Vice President of Research

Vice President of Research Role Overview

Heartland Forward seeks a results-driven Vice President (VP) of Research to lead Heartland groundbreaking work at the intersection of economics, policy and community development. In this role, the VP will design and oversee research that delivers clear, actionable insights—guiding decisions that strengthen economies, shape public policy and foster sustainable growth across the heartland. The VP will lead a high-impact research team that serves as a trusted resource for states and local communities, providing the data and analysis needed to drive meaningful change.

We are looking for a proven leader with the vision and expertise to turn big ideas into measurable outcomes for the American heartland.

• Regional Competitiveness
• Building the Talent Pipeline
• Health & Wellness

Reporting directly to the president, the VP will lead a talented research team internally and with external fellows – working across the organization to transform findings into actionable insights and data-driven policy and economic solutions.

This role is the bridge between the  think  and the  do  in our think-and-do tank—turning rigorous analysis into innovative strategies, practical tools and measurable change for states and communities across the heartland.

The VP will develop and execute a strategic research plan that informs policy at the state, regional and local levels, while cultivating partnerships that advance innovation, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.

The VP will serve as a visible leader and trusted voice for regional development—elevating the Heartland's economic narrative, equipping stakeholders with resources and ensuring research directly drives impact.

This is a pivotal opportunity for a visionary leader who can pair intellectual rigor with real-world results, positioning Heartland Forward as a national model for turning research into action.

• Drive Research Excellence – Develop and lead Heartland Forward's research agenda and strategy, ensuring it advances the mission and delivers measurable impact across our strategic priorities.
• Build and Inspire a High-Performing Team – Recruit, retain, manage and mentor outstanding researchers and cultivate strong collaborations with external research partners.
• Deliver Actionable Insights – Design and oversee studies that produce rigorous, data-driven analysis on economic and community development in the heartland, translating findings into practical policy solutions and/or positive impact.
• Communicate with Influence – Transform complex research into accessible, compelling reports, briefs, op-eds and presentations that resonate with a wide range of audiences.
• Integrate Research Across the Organization – Partner with program, communications events and advocacy teams to ensure research informs and strengthens every Heartland Forward initiative.
• Lead in the Public Arena – Serve as a visible thought leader and trusted resource—presenting research to media, policymakers and stakeholders—representing Heartland Forward at high-profile convenings and meetings.
• Forge Strategic Partnerships – Identify and cultivate innovative research collaborations with academic institutions, civic leaders, private sector organizations and Heartland Forward partners.
• Shape Organizational Strategy – Serve on the Heartland Forward leadership team—contributing to strategic planning, performance measurement and the overall direction of Heartland Forward.
• Collaborate with EVP of partnerships to align fundraising strategies and grant proposals with programmatic priorities.
• Uphold Research Integrity – Maintain the highest standards of data quality, ethics and transparency in all research activities.
• Budget Management – Lead and manage the research budget and reporting requirements, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency and alignment with organizational priorities.

• Proven Leadership Experience – Minimum of 10 years leading complex, high-impact research initiatives in economics, advocacy, regional development or a closely related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Track Record of Impact –…