Research Analyst

The full range of risks and opportunities that face an industry or company-which may hold the key to future success or failure-is critical in discerning the long-term value of a company. Transparency in environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities is  as important as financial disclosure, especially for investors interested in long-term value creation. Relevant sustainability data is crucial, not only to those concerned with sustainable development, but to those with their sights set firmly on the financial performance of their investments.

The Sustainability Standards Accounting Board (SASBTM) will establish and maintain industry-tailored performance and disclosure protocols appropriate for use in standard filing instruments, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Form 10-K. SASB will complement the work of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and support the SEC by defining material ESG issues and establishing standards for accounting of impacts that may not translate into purely financial terms.

Developed through a multi-stakeholder process, SASB will develop concise, relevant standards for all industries and target the 35,000 publicly traded U.S. companies for disclosure. With SASB industry standards in use, consideration of sustainability performance by investors and the public will become as routine and comparable as financial performance.  

Position Overview:

The Research Analyst will be responsible for creating SASB's 2 primary work products: the industry sustainability materiality map and industry sustainability accounting standards for all industries. The position will perform quantitative research, modeling, data mining, Key Performance Indicators (KPI) harvesting & development and will be required to develop relationships with industry analysts/researchers/experts whom already have developed similar KPIs.

In addition to developing KPIs internally the Research Analyst will source and incorporate as appropriate existing sustainability accounting standards. The position requires tenacity and creativity to conduct research, draw insights, synthesize large amounts of data and develop/maintain key industry analyst relationships. Daily activity may require heavy interaction with other SASB team members and travel from time to time. SASB seeks exceptionally talented candidates with a track record of success.

Responsibilities:

Industry Classification:

• Develop SASB's industry classification schema which will be used to group industries in a logical way, reflecting their business model, primary revenue stream, uses of resources and sustainability impacts/opportunities.
• Determine the most appropriate process by which the classification will be re-evaluated and updated. Determine the optimal update frequency.
• Develop, manage and leverage a network of experts who will provide feedback and suggestions on the classification.

Materiality Map:

• Develop SASB's materiality map, which will be used to identify material issues on an industry by industry basis.
• Create and consistently refine the map including material sustainability issues, the tests/methodology used to determine materiality, and the test data sources.
• Develop, manage and leverage a network of experts who will provide feedback and suggestions on the map.

Sustainability Accounting Standards:

• Create industry specific sustainability accounting standards (SASB KPIs) for material issues, for each industry on a rolling basis (~7 industries per quarter, for a total of ~70 industries)
• Cultivate, develop and maintain new and ongoing relationships with numerous and diverse industry contacts in order to stay informed and participate in relevant thought leadership
• Leverage that network to accelerate the development of SASB's KPIs, incorporating existing standards as appropriate. This is a key activity for this role.
• Partner with the Director of Stakeholder Engagement to utilize industry stakeholders' feedback and ideas to improve KPIs
• Produce research reports, presentations, summary analysis for internal and external audiences
• Recruit volunteers to assist with research and analysis in order to leverage up SASB's capabilities
• Develop great depth of knowledge sustainability accounting standards

Organizational Leadership & Effectiveness:

• Consult with SASB leadership team on matters related to materiality, standards development, research practices, business structure/strategy and growth
• Drive initiatives for the SASB leadership team and organization that contribute to long-term organizational excellence
• Liaise with functional leads to maximize internal research and standards development.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct SASB employee supervisory responsibilities at this
time, however this position may have oversight responsibility of volunteers who may assist with research and analysis. Additionally, from time to time, the Research Analyst may be asked to lead teams, projects or initiatives with responsibility for managing SASB team members. As SASB grows the Research Analyst will have the opportunity to become a Senior Research Analyst and/or Director of Research which include supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to social and environmental justice and the mission of SASB
• BA (required), MBA (or equivalent) and CFA a plus. Prefer finance and accounting related degrees.
• Knowledge and strong interests in social and environmental issues, particularly in corporate and investment context
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and/or responsible investing
• 7 plus years' experience as research analyst or similar
• Superior research and analysis skills and comprehension/synthesis of complex information
• Experience with Bloomberg Terminals a major plus
• Experience performing quantitative research/analysis, data modeling, and data mining
• Excellent writing skills across a range of formats and audiences
• Position best suited to individuals comfortable in an entrepreneurial environment, who enjoy making significant contributions with a low level of daily guidance
• Strong self-starter with ability to initiate work and manage performance to fulfill responsibilities, manage competing priorities, and deliver to strict deadlines
• High energy level with a sense of urgency and a results oriented approach
• Positive, "can-do" attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and a collaborative work style
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace
• Excels at operating in an fast pace, community environment
• Excellent people person, open to direction and suggestions
• Collaborative work style and commitment to getting the job done
• Ability to challenge and debate issues of importance to the organization
• Ability to look at situations from several points of view
• Persuasive with details and facts
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office.

Compensation: Attractive benefits package including competitive salary, health insurance, 401(k) retirement and 100% employer matching, pooled time off (vacation and sick days combined).  

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter and your resume to Tyler Peterson In the email subject line, please write Research Analyst - your name. For example "Research Analyst - John Smith". This will help us to respond to you more quickly.