Director, Public Affairs

Ipsos in US; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Healthcare plans

Wellness benefits

Flexible workplace policy

Job summary

Ipsos in US is seeking a Director who will provide strategic insight and lead research projects. This role emphasizes building client relationships, mentoring researchers, and enhancing research methodologies.

The ideal candidate must have over 5 years of experience, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to tell a story with data. They will enjoy an exceptional benefits package and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a research environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong insights from data with storytelling ability.
• Bilingual is a plus but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Design research proposals to engage clients.
• Coordinate data analysis and verify results.
• Lead or co-lead reporting and strategic guidance.
• Mentor junior team members on best practices.

Skills

Quantitative research

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree (graduate degree an asset)

Tools

SPSS

R

Job description

Job Description

Ipsos is one of the world’s largest research companies and primarily managed by researchers. We rank as a #1 full-service research organization for four consecutive years, with over 75 data‑driven solutions across 90 markets. In the Public Affairs Service Line, we lead social and opinion research, working with clients on political and public‑opinion polling, citizen and stakeholder management, social policy improvement, sustainable development strategy, and identifying societal trends.

What makes this role important at Ipsos?

As a Director, you will provide strategic insight to clients, designing and leading research projects that address their business issues. You will build and maintain strong client relationships, mentor a small team of researchers, and drive continuous improvement in research design and analysis.

What You Can Expect To Be Doing

• Design research proposals that grow business presence and scope with clients, while mentoring and coaching a small team of researchers.
• Coordinate and perform data analysis, verify results, test hypotheses, draw conclusions, prepare reports and presentations, recommend actions, and provide ongoing advice to support decision‑making and planning.
• Understand the spectrum of Ipsos service lines and collaborate with other experts across service lines to support the client; may include new business outreach and structured business development plans.
• Mentor and train junior team members on best practices and career growth on an ongoing basis.
• Create an “internal brand” within Ipsos, positioning yourself as a thought leader in a specific area (client‑facing and/or internal).
• CLIENT MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Act as the primary project lead, overseeing junior members; handle complex conversations/communications around project design, analysis, and unexpected challenges; ensure business retention and uncover incremental revenue opportunities; coach junior team members on client interactions.
• STUDY LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead or co‑lead report writing, strategic client guidance, and presentation of findings based on large datasets and advanced analysis.
• EMPLOYEE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Possibly manage one or more account managers or senior account managers, overseeing training, day‑to‑day guidance, supervision, and providing feedback during reviews and goal setting.
• STRATEGIC THINKING EXPECTATIONS
  • Act as a strategic leader for the project team and, in some cases, the client account team; think through implications of actions, identify opportunities and risks, and act accordingly, balancing client needs with optimal outcomes for Ipsos.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a research environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong client service orientation.
• Strong quantitative research, analytical, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to draw insights and tell a story with data.
• Highly motivated, self‑directed, and capable of working within tight deadlines.
• Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and completeness of information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Bilingual is a plus but not mandatory.
• Bachelor’s degree (graduate degree an asset) or equivalent related experience.
• SPSS, R experience preferred.

What’s In It For You

Career development opportunities, an exceptional benefits package (including generous PTO, healthcare plans, and wellness benefits), a flexible workplace policy, and a strong collaborative culture.

Commitment to Diversity

Ipsos is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, protected veteran status, or disability. We are committed to inclusion, respect, and responsible conduct in line with best practices in diversity, inclusion, human rights, equality, and civility.