Focus Group Moderator / Qualitative Researcher

Ibis Public Sector • Los Angeles, CA

1d • $85,000 - $100,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Ibis Public Sector is seeking a bilingual (English/Spanish) Focus Group Moderator / Qualitative Researcher to conduct on-going qualitative research in Los Angeles County. The Focus Group Moderator will lead in-person focus groups and town hall discussions across Los Angeles County’s five Supervisorial districts. These sessions gather critical qualitative feedback on residents’ access to technology, digital tools, challenges, and potential solutions. Five sessions will be held each month, typically during the last week of the month. Each session will run 90 minutes and will be held at local libraries or other community venues to ensure accessibility. The moderator plays a central role in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports honest discussion and yields actionable insights for LA County’s digital equity efforts.

Requirements

• A US Citizen.
• Professional working proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Prior experience moderating focus groups, community forums, town halls, or other qualitative research sessions in non-traditional focus group settings.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to build rapport with diverse community members.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate research findings into actionable insights.
• Highly motivated, self-directed & possess a driven personality capable of working within tight deadlines.
• PowerPoint guru and master storyteller—highly skilled in creating visually compelling, insight-driven presentations that transform complex data into clear, strategic narratives. Adept at determining the cohesive “story” in data and effectively presenting findings to clients and teams to drive actionable insights and executive decision-making.
• Willingness and ability to travel to all locations within Los Angeles County where sessions will be held.

Nice To Haves

• Certified in focus group moderating from RIVA or other similar certifiers.
• Familiarity with digital equity, digital literacy, community engagement, or public-sector research.
• Experience working with underserved and/or multilingual communities.
• Experience in telecommunications, internet, other subscription services or SLED research a plus.
• Resides within proximity to Los Angeles County.

Responsibilities

• Reports to Ibis Public Sector research project lead, while providing consultative recommendations to research team.
• Participate in iterative refinement of the discussion guide based on patterns observed in previous sessions.
• Observe and report on-site logistical constraints, language/behavioral challenges and any other potential operational hurdles to research partners.
• Provide a written topline report containing key takeaways, observations, emerging themes, and recommendations for improving future sessions (in PowerPoint format).
• Collaborate with Ibis Public Sector team members to support comprehensive summary reports.
• Lead all focus groups and forums as the primary facilitator, ensuring a respectful, engaging, and productive conversation environment.
• Use the project’s discussion guide to structure conversations while adapting questions naturally based on participant flow.
• Execute all qualitative/cognitive exercises proposed by project manager.
• Encourage balanced participation, ensuring all voices are heard—including quieter or hesitant participants.
• Manage session flow to keep discussions focused on key topics related to technology access, digital literacy, barriers, and potential solutions.
• Redirect disruptive behavior and ensure group dynamics remain healthy and constructive.
• Facilitate sessions in English or Spanish depending on participant needs.
• Coordinate and adapt to language-accommodation tools or support provided by Ibis Public Sector/LA County (e.g., volunteer translators, Google Translate).
• Review demographic profiles and discussion goals ahead of each session.
• Arrive early to coordinate with the check-in team, observe participant flow, and prepare materials.
• Support the setup of room layouts conducive to open conversation.
• Ensure all necessary materials, printouts, activity tools, and refreshments (water/snacks) are ready and available.
• Launch and monitor Microsoft Teams for remote observers; follow group chat for any questions or change of direction from observers/research team.

Benefits

• We offer flexible time off for vacation and personal time. We believe in treating adults like adults and allowing for open communication between team members and their supervisors to determine proper timing and coverage.
• Participation in the firm’s Benefits Program. This Program includes medical, dental, vision, life, group voluntary benefits, individual voluntary benefits, short-term disability, flexible spending accounts and parental leave benefits.
• Other miscellaneous benefits like Short-Term and Long-Term Disability at no cost, company-covered Life Insurance, access to group legal services, identify theft protection through LifeKeys services, etc.
• After three months of service, you can join the company's 401(k) plan. The company contributes 3% of your salary even if you don't contribute. The company additionally matches your savings dollar for dollar up to 1% of your pay, giving you a total of 5% when you contribute 1%. You must contribute at least 1% to get the additional 1% match from the company.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed