Director, Research & Analytics

Starcom Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advertising agency in Toronto is seeking a data-driven Director of Research & Analytics to guide research practices and drive insightful media strategies. The ideal candidate will possess 8+ years of relevant experience, excel in data storytelling, and have a strong grasp of media metrics. This full-time role offers collaboration with diverse teams and the chance to shape data-driven marketing initiatives.

Benefits

Work with top-tier clients

Collaborative, innovative team

Shape future marketing strategies

Qualifications

• 8+ years in research, analytics, or strategy roles within media agencies.
• Expertise in media mix modeling, including vendor management and interpretation.
• Excellent communication skills to translate data into narratives for executives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance research and analytics capabilities.
• Oversee media mix modeling development and its optimization.
• Conduct audience insights segmentation studies.

Skills

Media mix modeling

Audience segmentation

Data storytelling

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Tableau

R

Python

SAS

Job description

Join to apply for the Director, Research & Analytics role at Starcom Canada.

Direct message the job poster from Starcom Canada

Starcom is part of Publicis Media within Publicis Groupe, one of the world’s leading communications groups. Our team spans Windsor, Toronto, and Montreal. We love media and advertising, viewing planning and buying as an art backed by data science.

Our core belief is that human experiences drive impact through tangible results. We aim to understand our clients’ businesses and what motivates consumers, designing experiences that lead to meaningful actions—Move People, Move Business.

We are a recognized agency with credentials including:

• Great Places to Work certified two years in a row
• Ranked in LinkedIn’s Top 25 Great Places to Work
• 2022 Media Agency of the Year
• 2023 Media Agency of the Year finalist

As part of Publicis Media Canada, we foster a diverse environment that supports career growth and values individual contributions.

Overview

We seek a strategic, data-driven Director of Research & Analytics to lead our research and insights practice. This role is ideal for a media-savvy analytics leader who excels at translating complex data into compelling narratives and strategies. You will partner with internal teams and clients to advance our research capabilities and deliver insights that inform smarter media decisions.

Responsibilities

1. Lead Research Strategy: Develop and enhance research and analytics capabilities, including primary and secondary research, methodologies, and modeling techniques.
2. Media Mix Modeling (MMM): Oversee MMM development, execution, and interpretation to optimize media performance and ROI.
3. Audience Insights: Conduct segmentation studies to guide targeting and media strategies.
4. Insights Development: Combine data sources into narratives that inform strategies and inspire creative work.
5. Client Consulting: Present findings and recommendations to clients persuasively.
6. Collaboration & Integration: Work with planning, strategy, media, and data science teams to embed insights throughout campaigns.
7. Innovation & Thought Leadership: Stay updated on industry trends and methodologies to keep the agency at the forefront.
8. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor analysts and researchers, fostering curiosity and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in research, analytics, or strategy roles within media agencies or similar environments.
• Expertise in media mix modeling, including vendor management and interpretation.
• Knowledge of media channels and measurement strategies.
• Experience with audience segmentation and consumer journey mapping.
• Excellent communication skills to translate data into stories for executives.
• Leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in tools like Excel, PowerPoint, Tableau, and statistical platforms (R, Python, SAS) is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Why Join Us

• Work with top-tier clients across industries
• Be part of a collaborative, innovative team
• Shape the future of data-driven marketing in a media-first world

Starcom is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing accommodations during recruitment as needed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Marketing

Industry: Advertising Services

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