Research Analyst - ESG (Temporary)

Let’s be #BrilliantTogether

ISS is hiring! We seek to hire several research analysts to work with our Specialty Proxy Issues Research teams in our Rockville, Maryland office during the spring annual shareholder meeting season, for a term starting January 2025 for a term ending in May/June 2025 (there could be some fluctuation in start and end dates). Interviewing for this position will begin in November.

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.

Responsibilities

• Perform research on environmental and social issue 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 and social sustainability 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 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. March through June)
• Bachelor's degree or higher, plus relevant work experience preferred in business, corporate social and environmental issues, or other corporate fields

Additional Information

• We are currently working in a hybrid work environment out of our Rockville, MD office location (3 days in the office, 2 days remote).
• This position requires the ability to work over-time potentially, including weekends and during peak weeks (generally late March – June).
• Note, ISS benefits are not applicable for this opening. Benefits may be offered by third party provider after eligibility period. Check with the employer for details.

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What you can expect from us

Our people are the moving force behind ISS STOXX. We are dedicated to hiring the best, most talented people in our industry and empowering them with the resources and support to enhance their career, health, financial and personal well-being. 

We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We are invested in our people and are working every day to ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Let’s unite, collaborate, and inspire one another. 

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. 

Founded in 1985 as Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) Inc., ISS Governance is a leading global provider of independent and objective shareholder meeting research and recommendations, providing multiple voting policy choices as well as end-