Research Associate

At TruStage, we’re on a mission to make a brighter financial future accessible to everyone.  We put people first, and work hand in hand with employees and customers to create a diverse and inclusive environment. Passionate about building insurance, investment and technology solutions, we push the boundaries of what’s possible. We need you to help us shape what’s next. You’ll be encouraged to share your experiences, ideas and skills to help others take control of their financial future.

Join a team that has received numerous awards for being a top place to work: TruStage awards and recognition

This position can be located in: Dallas, Texas / Denver, Colorado / Madison, Wisconsin

The Research Associate coordinates the output of Filene’s most important asset: its research. This role is a hybrid between a project manager and a researcher, requiring someone who has an eye for detail and a deep curiosity to help deliver compelling research insights for credit unions and their members.  

The Research Associate will work closely with executive-level sponsors, research fellows, vendors, and internal teams to help manage relationships, support the research process, and contribute to the development of new research initiatives. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to build a career in research, project management, and strategy in a dynamic, think tank environment.

Role Responsibilities

Research & Project Management

• Assist in the full research lifecycle, including:

• Creating research plans and documents, ensuring clarity and alignment with research objectives.
• Identifying and reaching out to research participants, scheduling interviews, focus groups, surveys, etc.
• Reviewing and creating research materials, such as discussion guides and surveys, ensuring they meet project needs.
• Supporting survey programming and basic data analysis.
• Writing research findings and contributing to final research reports.
• Managing the publication process, coordinating with internal and external partners to ensure high-quality deliverables.

• Proactively contribute ideas for upcoming research, including suggesting new center ideas, innovative research topics, and sponsor-focused initiatives.
• Conduct preliminary research for potential projects to assess existing literature and inform project scope.

Relationship Management

• Support portfolio of Inner Circle and Think Tank sponsors, as assigned.
• Actively manage assigned Centers of Excellence (COEs) by coordinating meetings, documenting discussions, and integrating key insights into the overall research agenda, sponsor plans, and project timelines.
• Participate in discussions with fellows, sponsors, vendors, and other stakeholders, taking an active role in documenting and aligning conversations with broader research, sponsor, and business goals.

General & Administrative

• Support day-to-day research team operations, including scheduling calls, creating presentation decks, developing agendas, taking notes, and ensuring timely follow-ups.
• Coordinate the research fellow search process, including identifying potential candidates, coordinating interviews, and managing communications throughout recruitment.
• Model Filene Credo and play an active role in creating and sustaining strong organizational culture.
• Actively support the achievement of Filene's strategic objectives, plan, budget, and metrics in a manner consistent with Filene’s mission, values, and brand.
• Provide extraordinary service to Filene’s staff, members, and stakeholders.
• Understand and engage in Filene’s complete body of work to connect member needs with Filene solutions that can best meet those needs.
• Prioritize and manage workload across several projects simultaneously, demonstrating the ability to shift gears when necessary to meet key deadlines.

The statements above are not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties will be assigned as needed.  

Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Business, Communications, Research, or related field required. 

• 1-2 years of relevant experience in research, project management, or a related field.

• Research Skills: Strong interest in research, with a foundation in basic quantitative analysis and data management. Familiarity with survey tools (e.g. Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, etc.) and research methodologies preferred.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and follow through with timely communication.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage deadlines and tasks across multiple projects.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team and contribute to a collaborative, results-driven environment.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences. Ability to develop comprehensive written reports and documents. 

• Interpersonal Skills: Confidence to collaborate with CEOs and senior credit union executives to achieve positive outcomes for Filene initiatives.

• Curiosity: Intellectually curious about credit unions and their members. Enjoy working in a “think tank” environment where ideation, continually embracing change, being restless with the status quo and seeking reinvention is part of the culture. A passion for purpose and precision – including the details. 

• Travel expected up to 5% to fulfill the requirements of the role. 

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If you’re ready to help make a difference, apply today. Please provide your Work Experience and Education or attach a copy of your resume.  Applications received without this information may be removed from consideration.

Compensation may vary based on the job level, your geographic work location, position incentive plan and exemption status.

Base Salary Range:

$55,300.00 - $83,000.00

At TruStageTM, we believe a sound, inclusive benefits program is of vital importance, along with a flexible workplace that allows for work-life balance, career growth and retirement assistance. In addition to your base pay, your position may be eligible for an annual incentive (bonus) plan.  Additional benefits available to eligible employees include medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, life insurance, disability plans, parental leave, paid time off, 401k, and tuition reimbursement, just to name a few. Beyond pay and benefits, we also recognize that flexibility, including working in a place you prefer, is essential to caring for our employees.  We will continue to strive to offer flexibility and invest in technology and other tools that will make hybrid working normal rather than an exception, so that when “life happens,” you can focus on what’s most important.

Accommodation request

TruStage is a place where everyone can bring their best self and thrive. If you need application or interview process accommodations, please contact the accessibility department.