Associate Vice President, Research Services

Finn Partners; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

FINN Partners’ Honolulu office is seeking an Associate Vice President for its growing primary research team. The role blends hands-on qualitative and quantitative research, data analytics, AI integration, and executive client presentations with high-level client management and streamlined team support.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years in market research or related fields, with leadership experience and a deep knowledge of Hawaii’s culture and business context.

Qualifications

• Experience leading primary market research projects from proposal to final delivery.
• Ability to design mixed-methods research and oversee data processing.
• Strong client communication and report presentation skills.
• Knowledge of AI-driven research techniques and dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of qualitative and quantitative market research projects.
• Develop research proposals, scopes of work, and client budgets.
• Synthesize large datasets into client-ready reports and dashboards.
• Adopt Generative AI models to streamline analysis and delivery.
• Maintain high client retention and grow strategic accounts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research insights.

Skills

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Data analytics

AI integration

Presentations

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PowerPoint

Tableau

Displayr

Canva

SPSS

SAS

Job description

FINN Partners’ Honolulu office is looking for an Associate Vice President for its growing primary research team. The Associate Vice President plays a central role in driving high-impact primary research programs, expanding client relationships, and uncovering strategic business insights. This position blends hands‑on technical expertise across qualitative and quantitative methodologies—from project inception and questionnaire design to advanced data analytics, AI integration, and executive client presentations with high‑level client management and streamlined team support.

To be considered for this role you will need to be located in Honolulu. You will be expected to be in the office at least 1 day a week and may occasionally be required to work during evenings and weekends, as well as travel overnight. As a Research Services Associate Vice President you will have the opportunity to:

• Oversee and directly execute all phases of qualitative and quantitative market research projects (from proposal to final presentation).
• Identify new business opportunities, designing research proposals, methodologies, scope‑of‑work documents, and client budget forecasts.
• Synthesize large datasets into compelling, client‑ready reports, dashboards, and presentation decks using tools such as PowerPoint, Canva, Displayr, or Tableau.
• Explore, test, and adopt Generative AI models, prompt engineering, and automated analytics tools to streamline qualitative synthesis and data processing.
• Serve as the primary research contact for key corporate, non‑profit, and government client accounts. Identify account growth opportunities and maintain high client retention.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients and internal agency teams, interpreting findings to deliver actionable insights that align with clients' broader strategic objectives.
• Strengthen collaboration between Research Services and FINN Partners’ public relations, marketing, creative, and strategy teams to integrate research insights into broader client programs.

The ideal candidate brings a strong proficiency in either quantitative (survey design, sampling, statistical modeling) or qualitative (focus groups, intercept interviews, thematic coding) research techniques. While mastery of one is required, this role demands hands‑on involvement and oversight across both methodologies. Additionally, they will bring a demonstrated knowledge of (or acute curiosity for) Hawaii’s culture and its impact on business, understanding the role of primary research in marketing and public relations.

Along with the qualifications listed above, you will be considered as a candidate if you have:

• Five (5) – Seven (7) years’ professional experience in market research, marketing analytics, or research project management.
• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership, project management, or supervisory capacity.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Market Research, Business Management, Behavioral Sciences, Economics, Statistics, Marketing, Sociology, or a related discipline
• Knowledge and understanding of question and questionnaire design, data cleaning procedures, and applications of Generative AI and machine learning models within market research methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships, present complex concepts in clear terms, and turn research into actionable recommendations.
• Practical market research/client experience with applied knowledge of advanced statistical and analytical techniques used in quantitative analysis.
• A creative mindset, with the ability to visualize data in high‑impact, client‑ready ways using tools such as Canva and PowerPoint.
• Ability to translate complex concepts and methodologies into easily understood language.
• Experience with SPSS, SAS or other advanced statistical analysis software.
• Experience utilizing AI‑driven research platforms or prompt engineering for data synthesis
• Experience with Tableau, DisplayR or similar data dashboarding tool.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and visual presentation skills with a high attention to detail.

Additional desirable qualifications include:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience within a market research, public relations, or integrated marketing agency serving diverse industries.
• Formal training or demonstrated experience in qualitative focus group moderation.

Compensation Range: $100,000 - $125,000 commensurate with experience.

About Anthology Research

Located in Honolulu, Anthology Research offers the latest in online and traditional research capabilities and a field staff well experienced in onsite and offsite/interview research. While we're part of Hawaii's largest integrated marketing firm, we have strict firewalls in place to ensure full client confidentiality. We are a full‑service research company with an in‑house CATI‑equipped call center and state‑of‑the‑art qualitative facility, as well as various data collection tools that can be used for both quantitative and qualitative efforts. Anthology Research has successfully conducted both quantitative and qualitative research projects for many clients in various industries specializing in government/public policy, elections, travel & tourism and hospitality, medical services, and financial services. We have a stellar reputation among many non‑profits as well, as just one part of our efforts to give back to our community. As such, we are very familiar with the opportunities and challenges in Hawaii and across the Pacific.

About FINN

Founded in 2011 on the core principles of innovation and collaborative partnership, FINN Partners has grown from about $24 million in fees to nearly $200 million in fees over ten years, becoming one of the fastest growing independent public relations agencies in the world. The full‑service marketing and communications company's record setting pace is a result of organic growth and integrating new companies and new people into the FINN world through a common philosophy. With more than 1,300 professionals across 35 offices, FINN provides clients with global access and capabilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia. FINN Partners clients are also supported through longstanding partner agencies and its membership in the PROI network of leading agencies around the world.

Headquartered in New York, FINN has offices in:

Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Bangalore, Bangkok, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Delhi, Denver, Detroit, Dublin, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Jerusalem, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Madison, Manila, Mumbai, Munich, Nashville, Orange County, Paris, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Washington D.C. and Yangon.