who build the best projects in New York with the highest commitment to local and diverse communities.

Position Overview

CCA Metro is seeking a Research Director to launch and lead a strategic and comprehensive research practice to achieve CCA Metro’s goal to increase the market share of construction work in New York City that is performed by unionized carpenters and contractors. The Research Director will design and build a robust research department within CCA Metro.

Research is a critical component of effective advocacy in the unionized construction industry. The marketplace research and data analysis conducted by CCA Metro will help its members win bids, and shape organizing and public policy initiatives that increase the amount of work performed by unionized carpenters and contractors.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Director, the Research Director will analyze economic and market indicators along with information about the public and private construction industry sectors, individual companies, regulatory and policy-making bodies, and other factors to identify opportunities and inform effective strategies and tactics for CCA Metro’s members and partners. Using a vast array of public and private data sources, the Research Director will organize their findings in ways that help CCA Metro coalition leaders make decisions and develop plans for growing their market share. The Research Director will also effectively communicate their findings and help CCA Metro craft powerful messaging for a range of audiences including construction users and developers, elected officials and policy makers, union contractors, leaders, members, and the media.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional research and strategic planning skills, the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, familiarity with the New York City economy, and a demonstrated commitment to strengthening the unionized workforce and contracting community in the NYC construction industry. They will also have experience building and managing a research team.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Executive Director and CCA Metro leadership to provide data and develop strategies for increasing the market share of New York City union carpenters and contractors.
• Develop reports based on data that demonstrate the benefits and value of the unionized carpentry workforce and contracting community.
• Create a database and profiles of developers, contractors, agencies, and institutions involved in New York City's real estate and construction industries.
• Maintain a list of all current and potential development projects, including both union and non-union jobs.
• Monitor land use activity from City Planning Commission, Community Boards, and other sources.
• Review and incorporate economic forecasting and research on changes in the housing and commercial construction markets
• Set up the research department and create a calendar of daily, weekly, and monthly reports, briefings, and longer-term research projects.
• Manage a growing research department by developing job descriptions, recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising skilled staff members and consultants.
• Produce competitive intelligence.
• Conduct additional research as needs are identified by the research department or CCA Metro leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in research-based work in construction, development, or the real estate industry or related government or academic experience, with proven record of high-level data collection, writing, and analysis skills.
• Senior management experience.
• Experience building and managing a research team and excellent staff management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research and to convert research findings into actionable strategies and tactics.
• Excellent skills in presenting complex information clearly and concisely, including through memos, presentations, and reports with data visualizations.
• Ability to produce compelling and salient issue and policy briefs for a range of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with construction project development and/or the city planning process within the NYC metro region is a plus.
• Superb interpersonal skills with an impressive history of building strong relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• An understanding of New York City and State public affairs.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.

Location, Compensation and Benefits

CCA Metro is in New York City. In person office work will be required, with some flexibility. The salary range is $130,000-$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive package of benefits including healthcare, retirement, and paid time off.

To Apply

To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume online at https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com/apply. The cover letter should be concise and compelling and outline the specific ways in which you would be a good fit for this position.

CCA Metro is an equal opportunity employer. CCA Metro provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, age, religion, disability, veteran status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact Grossman Solutions for more information.