Research Director

About Us

Sensis is an integrated cross-cultural marketing agency. We reflect and embrace the cultural diversity of America to develop meaningful marketing programs that drive measurable conversions. Founded in 1998 (as Focus Multimedia), we began by building websites and have since expanded into a full-service advertising agency. We help clients navigate fundamental changes in the marketing world, including the emergence of digital technologies, expanded multiculturalism, and the transformative impact of social media.

About the Role

This is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial market research expert to help build and grow a unique research practice within a cross-cultural advertising agency. We are seeking an experienced quantitative and/or qualitative researcher who wants to step into a leadership role and make a real impact in our advertising business. Creative or media agency experience is a bonus.

As a Research Director, you will bring leadership, research expertise, and analytic thinking to manage multiple projects, grow and develop your project team, provide business insights through data analysis, and build client relationships. You will lead and mentor your team while serving as the lead analyst on your own studies, guiding them through research methodologies and project management techniques.

Responsibilities

• Guide a team through the research project process from study design to analysis and reporting, producing thorough, high-quality deliverables while achieving excellent financial results.
• Serve as the Lead Analyst on a variety of projects, ensuring they remain efficient, on schedule, and within budget.
• Direct multiple projects simultaneously for yourself and your team.
• Apply solid business understanding to deliver actionable, impactful findings to clients.
• Foster a strong sense of teamwork, providing growth and development opportunities for team members, including building morale and supporting company initiatives.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to create an inspiring environment; maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations.
• Serve as a team resource for decision-making and guidance, proactively leading problem-solving efforts.
• Develop client rapport and manage expectations through trust-building communications.
• Collaborate with Business Developers by assisting in the proposal and bid process.
• Effectively manage people managers in direct reporting relationships; directly supervise a team of 2 (and growing) research team members.

Requirements

• B.A. in a related field such as Business, Economics, or Social Sciences; M.A. or MBA preferred.
• At least 5 years of prior experience in market research.
• Ability to lead project managers, multiple projects, and teams simultaneously to deliver quality deliverables with strong financial performance.
• Strong leadership skills for direct reports, project teams, and broader project members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in analysis and report writing.
• Capable of managing workload priorities for yourself and your team.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Proficient in building and maintaining client relationships.
• Preferred expertise in one or more business verticals or study methodologies; advertising and marketing experience is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Potential growth opportunities.

Pay

For California residents only: the salary range for this role is $80,000–$120,000. The offered salary or salary range is based on several factors, including overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills, and location.

Schedule

This role is available in any of our 5 offices: Los Angeles, Orange County, Atlanta, Austin, or Washington, DC.