Research and Content Marketing Manager

Research and Content Marketing Manager (Research and Insights Lead)

The Research & Insights Lead is responsible for developing and executing Blackbaud 's original research and insights programs through the Blackbaud Institute. This role leads the end-to-end research lifecycle, transforming proprietary and third-party data into impactful thought leadership that advances Blackbaud 's position as the leading authority in social impact technology.

The role combines research strategy, data analysis, content creation, stakeholder engagement, and external thought leadership. Working closely with the Senior Manager, Brand Content & Thought Leadership and Senior Brand Content Strategist, this individual helps identify the questions the market needs answered and delivers the research, analysis, and content that brings those insights to life.
Key Responsibilities:
Research Strategy & Execution

- Execute the Blackbaud Institute research roadmap and annual research plan.

- Manage relationships with research vendors, survey providers, data partners, and external thought leadership organizations.

- Design surveys and research methodologies that generate meaningful market insights.

- Oversee data collection, quality assurance, and analysis processes.

- Identify opportunities to leverage both proprietary Blackbaud data and external research sources.

Data Analysis & Insight Development

- Analyze complex data sets to identify trends, opportunities, and market insights.

- Translate findings into actionable recommendations and compelling narratives.

- Partner with internal data and analytics teams to uncover meaningful stories from Blackbaud data.

- Develop executive-ready insights and proof points for internal and external audiences.

Research Content Development

- Author flagship reports, research studies, data spotlights, briefing documents, and related thought leadership assets.

- Create content that transforms research findings into engaging and accessible stories.

- Develop supporting materials including presentations, articles, conference abstracts, social content, and executive briefings.

- Enable content teams to maximize the value and reach of research findings.

- Leverage emerging AI tools and content technologies to improve research workflows, insight development, content creation, and content reuse.

Stakeholder Engagement & Enablement

- Partner with marketing, customer success, product, communications, and leadership teams to understand research needs and business priorities.

- Facilitate regular stakeholder engagement to ensure research investments address important business and industry challenges, including ongoing Blackbaud Institute advisory board meetings.

- Develop resources that enable internal teams to leverage Blackbaud Institute research effectively.

External Thought Leadership

- Represent the Blackbaud Institute through conference presentations, webinars, media opportunities, and industry events.

- Create conference pitches and speaking submissions that elevate Blackbaud Institute thought leadership.

- Build relationships with research and thought leadership organizations.

- Support speaking engagements and external visibility initiatives that elevate Blackbaud 's authority and credibility.

Qualifications

- 5-8+ years of experience in research, thought leadership, content strategy, insights, analytics, publishing, or related fields.

- Experience designing and managing primary research studies.

- Strong analytical and storytelling capabilities.

- Exceptional writing, communication, and presentation skills.

- Ability to translate complex information into compelling business narratives.

- Experience working with external vendors and research partners.

- Comfortable serving as a public-facing subject matter expert.

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