Director, Qualitative Program Management

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced Director of Qualitative Program Management to lead complex, high-visibility qualitative research programs for leading technology companies. This is not a traditional project management role. The ideal candidate functions as both a strategic advisor and operational leader, capable of managing large-scale qualitative research initiatives while serving as a trusted partner to senior client stakeholders. They bring executive presence, exceptional organizational rigor, and the ability to confidently navigate ambiguity, influence decisions, and drive action.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Client Leadership: Serve as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across product, marketing, UX, research, innovation, AI, cloud, and technology organizations. Lead client conversations with confidence, bringing recommendations and solutions rather than simply reporting status. Connect research activities to broader business objectives, strategic priorities, growth opportunities, and decision-making needs. Guide clients through complex challenges by providing clear points of view, trade-offs, and actionable recommendations. Build long-term partnerships that strengthen client confidence, retention, and growth.
• Program & Portfolio Leadership: Oversee multiple concurrent qualitative research programs and strategic accounts. Drive end-to-end execution across large-scale, multi-market and global initiatives. Establish operational frameworks that enable teams to execute consistently and efficiently. Anticipate risks, remove barriers, and implement mitigation strategies before issues impact delivery. Create clarity and accountability across complex stakeholder groups and workstreams. Proactively manage scope, recruitment challenges, and timeline realities. Present options, trade-offs, and clear recommendations rather than simply escalating problems.
• Research & Operational Excellence: Partner closely with researchers, moderators, project managers, recruitment partners, vendors, operations teams, and client stakeholders. Apply a strong understanding of qualitative methodologies, recruitment feasibility, screeners, participant management, and study execution. Manage highly customized research programs requiring precision, adaptability, and exceptional attention to detail. Translate ambiguity into structured plans, clear deliverables, and actionable next steps. Identify opportunities to improve processes, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Executive Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for senior client stakeholders and internal leadership teams. Navigate difficult conversations with confidence, professionally pushing back on unrealistic timelines or scope creep when necessary to protect delivery quality and client satisfaction. Foster a 'Revenue Protection' mindset by recognizing that seamless operational execution is a direct driver of client retention and future account growth. Facilitate alignment across cross-functional teams, ensuring information flows effectively and decisions are clearly documented. Navigate conversations around scope, feasibility, timelines, budgets, and changing priorities while preserving strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in qualitative research, insights consulting, program management, project leadership, operations, or client services.
• Experience supporting enterprise-level technology companies or complex B2B organizations.
• Strong understanding of qualitative research methodologies and participant recruitment.
• Proven success managing complex, multi-market, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Skills

• A strategic thinker who understands both research and business outcomes.
• Comfortable managing ambiguity and operating with incomplete information.
• Exceptionally proactive and solutions-oriented.
• Calm and composed under pressure.
• Capable of influencing senior stakeholders and inspiring confidence.
• Operationally rigorous with outstanding attention to detail.
• Skilled at balancing client needs with delivery realities.
• Equally comfortable leading executive conversations and diving into execution details when needed.

Benefits

• Medical plans with comprehensive, affordable coverage for a range of health services
• Health Savings Account/FSA
• Dental, Vision and benefits to cover unique healthcare needs
• Wellness Program
• 401k with match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Commuter benefits
• Unlimited PTO

Pay

The salary range for this role is $108,100 – $132,100 USD Annual. Your final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications.