Qualitative Research Manager

About the role

We are seeking a seasoned qualitative research manager to join our dynamic team. This role involves designing qualitative studies, developing discussion guides, moderating, analyzing and synthesizing transcripts and video, and reporting results with an emphasis on storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Note: These projects will vary not only by industry, but also by general approach (IDIs, in-person and online focus groups, online communities/bulletin boards, ethnographies, shop-alongs, etc.) and project type (exploratory/discovery, concept and message testing, journey mapping, positioning, persona development, etc.).
• Translate client business objectives into creative, effective qualitative research designs.
• Develop discussion guides that move beyond direct questioning — incorporating projective techniques, visual and enabling exercises, and other approaches to surface underlying motivations and dynamics.
• Moderate in-depth interviews and focus groups, in person and over the internet, with skill, warmth and adaptability.
• Analyze and synthesize transcripts and video to identify the themes, tensions and insights that matter most to the business question.
• Report qualitative findings in PPT and other formats (memos, white papers, video reels, etc.) with an emphasis on storytelling.
• Select and manage qualitative vendors and facilities, and oversee recruiting against target specifications.
• Lead discussions and debriefings with clients in person or over the internet.
• Provide professional development training for colleagues/junior staff.
• Develop and present webinars for clients/prospects.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant experience in qualitative research with a demonstrable track record of high performance.
• A portfolio of past work you can share — including discussion guides, video clips and reports (redacted as necessary to preserve client confidentiality).
• A demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into creative and effective qualitative research designs.
• Mastery of moderation, including projective techniques, visual and enabling exercises, and other methods for getting beyond surface responses to capture underlying dynamics.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, manage, and effectively deliver on multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• A dynamic personality with excellent client-handling and presentation skills.
• Strong storytelling and reporting skills, with fluency in PowerPoint as well as a sense of how best to leverage AI.
• Experience with qualitative analysis and transcription/video tools is a plus.
• Superior customer focus, and willingness to work evenings and weekends if needed to support our clients.
• A can-do, positive and collaborative attitude, with a willingness to support the development of team members across the organization.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, sociology, anthropology, communication, or a related field.
• Knowledge of qualitative research techniques, tools, processes, and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $100,000-$120,000/year
• Flexible vacation policy – take the time you need to recharge
• Comprehensive health, vision & dental insurance
• 401k with company contribution
• Beautiful downtown Denver or Back Bay office with company-paid commuter benefits (parking or MBTA/RTD EcoPass)

Pay

• $100,000 - $120,000/year

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday through Friday