Vice President, Primary Research – Capital Markets

About the Role

The Capital Markets division at Breakwater Strategy is expanding its team and seeking a leader in research to spearhead primary research initiatives. This position uniquely combines behavioral finance with corporate strategy and capital markets, requiring the design and implementation of original research efforts. You will gather insights from sophisticated institutional investors worldwide and transform these findings into strategic knowledge that shapes public company valuation and perception.

Why Work With Us?

This role offers unparalleled variety, providing exposure to insights across multiple sectors and a deep understanding of institutional investor valuation approaches. The insights derived help inform strategic counsel provided to boards and C-suite executives. If you have a deep intellectual curiosity about capital markets, investor behavior, and corporate strategy, this role offers a stimulating environment. You will engage in high-impact projects, collaborate with skilled colleagues, and contribute to a culture that values integrity, support, and respect.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The right applicant will seamlessly balance research design with the development of insights tailored for executive audiences. Relevant backgrounds include primary research, equity research, investor relations advisory, or management consulting. However, success in this role relies on intellectual rigor, the capacity to create impactful research, synthesize complex data, and provide clear, actionable recommendations to senior leadership.

The workload may fluctuate, with periods of high intensity driven by client demands. Candidates who thrive in this dynamic and fast-paced environment naturally enjoy variety and continuous learning across diverse public market sectors. An entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for understanding market dynamics alongside a relentless drive to exceed client expectations are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end research projects, including designing research frameworks, conducting detailed investor interviews, and producing comprehensive client reports that distill qualitative and quantitative insights into strategic recommendations.
• Deliver strategic thought leadership to clients, utilizing research outcomes to address themes related to investor sentiment, capital market trends, and effective market strategies.
• Mentor junior team members, supporting their skill development and advancing their expertise in research methodologies and client advisory work.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business, Marketing, Market Research, or related fields; MBA preferred.
• Between 8 and 12 years of experience in roles centered around primary research, with proven ability to design and manage both qualitative and quantitative research projects.
• Experience contributing to the development of thought leadership content.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complicated insights into lucid, persuasive recommendations for senior executives such as boards, CEOs, and CFOs.
• Proven ability to lead and manage internal project teams effectively.
• Comfortable working both at the strategic advisory level and performing hands-on research tasks.
• Proven aptitude for quickly gaining sector expertise across various industries and client contexts.

Location and Compensation

The position offers flexible locations across multiple states including CA, CT, DC, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, and VA. Travel may be required for business development and client meetings.

Salary ranges from $175,000 to $225,000 annually depending on location, including New York City, California, and the District of Columbia.