Data Acquisition Specialist

Aaru•New York, NY

3d•$200,000 - $350,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Data Acquisitions Specialist, you will help build Aaru’s external data advantage. You will identify and secure high-value third-party datasets that make our simulations more predictive and versatile. This role is focused on sourcing: mapping the frontier of the data landscape, cultivating vendor relationships, evaluating new opportunities, and driving datasets from initial outreach through diligence and deal execution. You will work closely with research, engineering, and leadership to shape the data assets that underpin Aaru’s long-term edge.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in data acquisitions, alternative data research, partnerships, business development, or a similar role focused on external datasets
A strong understanding of the alternative data ecosystem and good judgment around what makes a dataset valuable, differentiated, and difficult to replicate
Confident conducting external outreach and building relationships with senior counterparts at data vendors and related businesses
Strong commercial instincts and can weigh data quality, strategic importance, and price in making acquisition recommendations
Highly organized and able to manage multiple vendor conversations, evaluations, and negotiations at once without sacrificing rigor

Nice To Haves

Experience working with alternative data from an investing, research, marketplace, or vendor perspective
Negotiated data licensing agreements or other commercial arrangements for third-party datasets
Evaluated data for issues such as representativeness, methodology risk, overlap with existing sources, and likely value-add
Worked closely with research or engineering teams to determine whether a dataset is worth testing, integrating, or purchasing
Familiarity with privacy, compliance, and usage-rights considerations relevant to third-party data acquisition
A quantitative background and are comfortable performing exploratory data analysis

Responsibilities

Identify and source external datasets and proprietary sources that could materially improve Aaru’s simulations across a range of domains
Conduct outbound outreach to vendors and develop relationships with companies that may not already be actively selling data
Partner with internal teams to understand priority data needs and translate them into a targeted acquisition strategy
Coordinate sample reviews and help evaluate datasets for quality, coverage, uniqueness, usability, and likely incremental value
Compare competing providers within a category and recommend which opportunities are most differentiated and strategically attractive
Own vendor communications throughout the acquisition process, including introductory conversations, diligence, pricing discussions, and contract coordination
Conduct negotiations around licensing rights, exclusivity, trial structures, pricing, and other key commercial terms
Maintain clear records of vendor status, sample outcomes, pricing history, and reasons for pursuing or passing on opportunities