Head of Measurement Science and Innovation

NielsenIQ • New York City, NY

9h • Remote

About The Position

As the Head of Measurement Science and Innovation, you will be the primary architect of modernizing our foundational survey-based datasets while maintaining the historical continuity and research quality our clients depend on. This is a high-impact, executive-level role that sits at the intersection of traditional research rigor and modern data science. You will lead a team of highly skilled scientists and researchers, with the goal of bridging the gap between legacy measures and a future-focused, integrated analytic ecosystem. The ideal candidate combines deep technical and methodological expertise with exceptional communication skills, credibility with senior audiences, and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and buy-in across disciplines.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in Data Science, Measurement Science, or Research Methods, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
• Proven track record of evolving legacy, survey-based products into modern integrated data assets without losing historic trendability or sacrificing data quality.
• Direct expertise in: Survey sampling design, weighting, and inference
• Direct expertise in: Data fusion, record linkage, and multi-source data integration
• Direct expertise in: Working with census-level and large-scale population datasets
• Deep mastery of statistical methodologies, including sampling, weighting, and reconciliation of disparate data sources.
• Ability to explain complex methodological concepts clearly to non-technical audiences, including clients, stakeholders, and executives.
• Experience navigating the organizational and commercial tensions of modernizing “gold standard” legacy measures.
• Advanced degree in quantitative field such as Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders and gaining buy-in on methodological decisions in ambiguous or high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic evolution of legacy-based datasets; balancing historical continuity with the need for modernized methodologies and market positioning.
• Establish clear roadmaps for recalibrating or re-architecting legacy methodologies while rigorously protecting client trust, trendability, and long-term credibility.
• Champion a vision where legacy data serves as a foundational component within a broader, integrated analytic ecosystem that includes census-level and behavioral data.
• Serve as senior arbiter in resolving tensions between protecting historical benchmarks and pursuing methodological innovations.
• Direct complex data integration projects that combine traditional survey data with first-party datasets, census-level data, and large-scale behavioral inputs.
• Act as the organization’s primary authority on research rigor, overseeing standards for sampling, weighting, data linkage, and reproducibility.
• Develop robust frameworks to reconcile discrepancies in coverage, granularity, and timing between consumer surveys and large-scale administrative data.
• Establish and oversee best-in-class research protocols to ensure all analytic approaches are transparent, defensible, and appropriate for high-stakes decision making.
• Partner with product and commercial leaders to clarify the unique value of legacy datasets and identify where complementary data sources are required to meet client needs.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to ensure analytic strategies and methodological updates directly support core business objectives and market demands.
• Establish communication protocols for methodological shifts, ensuring stakeholders understand the impact of updates on trends and benchmarks.
• Act as senior consultant to internal teams and clients, translating complex statistical concepts into compelling narratives that inform strategy and forecasting.
• Advise clients on transitioning from reliance on legacy measures to adopting modern, integrated approaches to media measurement and research design.
• Serve as a thought leader on emerging challenges in data science and measurement.
• Mentor and develop senior researchers and data scientists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, curiosity, and continuous learning.

Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Comprehensive healthcare plan (medical, Rx, dental and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts and Health Savings Account (including company contributions)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan including company matching contributions
• Disability insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discretionary paid time off program
• 11 paid holidays
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior