Senior Associate
Ion
Job Summary
Blackpeak, an ION company, is seeking a Senior Associate to join their team in New York, Washington DC, or Chicago. The role focuses on supporting US offices in conducting and managing English-language reputational due diligence projects. The ideal candidate will be inquisitive, self-motivated, and possess experience in investigative research and risk consulting. Responsibilities include conducting desktop research, database reviews, and interviews; producing high-quality written reports; performing intensive research and data analysis; overseeing a team of researchers; managing the research project lifecycle; and supporting client communications and account management. The role also involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and offices as needed.
Must Have
- 2-3 years of experience in research projects (due diligence, investigative research, compliance)
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects
- Discretion, good judgment, and client confidentiality
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- Familiarity with basic business concepts
- Must have work authorization not requiring sponsorship
Good to Have
- Experience managing due diligence or investigation projects
- 3-4 years of research experience
- Proficiency with research databases, OSINT tools, and regulatory frameworks
- Experience with HUMINT methodologies
- Advanced education or relevant certifications
- Strong analytical and reporting skills
- Proficiency in a second language
- Familiarity with financial analysis
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct research and analysis through desktop research, database reviews and interviews
- Produce high quality written reports
- Carry out intensive research (both primary and secondary) and analysis of large amounts of data and then assess accuracy, reliability, and relevance
- Oversee a team of researchers and help manage full lifecycle of research projects
- Support client communications and help manage key accounts to ensure timely, high-quality project delivery
- Collaborate with other cross-functional teams or offices as needed
Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:
- At least 2–3 years of experience conducting research projects related to due diligence, investigative research, or compliance assessments
- Extremely strong written and oral communication skills
- Excellent attention to detail; strong editing and proofreading skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive projects in a deadline-driven environment
- Discretion, good judgment, and the ability to maintain client confidentiality
- Bachelor’s degree or higher; many educational backgrounds are potentially relevant, including journalism, English, international relations, history, communications, philosophy, pre-law, and others
- Familiarity with basic business concepts (e.g. balance sheets, basic accounting, the functioning of capital markets, investment trends, etc.)
- Must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the US (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN visa or any other non-immigrant status)
Preferred:
- Experience managing due diligence or investigation projects, preferably in a client-focused role
- 3–4 years of experience conducting research projects related to due diligence, investigative research, or compliance assessments
- Proficiency with research databases, OSINT tools, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FCPA, AML)
- Experience conducting source inquiries, site visits, or other HUMINT methodologies
- Advanced education (e.g., Master’s degree) or certifications in relevant fields
- Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to distill complex information clearly
- Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic) is a plus
- Familiarity with financial analysis and basic business concepts