Specialty Research Analyst (Temporary)

ISS is hiring! We seek to hire several research analysts to work with the Specialty Research teams in our Rockville, Maryland or Washington, DC office during the spring annual shareholder meeting season, for a term starting January/February 2026 for a term ending in May/June 2026 (there could be some fluctuation in start and end dates).

Each year, institutional investors such as mutual funds and pension funds vote on key governance issues at their portfolio companies. These include the election of directors, ratification of auditors, executive compensation plans, and Environmental and Social shareholder proposals. For over 30 years, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has been the leading provider of governance research to institutional investors, helping them assess governance risk at their portfolio companies and cast informed votes on these issues.

ISS’ Specialty Policies are developed through an inclusive process that takes advantage of ISS’ own expertise and the input of the broader governance community. For additional information regarding ISS’ Specialty Policies, please visit: https://www.issgovernance.com/policy-gateway/voting-policies/ 

Responsibilities

• Perform research on shareholder proposals to be voted on at annual shareholder meetings of publicly traded companies.
• Analyze information to draft reports and issue proxy vote recommendations based on ISS' policy guidelines.
• Develop an understanding of corporate environmental, social sustainability, and labor issues; including human rights, animal welfare, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, corporate political contributions and lobbying, and sustainability reporting.
• Develop an understanding of governance issues, including board of directors, shareholder rights, audit issues, compensation, and mergers/acquisitions.
• Engage as needed with representatives from corporations, institutional investors, and other market players. 
• Answer internal and external queries on research analyses, and discuss policies and vote recommendations as appropriate.
• Perform other research-related work and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical abilities
• Excellent editing, reading comprehension, writing and oral communication skills
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, a self-driven work ethic, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work within a team-oriented environment and communicate with various internal parties
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends during peak weeks (approx. mid-April through May)
• Bachelor's degree or higher, plus relevant work experience preferred in business, corporate social and environmental issues, or other corporate fields

Additional Information

• Work Schedule: This role follows a 5-days a week in office schedule.
• Peak Season: During peak season (mid-April through May), overtime may be requested, which can include evenings or weekends.
• Payroll and Benefits: The payroll provider for this position is through a third party, so ISS STOXX benefits are not applicable. Benefits may be available through the third-party provider after an eligibility period; please inquire for more details.

Location Options

• Rockville, MD: Located in the vibrant King Farm community, convenient access to transit (1 mile from Shady Grove Red Line), dining, green spaces with free parking, and access to an onsite gym.
• Washington, DC: A modern, open-floor workspace on Rhode Island Avenue in Northwest DC, with an onsite gym and convenient metro access.

Compensation: The pay range for this position in Rockville, MD, and Washington, DC, is $26.00 - $27.50 per hour. Exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, and education.

Employment Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with overtime eligibility (subject to manager approval).

What You Can Expect from Us

At ISS STOXX, our people are our driving force. We are committed to building a culture that values diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences. We hire the best talent in our industry and empower them with the resources, support, and opportunities to grow—professionally and personally.

Together, we foster an environment that fuels creativity, drives innovation, and shapes our future success.

Let’s empower, collaborate, and inspire.

Let’s be #BrilliantTogether.

About ISS STOXX

ISS STOXX GmbH is a leading provider of research and technology solutions for the financial market. Established in 1985, we offer top-notch benchmark and custom indices globally, helping clients identify investment opportunities and manage portfolio risks. Our services cover corporate governance, sustainability, cyber risk, and fund intelligence. Majority-owned by Deutsche Börse Group, ISS STOXX has over 3,400 professionals in 33 locations worldwide, serving around 6,400 clients, including institutional investors and companies focused on ESG, cyber, and governance risk. Clients trust our expertise to make informed decisions for their stakeholders' benefit.