01 Primary Research Specialist

Founded in 2017, Matters Graph is a boutique strategy consulting firm specializing in Commercial Due Diligence and Value Generation. We were founded with a singular mission: to deliver rigorous, evidence-based insights that help clients acquire, grow, and build stronger businesses.  

Our clients include leading private equity firms, corporate development teams, M&A professionals, and strategy leaders at some of the world's most respected organizations. Leveraging best-in-class research methodologies, proprietary primary research, and deep analytical rigor, we help clients develop and pressure-test investment theses, evaluate acquisition opportunities, and design effective value creation strategies that drive measurable results.   

About this role: 

Matters Graph is looking for sharp, driven college graduates interested in building a career in primary research and developing skills that translate across consulting, finance, sales, and other professional fields. 

As a Primary Research Specialist, you will play a critical role in supporting our consulting teams by identifying, engaging, and recruiting industry experts to participate in research consultations. You'll work across a broad range of industries, connecting with professionals ranging from Fortune 500 executives to specialized industry experts. 

Your responsibilities will include conducting industry research, identifying relevant professionals, executing targeted phone and email outreach, and coordinating research consultations. You'll manage multiple projects simultaneously while developing skills in communication, relationship management, and project coordination. 

At Matters Graph, you'll gain direct exposure to the private equity and strategy consulting industries, receive hands-on training and mentorship, and build a strong professional foundation to enable your continued growth within the firm.  

At Matters Graph, you will: 

• Research and identify qualified experts using LinkedIn, professional databases, industry publications, and creative sourcing strategies 

• Phone based outreach, email, and message senior professionals across industries to recruit them for paid research consultations 

• Screen and qualify potential participants for relevance, expertise, and availability across multiple simultaneous projects 

• Coordinate scheduling between experts and our research team or clients, managing all logistics from first contact to post-call follow-up 

• Manage your pipeline: maintain clean, accurate CRM records and report on project progress and outreach metrics 

• Improve the playbook: contribute to better outreach scripts, sourcing strategies, and team processes over time 

What We're Looking For: 

Required: 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (all majors welcome) 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: you're articulate, persuasive, and professional on the phone 

• Resilient and persistent: cold outreach means hearing "no" often, and you don't take it personally 

• Highly organized: you can manage 1-3 projects simultaneously 

• Self-motivated and resourceful: you figure things out and don't wait for instruction 

• Able to work in-person at our D.C. office Monday through Friday 

Preferred: 

• 1–2 years of experience in sales, business development, recruiting, fundraising, customer service, or any outreach-driven role 

• Familiarity with CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) or research platforms (LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo) 
• Background or interest in consulting, finance, and private equity 

Why Choose This Program: 

The Primary Research Specialist program is designed to build your skills, provide meaningful professional experience, and prepare you for long-term career growth, whether at Matters Graph or beyond. 

As you progress, you'll have opportunities to take on greater responsibility and may be considered for advancement into one of two career paths: 

• Consulting Track: Transition into our consulting team as a full-time Associate, supporting commercial due diligence engagements for private equity clients. 
• Primary Research Track: Advance to Senior Primary Research Specialist, taking ownership of more complex sourcing assignments, mentoring junior team members, and helping improve our research processes. 

Beyond Matters Graph, the experience and skills you'll develop are highly transferable to careers in strategy consulting, sales and business development, finance, private equity, and business operations. You'll build a strong foundation in research, professional communication, relationship development, and problem solving. 

What we offer: 

Primary Research Specialists earn a base salary of $65,000 per year, with eligibility for a performance-based bonus of up to 20%, bringing total potential annual compensation to $78,000. 

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Washington, D.C., with a standard 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday.  Within your first 12 months you may receive opportunities for promotion or transition to the Associate track based on performance and business needs.

Benefits Include 

• Employer-sponsored healthcare, dental, and vision coverage 

• Generous paid time off and company holidays, including your birthday  

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions  

• Training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities 

• Exposure to private equity and commercial strategy advisory 

• Opportunities to build a strong professional network and develop valuable career credentials 

Matters Graph is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.