Director, Research - Digital & Insights

FTI Consulting•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

FTI Consulting is seeking a Director for their Chicago office within the Corporate Positioning & Insights practice. This role will be part of the primary research team and will lead the execution of quantitative and qualitative research engagements. The position involves designing, scoping, and executing primary research projects, managing the full research lifecycle, and leading project deliverables. The Director will also guide and mentor early career professionals in research methodologies and best practices, while demonstrating strong hands-on research execution. The company emphasizes professional development through various programs, on-the-job learning, self-guided courses, certifications, and dedicated coaching.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years conducting primary research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
At least 3 years in project management/lead capacity.
Minimum 3 years in a multi-client opinion research agency or consulting firm managing multiple simultaneous projects (typically 4-5 at a time).
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Nice To Haves

Proven track record designing and executing quantitative survey research, including questionnaire development, survey programming oversight, and analysis of survey datasets.
Proven track record managing and executing qualitative research, including focus group setup and moderation (in-person and online) and in-depth interviews (formal training such as RIVA preferred).
Expertise managing full research project lifecycles, including deadline management, vendor coordination, and quality control of research deliverables.
Proficiency creating impactful PowerPoint presentations that translate research and data into actionable insights.
Proficiency in developing survey tabulations, applying weighting, and generating cross-tab analyses using internal research platforms.
Strong understanding of how survey data is structured, with the ability to manipulate data using Excel or other data processing software as needed.
Ability to integrate insights across multiple platforms, analytics streams, and methodologies.
Strong data storytelling capabilities with understanding of creative, digital strategy, and data science integration.
Experience leveraging AI to drive efficiencies and to innovate primary research methodologies.
Excellent verbal presentation and public speaking abilities.
Skill translating research terminology into practical client recommendations.
Strong writing and numerical proficiency.
High attention to detail.
Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
Collaborative approach with enthusiasm for sharing ideas, learning new approaches, and mentoring early career staff.
High comfort working in fast-paced environments, managing and prioritizing multiple research projects at different stages simultaneously.
Operate with a high degree of independence while collaborating closely with team members across different offices.

Responsibilities

Design, scope, and execute primary research projects, including drafting of questionnaires and discussion guides.
Manage and actively execute the full primary research lifecycle from inception to completion, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and with strong attention to detail.
Lead and contribute directly to project deliverables, including the management of fielding surveys and personally conducting focus groups and in-depth interviews.
Lead small to medium projects independently, while collaborating with senior members of the team on large-scale and global initiatives.
Guide and mentor early career professionals on research methodologies and best practices, while demonstrating strong hands-on research execution.