Vice President, Industry and Consumer Insights

National Retail Federation Inc•Washington, DC

12h•$225,000 - $245,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Retail Federation (NRF) is seeking a Vice President, Industry and Consumer Insights to lead the generation of high-value, data-driven insights into consumer behavior and key industry trends. This role will involve using survey-based research and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop impactful research studies. The Vice President will also serve as a visible spokesperson, translating research into compelling narratives for media, members, and policymakers, thereby elevating the research function's relevance and advancing NRF's reputation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, sociology, statistics, marketing research, or a related discipline.
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in consumer insights, industry research, economic analysis, or a related field.
Leadership experience setting strategy, leading teams, managing complex research portfolios, and driving enterprise-wide impact.
Deep understanding of the retail industry and the consumer, economic, regulatory, and public policy dynamics shaping it.
Ability to translate sector developments into strategic insight for members, leadership, and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to lead the design and execution of rigorous research.
Ability to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data.
Ability to convert findings into clear, actionable insights that inform executive decision-making, member engagement, and advocacy strategy.
Exceptional writing, editorial, and content development skills.
Experience producing high-quality reports and executive briefings.
Demonstrated effectiveness as a public-facing spokesperson, with executive presence.
Experience representing an organization in media interviews, member forums, conferences, and other high-visibility settings.
Strategic and enterprise-minded leadership with the ability to set long-term direction and prioritize effectively.
Ability to align research investments with organizational goals, member value, and external impact.
Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills.
Credibility and judgment to work effectively with senior executives, association members, board-level stakeholders, external partners, media, and policymakers.
Highly collaborative and self-directed.
Sound judgment, strong attention to detail.
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Willingness to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in economics, public policy, business, statistics, or a related field.
Experience developing research and evidence-based narratives that support public policy, advocacy, or government affairs priorities, ideally within a trade association or other mission-driven, externally engaged organization.

Responsibilities

Shape and execute a forward-looking research agenda aligned with organizational priorities and member needs.
Strengthen and evolve existing research programs, including consumer surveys, industry benchmarking, and trend analysis.
Identify, design, and launch new research initiatives and data products.
Continuously evaluate the research portfolio to optimize output and prioritize high-impact projects.
Oversee relationships with external research vendors and partners, managing scope, quality, timelines, and budgets.
Lead the development of insights into consumer behavior, attitudes, and spending patterns.
Monitor and analyze key retail industry trends, structural shifts, and emerging developments.
Synthesize consumer, industry, and economic research into authoritative reports, briefs, presentations, and talking points.
Serve as a primary media spokesperson on consumer and retail industry trends.
Represent the organization at industry conferences, member meetings, and external events.
Collaborate with the communications team to translate research findings into resonant narratives.
Build and maintain credibility as a trusted expert among journalists, analysts, industry leaders, and partner organizations.
Develop research and insights that support the organization’s advocacy agenda.
Create data-driven narratives and evidence to inform policymakers.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure research is timely, relevant, and persuasive.
Lead, manage, and develop high-performing research team members.
Set clear team priorities and operating rhythms to ensure on-time delivery and consistent quality.
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for relevant portfolios.
Own the research function operating budget, including planning, forecasting, and vendor spend management.