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How to hire an intelligence research specialist

Intelligence research specialist hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring intelligence research specialists in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire an intelligence research specialist is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new intelligence research specialist to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire an intelligence research specialist, step by step

To hire an intelligence research specialist, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a intelligence research specialist:

Here's a step-by-step intelligence research specialist hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write an intelligence research specialist job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new intelligence research specialist
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an intelligence research specialist do?

Intelligence research specialists are professionals who work in government agencies and large companies to monitor and assess the transfer of inappropriate communication. These specialists must produce high-quality field intelligence reports and distribute information to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and intelligence community. They must disseminate warnings and threat analysis to the organization's executive and senior management on actionable intelligence contingencies. Intelligence research specialists must also maintain a database for research and exploitation as well as perform maintenance on their hardware and software applications.

Learn more about the specifics of what an intelligence research specialist does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your intelligence research specialist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an intelligence research specialist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    An intelligence research specialist's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, intelligence research specialists from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents intelligence research specialist salaries for various positions.

    Type of Intelligence Research SpecialistDescriptionHourly rate
    Intelligence Research SpecialistPolice officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators, who are sometimes called agents or special agents, gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.$32-73
    Geospatial AnalystA geospatial analyst specializes in analyzing aerial imagery to develop geographic data that provides essential information about a ground or land's condition. They can find employment in different fields and industries such as agriculture, urban planning, mining, and even military intelligence... Show more$23-38
    Crime AnalystA crime analyst specializes in gathering and processing data to help law enforcement solve and prevent crimes. They prioritize accurate and sufficient data collection, which is why they visit crime scenes to collect pieces of evidence such as DNA and photographs according to a set of protocols... Show more$21-39
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Intelligence Community
    • National Security
    • DHS
    • Federal Agencies
    • Source Intelligence
    • Law Enforcement Agencies
    • Intelligence Reports
    • Intelligence Analysis
    • TS/SCI
    • DOD
    • Intelligence Products
    • DEA
    • Subject Matter Expertise
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Lead Intel support for SOF, Taskforce and OGA sensitive mission operations.
    • Manage accounting, control, handling, storage, and destruction of COMSEC items.
    • Provide peer support for Linux and desktop support as needed.
    • Recognize subject matter expert (SME) regarding use of MWD to counter IED threat.
    • Review and revise DTP's associate with work orders and assist in updating to BKM's.
    • Contribute to the development and targeting of several smuggling networks and personalities within the USCENTCOM area of operations (AOR).
    More intelligence research specialist duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the intelligence research specialist job description is a good way to get more applicants. An intelligence research specialist salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for an intelligence research specialist in Kentucky may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level intelligence research specialist. Additionally, an intelligence research specialist with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average intelligence research specialist salary

    $102,643yearly

    $49.35 hourly rate

    Entry-level intelligence research specialist salary
    $68,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 26, 2025

    Average intelligence research specialist salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$131,906$63
    2Maryland$118,497$57
    3Virginia$115,476$56
    4District of Columbia$114,196$55
    5Hawaii$105,602$51
    6Massachusetts$103,583$50
    7Oregon$100,192$48
    8New York$97,698$47
    9Washington$95,546$46
    10Michigan$95,059$46
    11Texas$91,129$44
    12Florida$90,390$43
    13North Carolina$78,641$38

    Average intelligence research specialist salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Meta$157,170$75.56570
    2Apple$153,712$73.9054
    3AstraZeneca$131,190$63.075
    4Cisco$129,784$62.4010
    5LinkedIn$122,094$58.704
    6Salesforce$120,494$57.9320
    7Mandiant$118,647$57.04
    8M.I.T. International, Inc.$115,740$55.6411
    9CNA Holding Corporation$110,716$53.23
    10Lodging Econometrics$110,480$53.12
    11U.s. Coast Guard$109,612$52.70
    12Control Risks$107,555$51.716
    13Chenega$107,218$51.5512
    14Nissan Motor$106,665$51.28
    15FireEye$104,925$50.44
    16Bank of America$103,620$49.8222
    17The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory$101,301$48.706
    18Industrial Info Resources$99,673$47.92
    19E3 Federal Solutions, Llc$93,517$44.96
    20U.S. Secret Service$90,635$43.57
  4. Writing an intelligence research specialist job description

