Director, Research - Digital & Insights

FTI Consulting (SC) Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

FTI Consulting is seeking a Director for our Chicago office within the Corporate Positioning & Insights practice, leading the execution of quantitative and qualitative research engagements.

You will design questionnaires, conduct focus groups and in-depth interviews, and manage the full research lifecycle from inception to completion with attention to quality and timeliness.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years conducting primary research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
• At least 3 years in project management/lead capacity.
• Minimum 3 years in a multi-client opinion research agency or consulting firm managing multiple simultaneous projects (typically 4-5 at a time).
• Travel required to clients and to FTI office(s).
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Responsibilities

• Design, scope, and execute primary research projects, including drafting of questionnaires and discussion guides.
• Manage and actively execute the full primary research lifecycle from inception to completion, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and with strong attention to detail.
• Lead and contribute directly to project deliverables, including the management of fielding surveys and personally conducting focus groups and in-depth interviews.
• Lead small to medium projects independently, while collaborating with senior members of the team on large-scale and global initiatives.
• Guide and mentor early career professionals on research methodologies and best practices, while demonstrating strong hands-on research execution.

Skills

Primary research design

Quantitative research

Qualitative research

Project management

Mentoring

Data storytelling

Public speaking

Survey analysis

Excel data processing

AI in research

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Who We Are

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world’s top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations. At FTI Consulting, you’ll work side-by-side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you’ll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You’ll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you. Are you ready to make your impact?

About The Role

We are seeking a Director for our Chicago office within the Corporate Positioning & Insights practice, serving on the primary research team and leading the execution of quantitative and qualitative research engagements.

What You’ll Do

• Design, scope, and execute primary research projects, including drafting of questionnaires and discussion guides.
• Manage and actively execute the full primary research lifecycle from inception to completion, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and with strong attention to detail.
• Lead and contribute directly to project deliverables, including the management of fielding surveys and personally conducting focus groups and in-depth interviews.
• Lead small to medium projects independently, while collaborating with senior members of the team on large-scale and global initiatives.
• Guide and mentor early career professionals on research methodologies and best practices, while demonstrating strong hands‑on research execution.

How You’ll Grow

We are committed to investing and supporting you in your professional development and we have developed a range of programs focused on fostering leadership, growth and development opportunities. We aim to promote continuous learning and individual skills development through on-the-job learning, self-guided professional development courses and certifications. You’ll be assigned a dedicated coach to mentor, guide and support you through regular coaching sessions and serve as an advocate for your professional growth. As you progress through your career at FTI Consulting, we offer tailored programs for critical professional milestones to ensure you are prepared and empowered to take on your next role.

What You Will Need to Succeed

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years conducting primary research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
• At least 3 years in project management/lead capacity.
• Minimum 3 years in a multi-client opinion research agency or consulting firm managing multiple simultaneous projects (typically 4-5 at a time).
• Travel required to clients and to FTI office(s).
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record designing and executing quantitative survey research, including questionnaire development, survey programming oversight, and analysis of survey datasets.
• Proven track record managing and executing qualitative research, including focus group setup and moderation (in-person and online) and in-depth interviews (formal training such as RIVA preferred).
• Expertise managing full research project lifecycles, including deadline management, vendor coordination, and quality control of research deliverables.
• Proficiency creating impactful PowerPoint presentations that translate research and data into actionable insights.
• Proficiency in developing survey tabulations, applying weighting, and generating cross-tab analyses using internal research platforms.
• Strong understanding of how survey data is structured, with the ability to manipulate data using Excel or other data processing software as needed.
• Ability to integrate insights across multiple platforms, analytics streams, and methodologies.
• Strong data storytelling capabilities with understanding of creative, digital strategy, and data science integration.
• Experience leveraging AI to drive efficiencies and to innovate primary research methodologies.
• Excellent verbal presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Skill translating research terminology into practical client recommendations.
• Strong writing and numerical proficiency.
• High attention to detail.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Collaborative approach with enthusiasm for sharing ideas, learning new approaches, and mentoring early career staff.
• High comfort working in fast-paced environments, managing and prioritizing multiple research projects at different stages simultaneously.
• Operate with a high degree of independence while collaborating closely with team members across different offices.

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FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Compensation

Minimum Pay: $99,000 Maximum Pay: $152,000 Compensation Disclosure: The compensation range reflects potential base salary for the role. Actual compensation is determined based on a wide array of relevant factors including market considerations, business needs, and an individual’s location, skills, level of experience, and qualifications.

With more than 8,100+ employees located in 32 countries and territories around the globe, we are the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. Our experts have led organizations, shaped policy, driven investigations, managed crises, advised world leaders and built businesses from the ground up. Learn more about the work we do and how we’re helping clients around the world turn their biggest challenges and opportunities into stories of success. Learn more about our impact. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where our people can grow and achieve their full potential. To learn more about FTI Consulting, visit www.fticonsulting.com/careers and connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn.