Research Director

About the Opportunity

Bryant Christie Inc. (BCI) is a dynamic and growing international affairs management firm with offices in Seattle, Washington and Sacramento, California. BCI’s Research and Information Services (RIS) unit delivers high-quality market intelligence, regulatory monitoring, data analysis, and strategic consulting to clients across global food, agriculture, and trade sectors. We are seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial Research Director to lead and grow the RIS business unit.

This is a senior leadership role reporting to the Executive Vice President, combining research excellence with business development and product innovation. The ideal candidate will bring both subject‑matter expertise and a commercial mindset—driving new client relationships, expanding our product portfolio, and elevating BCI’s market position as a premier provider of research and intelligence services.

• Lead the identification, pursuit, and conversion of new client opportunities for RIS products and services, including BCI Monitors, Data Dashboards, Customized Resource Centers, Program Evaluations, and Market & Competitive Analysis engagements.
• Grow BCI’s federal government portfolio by monitoring GSA and agency procurement opportunities and leading proposal development for RIS‑relevant contracts.
• Develop and execute a business development strategy to grow the RIS client base across food, agriculture, and trade sectors.
• Build and maintain a strong network of industry contacts, associations, government agencies, and prospective clients.
• Author compelling proposals and lead client presentations and contract negotiations.
• Represent BCI at industry conferences, trade events, and professional forums to raise brand visibility and generate leads.
• Collaborate with BCI leadership to set revenue targets and track progress against business development goals.

• Drive the design, launch, and continuous improvement of RIS products, including regulatory monitoring, data dashboards, and intelligence databases.
• Identify gaps in the market and translate client needs into new or enhanced service offerings.
• Ensure all products maintain BCI’s standard of delivering directly relevant, actionable intelligence, not generic or unfiltered information.
• Oversee quality, formatting, and consistency of reports, dashboards, newsletters, and databases produced by the RIS team.
• Champion the adoption of new AI data tools, visualization platforms, and workflow improvements to increase efficiency and product value.

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of analysts and research managers, fostering a culture of quality work, curiosity, and client focus.
• Oversee research methodology, quality control, and project management across all RIS engagements.
• Manage multiple concurrent client projects, ensuring on‑time delivery and high client satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with other BCI business units to support cross‑functional client engagements.

• Serve as primary point of contact for key RIS clients; conduct regular check‑ins, present findings, and identify opportunities to deepen relationships.
• Conduct client interviews, stakeholder consultations, and supplier/importer engagements as needed for specific research projects.
• Contribute to thought leadership through content development, social media, newsletters, and public speaking.

• Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, agricultural sciences, political science, public policy, economics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of professional experience in research, consulting, market intelligence, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a leadership or senior individual contributor role.
• Demonstrated track record of business development: identifying, pursuing, and closing client engagements or contract renewals.
• Experience developing or significantly improving research products, data deliverables, or information services.
• Outstanding writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong project management skills with the…