    A good intelligence research specialist job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an intelligence research specialist job description:

    Intelligence research specialist job description example

    At AlixPartners, we solve the most complex and critical challenges by moving quickly from analysis to action when it really matters; creating value that has a lasting impact on companies, their people, and the communities they serve. By understanding, respecting, and honoring the needs of our employees, clients, and communities, AlixPartners actively promotes an inclusive environment. We strongly believe in the value that diversity brings to our experiences and are committed to the perpetual enhancements of initiatives, policies, and practices. We hold ourselves accountable by providing the space for authenticity, growth, and equity for everyone.

    AlixPartners has embraced a hybrid work model to provide flexibility and support our employees' work-life integration. Our hybrid model combines a mix of in-person at an AlixPartners office and remote working.
    What you'll do

    In this important role on AlixPartners' Corporate Services team, you will work closely with senior practice leaders as well as the Business Intelligence Center team. Your role will include providing strategic support on special projects and helping to deliver excellent service to our industries, communities, and markets.

    The Business Intelligence Specialist is a full-time role located in New York City, New York, and reports to a Business Intelligence Vice President. Paid relocation is not available for this position.

    * Conduct research using various research tools including Debtwire, Reorg Research, Law 360, Bloomberg, PACER, Capital IQ, Factiva. and Statista.
    * Perform analysis using various data sets and work with external research providers to ensure quality and timely delivery of financial, situation and performance analysis and research.
    * Provide support to the Turnaround and Restructuring Service offering teams to support new business opportunity identification/screening and track opportunities through closure.
    * Review connections to potential target clients and communicate results to consultants.
    * Support in developing client presentations to pitch for new business opportunities.
    * Provide ad hoc business development support and research assistance to the various communities.
    * Additional responsibilities as identified.
    * This description is not designed to encompass a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties, or responsibilities.

    What you'll need

    * One (1) year of professional experience preferred, ideally in a research related role or professional services.
    * Undergraduate degree with strong preference for a financial concentration.
    * Financial acumen and ability to analyze company performance gained through undergraduate studies or work.
    * Sound judgment, common sense, and problem-solving ability. Proven analytical skills.
    * Commitment to success of team, ability to cooperate with others and work across boundaries to engage with colleagues to get things done while meeting deadlines.
    * Ability to find creative and practical solutions, desire to innovate and improve status quo for betterment of the team.
    * Adept at multi-tasking within a high expectation and fast-paced environment.
    * Assure the quality and timely completion and delivery of projects, including prioritizing projects during peak activity times.
    * Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact with people at all levels.
    * English fluency required, other languages a plus.
    * Must become familiar with, and promote and abide by, all Firm values as defined by the AlixPartners' Code of Conduct and in terms of Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion
    * Ability to work full time in an office and remote environment; physically able to sit/stand at a computer and work in front of a computer screen for significant portions of the workday

    In addition to a positive workplace, the firm offers a comprehensive compensation package including an excellent benefit program (health, vision, dental, disability, 401K, tuition reimbursement).

    AlixPartners is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability. AlixPartners is a proud Silver award-winning Veteran Friendly Employer.

    EEO is the Law: poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf (eeoc.gov)

    EEO Supplemental Poster: EEO is the Law Poster Supplement (dol.gov)

    #LI-KL1

    #LI-Hybrid
  5. Post your job

    To find intelligence research specialists for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any intelligence research specialists they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level intelligence research specialists with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your intelligence research specialist job on Zippia to find and recruit intelligence research specialist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Your first interview with intelligence research specialist candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new intelligence research specialist

    Once you've selected the best intelligence research specialist candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new intelligence research specialist. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire an intelligence research specialist?

Recruiting intelligence research specialists involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $102,643 per year for an intelligence research specialist, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for intelligence research specialists in the US typically range between $32 and $73 an hour.

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