Research Coordinator

Edelman•Chicago, IL

17d•$45,000 - $57,000

About The Position

We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Consistent with this approach, we hire the best qualified candidates for all positions. The Research Coordinator is a fast-paced, high-ownership role requiring a proactive, “go-getter” mindset and the ability to consult confidently with internal stakeholders. This position supports the execution of primary research projects, both quantitative and qualitative, often pushing beyond traditional online research. The Research Coordinator is responsible for end-to-end project execution from bid through fieldwork, including gathering project requirements, coordinating internal/external teams, managing vendors, and ensuring quality throughout the programming and testing process. Success in this role requires exceptional time management, strong prioritization, customer-service-level professionalism, and the ability to work calmly and efficiently in time-sensitive and high-pressure situations. The coordinator must also be comfortable working with evolving AI-enabled initiatives such as data quality tools, AI platforms, and GPT-based workflows to enhance operational efficiency and research quality.

Requirements

BS/BA in Business, Marketing, Market Research, or related field
2 years’ experience in market research, consumer insights, brand management and/or strategy
Experience with quantitative and qualitative research preferred
Demonstrated project management skills
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent communication skills
Strong time management and prioritization skills
Able to work autonomously with minimal supervision
Capable of identifying processes improvements and updating current documentation accordingly
Comfortable working on demanding projects with very tight timelines
Experience and knowledge managing and recommending market research suppliers
Ability to mentor associate research coordinators
Proficient using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Passion for leveraging AI-enabled tools (e.g., data quality tools, AI research platforms, GPTs) and learning continuously as technology evolves.

Responsibilities

Project Execution & Client Partnership Consult with internal stakeholders to understand research objectives, gather project requirements, and execute plans quickly and efficiently.
Own project accountability from the bid phase through launch and data collection, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
Act as a partner/consultant on research design elements including methodology, feasibility, and data collection approach.
Vendor Management Oversee and manage external suppliers supporting quantitative and qualitative research, including surveys, focus groups, IDIs, and online communities/QualBoards.
Request, evaluate, and process bids; recommend best-fit vendors based on project needs, timeline, and study complexity.
Review project specifications and ensure they align with scope and awarded bids.
Data Collection / Platform Operations Program, launch, and monitor online surveys and qualitative discussions using industry platforms (including third-party tools in the AI space).
Conduct thorough testing to validate respondent experience, routing logic, quota setup, and survey functionality prior to launch.
Understand and implement complex quota structures including nested quotas and demographic/firmographic/census-related requirements.
Coordinate data exports and handoffs and serve as liaison between research teams and data processing partners.
Operational Excellence Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining speed, accuracy, and high-quality execution.
Create tracking reports and maintain weekly/monthly/quarterly project stats.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and update documentation accordingly.
Support and mentor Associate Research Coordinators as needed.
Provide support to internal team members to ensure smooth end-to-end delivery.
AI-Enabled Research & Innovation Leverage AI-enabled tools and platforms to improve speed, quality, and consistency across research execution (e.g., GPTs, AI-based data quality tools, automation workflows).
Support testing and adoption of emerging AI capabilities for research operations, including survey QA automation, data validation, respondent fraud detection, and faster synthesis workflows.
Apply AI responsibly in day-to-day execution, ensuring outputs meet accuracy, confidentiality, and client-ready standards.
Share learnings on AI tool effectiveness and recommend enhancements or best practices to strengthen operational excellence.
Additional Expectations Weekend and non-traditional business hours may be required depending on project timing and fieldwork needs.