Principal Analyst, Data and AI Strategy and Governance

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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 individual serves data, analytics, and AI leader 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 business-centric data and AI leader whose work encompasses 1) helping client articulate, design, and execute on data and AI-strategy across the enterprise focused on and articulating AI value, prioritizing right use cases and building on Forrester's AI governance and responsible AI practices research; 2) bringing the right mix of business, strategic, and technical experiences; 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 business leaders' concerns and helps them build and articulate a strong strategy across the enterprise to deliver on the AI promise and enterprise AI ambitions keeping in mind responsible, and explainable practices through solid AI governance.

Job Description:

As part of a high-performing team focused on collaborating with others in all aspects of the job, the Principal Analyst must:

• Conduct primary research on 1) the present and future of enterprise data and AI strategy encompassing principles, business investments and outcomes, governance, partners and talent, operating model, and execution; 2) the growth of AI governance to deliver ethical, explainable, responsible, and trusted AI across the organization; 3) frameworks to prioritize use cases across different domains such as software development, customer support, and knowledge management and across industries like finance, government, and healthcare; 4) financial and cost optimization and ROI of AI initiatives; 5) implementing the delivery of AI with a product mindset treating data and AI as product; and 6) the impact of agentic and emerging AI technologies, architectures, and protocols that will unleash an AI-first enterprise.
• 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 academic record; a BA or BS degree as minimum; an MBA or MS in a related field is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in data and AI as a leader (director level or above) of practitioners. Alternatively, at least 10 years' experience being a research analyst, product management lead, or consultant lead with project experience in the data and AI space.
• 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; 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.

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

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. 

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