Principal Analyst, CIO

At Forrester, we’re trusted to work on trailblazing, mission critical problems that business and technology leaders face today. That’s why we’re always looking to empower talented individuals to perform at their best every single day. We’re proud of our community of smart people and vibrant voices who come together to do what’s right by our clients and each other. Our success is driven by curiosity, courage and customer obsession. The confidence and drive to be bold at work. Join us and build an extraordinary future.

About This Role:

Principal Analysts conduct innovative research and deliver advice through written reports, client inquiries, speeches, and consulting. Contributing to Forrester’s CIO team, the analysts serve senior tech management leaders who are responsible for the success of their organization’s business goals.

The Principal/Senior Analyst writes to, presents to, and advises CIOs on Forrester’s research that addresses the strategic decision needs of CIOs worldwide. In particular, the Principal Analyst will research concepts, frameworks, and best practices related to shaping technology strategy decisions for CIOs and their teams across industries. In this high‑profile role, you’ll conduct primary research on IT strategy and contribute to research on portfolio management, governance and risk, financial management and budgeting, and performance management (metrics, KPIs, benchmarks). You’ll synthesize findings into bold, actionable content; reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, and infographics, and maintain a steady cadence of publishable IP throughout the year. You’ll also advise executives via Inquiry, Guidance Sessions, and Advisory/Consulting engagements, and represent the practice at client webinars and industry events.

You bring deep familiarity with CIO priorities and the analytical rigor to turn complex trends into clear, executive‑level guidance. You can craft research that is bold, connected, and indispensable; present confidently to executive audiences; and collaborate seamlessly with peers across research, sales, product, and customer success to amplify client impact. A track record of external presence (speaking, media, vendor briefings) and hands‑on client advisory experience is essential, with advanced degrees (e.g., MBA or master’s) preferred. Above all, you thrive in an environment that values curiosity, courage, and client obsession—and you’re excited to help technology leaders navigate strategy, investment prioritization, and measurable outcomes.

The Principal Analyst should have a strong understanding of the business and technology issues facing CIOs today and an appetite for conducting and writing research to stay abreast of the issues.

Job Description:

• Develop a deep understanding of what Forrester clients require to be successful as CIOs.

• Conduct primary research on how enterprises plan to build out their cloud strategies as part of their BT agenda.

• Evolve thought leadership around emerging practices of digital asset management, tech management financial and performance management, and business agility.

• Be able to help predict the future impact of digital technologies on business performance and innovation.

• Collaborate with experts in different focus areas from across Forrester role and geographic teams to develop a complete context for these trends, both providing input to their research reports and writing reports incorporating their expertise to provide a big-picture view.

• Collaboratively develop cohesive bodies of research that are focused on helping CIOs increase business flexibility and shape strategic business options.

• Write/create approximately 12 reports and workbooks per year, use social media to develop visibility for your research and Forrester, and contribute to Forrester client communities.

• Consult with clients to apply Forrester’s research in the context of their specific business environment and help solve their problems through inquiry and advisory.

• Present at Forrester-sponsored and industry-related events, and deliver client webinars.

• Establish an industry presence as an influential speaker and thinker; build relationships with senior technology leaders, CTOs, and CIOs, as well as with the journalists who cover the sector; and participate in vendor briefings and field press inquiries as necessary.

Job Requirements:

Forrester is looking for people who are inspired and inspiring. Our product is our intellectual capital, so we welcome and reward intellectual excellence, curiosity, and sophisticated thinking and look for:

• Proven experience in IT management positions responsible for IT financial and performance management.

• A strong record of academic achievement: BA or BS minimum; MBA or MS preferred.

• A deep intellectual curiosity about the impact of BT finance and performance management on the business landscape; solid business instincts and a practical understanding of what makes companies tick and how CIOs operate; and a creative view of markets, technologies, and attitudes combined with a fascination with the future.

• Superior listening, critical thinking, and writing skills, as well as memorable presentation skills. Principal/Senior Analysts are expected to take complex, disparate ideas and distill them into simple, provocative concepts — and be willing to take a stand on vendors and outcomes.

• The ability to travel more than 25% of the time.

Please note that the base salary range indicated here is inclusive of all applicable US geographies listed in this requisition.  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

The application deadline is January 31, 2026. Please refer to the job posting on Forrester.com careers page if the deadline has been extended.

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Here at Forrester, we welcome people from all backgrounds and perspectives. Our aim is for all candidates to be able to fully participate in Forrester’s recruitment process. If you would like to discuss a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to [email protected]. 

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