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McGarrah Jessee is on a quest for a research director to lead our in-house consumer research team. This person believes in the importance of supporting decisions with data, but also recognizes that no amount of data is enough if you don’t start with a thoughtful question and craft a compelling story with the answers.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of and experience with a multitude of methodologies and a passion for the insights that research can bring brands. He or she isn’t just a methodology nerd, but is a trusted partner to both our internal teams and clients when it comes to creatively answering business questions. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to work as an “in-house” consumer insights department partnering very closely with a wide range of clients. You also have the benefit of seeing research insights and findings get implemented into a brand’s marketing strategy and projects such as written briefs, communication development, positioning or product development.

Responsibilities:

While this covers most of what the research director does, our small team supports the agency across a diverse set of brands and you may be called upon to help in unexpected ways.

Leading a team of 2–3 researchers at varying stages of their career development and research knowledge — guiding, mentoring and developing the careers of direct reports and actively growing the capabilities of the group to stay ahead of client needs

Building strong, collaborative relationships with both clients and internal teams — Creative, Planning, Engagement, Integration (account services) and other departments — and providing a confident point of view on how to tackle business questions with a variety of research approaches

Managing both qualitative and quantitative studies from start to finish. This is a working director role. You’ll be guiding the work from your team but will also be responsible for managing your own research projects

Using your research expertise to create new proprietary research offerings that efficiently and effectively impact the clients’ businesses

Designing and facilitating workshops/sessions that creatively engage the audience, cultivate consensus and provide solutions to brand and business challenges

Working with and effectively managing third-party research vendors so that work is completed on time and within budget, findings are complete and compelling, and strong partner relationships are created and/or maintained

Authoring, reviewing and presenting client-facing reports and recommendations to ensure each tells a compelling story and leads to actionable next steps that positively impact the brand and business

Requirements:

This role requires you to be equal parts consumer research guru, excellent people manager and creative thinker.

Proven leadership and management skills

At a minimum, you have 10 years of experience in consumer research with a good portion of that experience in a leadership role. Agency experience is a plus but not mandatory

You enjoy managing others and helping them develop, and you’ve proven multiple times that you have the ability to effectively lead and grow a team

Broad research expertise and group facilitation experience

You have experience with a variety of industries, business problems and research techniques — secondary, qualitative, quantitative and user experience

Moderating experience and deep knowledge of qualitative methodologies and digital platforms is a must. Knowledge of semiotic research approach is a plus

You can design and facilitate group work sessions that meet project objectives

Strong relationship and consultative skills

You have a collaborative nature and proven ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of people and working styles

Clients value your perspective and see you as a true partner in uncovering actionable insights

Excellent project management skills

Keeping multiple balls in the air without dropping one comes naturally for you

Multitasking and prioritization is a strength

Passion for the consumer and research industry

You have a deep curiosity about people and an inherent interest in brands and communication/advertising

Being stagnant is not an option for you. You’re always looking to learn something new and stay on top of research and industry trends

A natural storyteller and presenter

You’ve consistently found ways to tell compelling stories with data, and you know how to effectively convey findings to people in a variety of technical and nontechnical roles

You know how to bring the data to life visually in ways that clearly articulate the insights

You know how to command attention in a room when presenting and how to read the room when collaborating and brainstorming

Please do not call. All submissions will be reviewed. Thank you.