We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

The Due Diligence and Research Director plays a critical role in the Foundation’s risk management strategy. This position is responsible for performing in depth, fact finding, investigations, and risk assessments to protect the organization from operational, financial, legal, and reputational harm. This role entails managing a team of research staff members. This role requires conducting comprehensive fact-finding and analysis of third parties to assess risk and ensure compliance. It also requires scrutinizing backgrounds, verifying credentials, and analyzing complex data to identify red flags.

As the Due Diligence and Research Director, you’ll be reporting directly to the VP & Deputy General Counsel.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Oversee vetting processes for third parties

• Manage a team of research staff members

• Restructure and manage a seamless vet and research process with Foundation staff and consultants

• Conduct comprehensive research and analysis – perform investigations and fact finding into individuals and entities using a variety of internal, public, and third-party data sources (legal filings, financial records, proprietary databases, etc.)

• Report findings and recommendations– prepare and present clear, concise and detailed reports outlining the following to key stakeholders

  • Findings

  • Analysis

  • Recommendations

• Ensure regulatory compliance (FARA, AML, etc.) – stay current on relevant industry regulations to ensure Foundation is operating in compliance with national and international laws, particularly in terms of anti-corruption frameworks and sanctions

• Collaborate across departments

• Maintain documentation – document all activities, findings, and resolutions for internal records

• Handle sensitive data – process and store confidential information with the highest degree of discretion and security

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Update vetting standards, processes and policy

• Provide

  • Strategic perspective – synthesis of strategic insight and a fact-based, analytical approach

  • Tailored approach – iterative, collaborative process specific to vetting

  • Deep expertise – knowledge of Foundation’s core mission and brand identity, keen understanding of vetting domains and red flags

  • Fast results-oriented process – focus on critical and timely issues

  • Compliance advocate – willingness to convey tough messages, including failing an unattractive vet

• Manage performance of research staff

• Oversee operational aspects of:

  • request process

  • assignment and tracker

  • communications strategy, and plan

  • analysis and reporting

  • approval process

• Ensure effective communications between the research staff and other Foundation teams

• Maintain research and issues/risk log

Required Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience

• Key Skills

• Analytical

• Business partner

• Communication

• Decision-making

• Investigation

• Judgment

• Project management

• Industry knowledge

• Exceptional Writing Skills

The salary range for this role is between $129,675 and $162,070.

This role is hybrid at our Chicago office in Hyde Park or remote within approved Foundation jurisdictions.

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at [email protected] if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.