Temporary Research Manager

Vital Research; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Vital Research is seeking an experienced Research Manager to lead complex social science research and evaluation projects for government programs and community services.

The temporary role runs Oct 2026 through Jun 30, 2027, reporting to the Lead Research Manager. You will oversee all phases from planning and staffing to data collection, analysis, reporting, and closeout, ensuring high-quality work and strong client partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Public Health, or related field.
• Five+ years in research, evaluation, or PM, or seven years equivalent.
• Three+ years supervising two or more staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple research and evaluation projects from initiation to completion.
• Develop timelines, allocate resources, monitor progress.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, reporting, and client communication.
• Provide coaching and develop junior staff.
• Maintain high-quality deliverables on time and within scope.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Client relations

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

Job description

Vital Research is seeking an experienced and collaborative Research Manager to lead complex social science research and evaluation projects that support meaningful improvements in government programs and community services. This temporary role will support a diverse portfolio of studies, including the National Core Indicators (NCI) initiative, a nationally recognized effort to assess the quality of services and outcomes for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

This is a temporary position running from October 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Reporting to the Lead Research Manager, the Research Manager oversees all phases of assigned research and evaluation projects—from project planning, staffing, and data collection to analysis, reporting, client communication, and project closeout. The role is responsible for delivering high-quality work on time and within scope while fostering strong client partnerships, supporting high-performing teams, and ensuring operational excellence across multiple concurrent projects.

Learn more about the National Core Indicators (NCI) projects:
National Core Indicators (NCI)

What You’ll Do

Project Leadership & Management

• Lead multiple research and evaluation projects from initiation through completion.
• Develop project timelines, establish priorities, allocate resources, and monitor project progress.
• Oversee data collection, survey administration, data management, analysis, and reporting activities.
• Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, processes, and research methodologies through innovation and technology.
• Coordinate field operations and support the training and oversight of field staff.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and technical documentation for clients and stakeholders.

Team Leadership

• Develop project staffing plans and assign responsibilities across project teams.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to team members.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and high-performing team environment.
• Support professional development while ensuring staff have the resources needed for success.
• Promote accountability, clear communication, and exceptional client service throughout the project lifecycle.

Client Partnership

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients throughout project execution.
• Build trusted relationships by understanding client needs and providing thoughtful consultation.
• Communicate project updates, answer technical questions, and address challenges proactively.
• Partner with clients to ensure successful project outcomes and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
• Represent Vital Research with professionalism and expertise in all client interactions.

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Business, Public Health, or a related field.
  
• Minimum of five years of experience in research, evaluation, or project management (or seven years of equivalent professional experience).
• At least three years of supervisory experience leading teams of two or more employees.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Science, Business, Public Health, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience managing social science research or program evaluation projects.
• Experience working with public sector, nonprofit, healthcare, or community-based clients.
• Familiarity with survey research methodologies, including interviews, focus groups, and mixed-methods research.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop teams while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong client relationship management skills and customer service orientation.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day project execution.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
  
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.

About Vital Research

Founded in 1982, Vital Research is a national research consulting firm specializing in delivering quality social science research. Our mission is to create vibrant communities by amplifying diverse voices and experiences through culturally responsive social science research and evaluation. Our team executes research, evaluation, and survey projects for clients across forty states spanning multiple industries. The result: we help clients answer key questions, generate useful findings, and transform communities.

About the Role

As a Research Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead projects that influence policy, improve programs, and elevate community voices across the country. You’ll work alongside passionate researchers, analysts, and field teams while partnering with clients to generate meaningful insights through high-quality social science research.

This position offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment where innovation, professional growth, and continuous improvement are valued. If you’re passionate about leading impactful research while developing people and strengthening client partnerships, we’d love to meet you.

Learn more at www.vitalresearch.com.