Research Director - Insights + Analytics + Primary Research

FleishmanHillard; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

A global communications agency is seeking a Research Director to lead research and analytics projects. This hybrid role involves managing client relationships and delivering high-quality research solutions. The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years of experience in primary research and strong project management skills. Responsibilities include overseeing research projects, mentoring junior staff, and presenting findings. The anticipated salary range is $77,000-$125,000, with additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in primary research and communications measurement.
• Excellent project management skills; capable of setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain research to non-researchers.

Responsibilities

• Manage execution of research projects while cultivating strong relationships with clients.
• Lead development of narratives for research findings.
• Mentor junior and mid-level staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Client relations

Communication skills

Research methodologies

Flexibility

Tools

NewsWhip

Talkwalker

Cision

Signal

Rival IQ

Job description

Research Director - Insights + Analytics + Primary Research

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

FleishmanHillard is a global integrated communications agency delivering transformational outcomes for some of the world’s biggest brands. FleishmanHillard has an immediate opening for a Research Director to join our TRUE Global Intelligence practice in the U.S. Location is flexible and this is a hybrid role based in one of our local offices. FleishmanHillard’s TRUE Global Intelligence practice serves as a strategic enabler to the broader organization by harnessing research and data‑driven insights to achieve client business objectives. Our work within TRUE Global Intelligence integrates measurement, primary research and secondary research methods with advanced data analytics and strategic consulting. At FleishmanHillard you define it. We help you make it happen. Are you ready to join the team?

The Research Director will be primarily responsible for supporting major accounts from an analytics and research perspective, with equal focus on both primary research and measurement projects. They will partner with other colleagues to propose and execute integrated solutions that serve client needs and serve as a counselor to account teams and end clients. As the primary expert on a client engagement, the Research Director will lead primary projects across a variety of business contexts, including (but not limited to): message development, creative testing, audience exploration, thought leadership, issues management, and providing guidance on branding and reputation management strategies; from ideation and proposal to presentation and counseling on the application of findings, working closely with account teams to contextualize and shape recommendations. On the measurement side, the Research Director will lead multiple teams in the concurrent execution of measurement projects related to the analysis of media content across a variety of business contexts, including (but not limited to): measuring impact of communications campaigns, assessing competitive landscapes, and providing guidance on branding and reputation management strategies; distillation of key insights, and in development of corresponding conclusions, implications, recommendations, and strategy presentations. As Vice President, you would occasionally support broader new business and pitch efforts for the firm as well.

FleishmanHillard values the importance of impact and inclusion to strengthen the bonds between us, grow our people and create spaces for everyone to thrive. We stay true to our commitment to our people and the communities in which we live and work. As part of our ongoing effort to be the world’s most inclusive agency, we are committed to seeking candidates who possess and demonstrate a profound interest in furthering our impact and inclusion goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee end‑to‑end execution of research projects while cultivating strong relationships with clients, and working cross‑functional with internal resources.
• Manage multiple project teams simultaneously as they design research solutions, collect relevant data, analyze data, produce research reports, and present findings and conclusions to clients, while ensuring established processes are followed, and maintaining required documentation to deliver results that meet the highest quality standards.
• Employ a wide range of primary research (qualitative and quantitative) methodologies that best answer client questions.
• Employ a wide range of social media and traditional media platforms to conduct necessary research (e.g., competitive intelligence, audience analytics, sector analysis, customer journey mapping, issues monitoring, business development, etc.) and provide guidance to project teams across the life cycle of each project.
• Lead development of narratives for research findings, guiding the team to support that narrative.
• Develop pricing for proposed primary research projects and measurement and secondary research projects, develop proposals and statements of work for new opportunities.
• Engage client stakeholders to understand how primary research and/or measurement will address business needs and ensure client success; lead design of research and measurement programs based on client business requirements.
• Manage staffing and budgets for active projects.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Escalate issues that impact the timeline, budget or data quality in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Ability to join us in a hybrid model of working in‑person in the office weekly.
• Minimum 7‑10 years of experience in primary research and communications measurement.
• Excellent project management skills; capable of setting priorities, meeting deadlines and managing projects.
• Able to apply knowledge of multidisciplinary business principles and practices to achieve successful outcomes in cross‑functional projects and activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels using both technical and non‑technical verbiage, able to explain research to non‑researchers.
• Comfortable being client‑facing and great at presenting findings to a diverse audience.
• Able to build strong working relationships with clients, account teams, team members and stakeholders. Previous experience in a client‑service capacity is preferred.
• Hands‑on expertise using NewsWhip, Talkwalker, Cision, Signal, Rival IQ, Unmetric or other online social media/listening platforms required.
• Comfortable with asking good questions in order to get to the heart of issues quickly and act decisively while seeing the “bigger picture”.
• Proven analytical and deductive reasoning skills; able to translate findings into actionable insights; track record of partnership with account teams to deliver a seamless experience for end clients.
• Coachable, highly motivated, self‑starter with the ability to be flexible and precise under tight deadlines.
• Committed to cultivating diverse teams and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

FleishmanHillard specializes in public relations, reputation management, public affairs, brand marketing, digital strategy, social engagement and content strategy. FleishmanHillard was named 2020, 2021 and 2022 Campaign Global PR Agency of the Year; 2023 ICCO Large Agency of the Year – The Americas; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Agency of the Year; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Extra‑Large Agency of the Year; 2023 Campaign US PR Agency of the Year; 2021 PRovoke APAC Consultancy of the Year; and 2021 PRWeek UK Large Consultancy of the Year. FleishmanHillard is part of Omnicom PR Group and has nearly 80 offices in more than 30 countries, plus affiliates in 45 countries.

FleishmanHillard offers a hybrid work model and seeks employees who are comfortable working in the office for a portion of their week, in accordance with their local office hybrid work policy. We value the collaboration and camaraderie that in‑person interactions provide, but also understand the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees’ lives. We acknowledge that our people are diverse individuals with unique circumstances and needs, and therefore our goal is to foster a productive and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive, both in and out of the office.

FleishmanHillard is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, alienage, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state or local laws. Please do not contact the office directly to apply – only resumes submitted through this website will be considered. If you need assistance reviewing career opportunities or completing an application, please email our careers team or call 314‑982‑1700 and ask to be connected to Talent Development.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $77,000‑$125,000.

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job‑related qualifications and geography. A range of medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, paid time off and/or other benefits also are available.