Principal Analyst, Data and AI Architecture

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About This Role:

Forrester Research is seeking a Principal Analyst to be a critical member of the research team writing for our data and AI body of work. This work serves data, analytics, and AI leaders and helps them achieve high performance - the ability to deliver great business results through data, AI, and analytics technology. It also guides vendors in defining the future of the market.

The Principal Analyst is a tech-centric data and AI leader whose work encompasses: 1) helping clients articulate and design a technology vision to support their enterprise data and AI strategy; 2) building modern technology platforms that facilitate today's and tomorrow's data and AI use cases; and 3) fostering a culture of collaboration across our research, sales, product, and customer success teams. The Principal Analyst has a strong understanding of data, AI, and technology leaders' concerns and helps them build and articulate a strong technology foundation to deliver on the AI promise and enterprise AI ambitions.

Job Description:

The Principal Analyst will work as part of a high-performing team with a strong emphasis on collaborating with others in all aspects of the job. The Principal Analyst is expected to:

• Conduct primary research on: 1) the cutting edge of data architecture, particularly concepts and approaches supporting an agentic future; 2) trends in data architecture for enterprises managing data of all types at scale across regions and clouds; 3) architectural frameworks that embed governance and risk management for AI; 4) financial and cost optimization and ROI of data and AI technology initiatives; and 5) performance management and measurement for enterprise data and AI technology.
• Create approximately eight to 12 high-quality, actionable, analytically deep, and fact-based research projects per year, which include a mixture of written reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, and other intellectual property. Work alongside sales and marketing teams to promote visibility for this research.
• Drive and lead key Forrester Wave and Landscape reports.
• Consult with clients to apply Forrester's research in the context of their specific business environment and help solve their problems through inquiry, guidance, and advisory and consulting engagements.
• Present at Forrester-sponsored and industry-related events, as well as deliver client webinars.
• Establish an industry presence as an influential speaker and thinker, build relationships with journalists who cover the sector, and participate in press inquiries as necessary.
• Support business development and prospect conversations as arranged by Forrester's account leadership teams.
• Foster a style that drives a culture of cross-team collaboration, mentorship, integrity, and relentless and positive pursuits.

Job Requirements:

• A strong record of academic achievement: BA or BS degree as a minimum; MBA or MS in a related field is preferred.
• At least 10 years' experience in data and AI architecture with demonstrated leadership of teams. Alternatively, at least 10 years' experience as a research analyst or consultant lead with project experience in data and AI architecture.
• Understand the data, analytics, and AI space, especially as it spirals rapidly into a new world of agentic, AGI, and super intelligence.
• A demonstrated ability to serve as an advisor to senior management and C-level clients.
• Superior client-facing communication, listening, critical thinking, and collaboration skills with researchers, subject matter experts, and client leaders.
• Strong knowledge of the issues and challenges that data, AI, and technology executives and leaders face, and expertise in the broad implications of current and emerging technology markets, economics, labor, and econometrics.
• The ability to take complex, disparate ideas and distill them into simple, provocative concepts; a willingness to take a stand on outcomes with clients, vendors, press, and competition.
• The ability to travel 30% of the time.

We're a network of knowledge and experience leading to richer, fuller careers. Here, we're always learning. Whether you want to hone your strengths or discover new ones, Forrester is the place to go for it. It's a place where everyone is given the tools, support, and runway they need to go far. We'll be right there beside you, every step of the way.

Please note that the base salary range indicated here is inclusive of all applicable US geographies listed in this requisition, with the exception of New York City. This salary range is based upon the position as described in the job listing. The offered compensation may vary within this range and is dependent upon the successful candidate's primary work location, experience, training, education, and credentials.

Base salary range: $141,000-229,000

Base salary range for New York City, NY: $161,000 - 263,000

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FLSA Status:

Here at Forrester, we welcome people from all backgrounds and perspectives. Our aim is for all candidates to be able to fully participate in Forrester's recruitment process. If you would like to discuss a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to accommodationrequest@forrester.com.

Forrester Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. As a federal contractor, Forrester encourages veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

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