Research Director

Morning Consult•,

5d•$93,300 - $150,100

About The Position

Morning Consult is hiring a market research professional and team leader for its Research Solutions team. The role combines survey research expertise across scoping, design, fielding, and analysis with client relationship-building, account management, and project and team leadership. The Research Director will develop creative, impactful projects that help clients use Morning Consult’s data-focused technology products and capabilities, and will work closely with leadership to retain and expand client engagements while exceeding client needs. The ideal candidate has experience in global brand tracking and/or brand and communication research and can use insights to support and shape strategic initiatives. The Research Solutions team delivers custom-designed research and supports the Commercial Organization’s sustainable growth. Its members bring experience in market research, insights, political polling, strategic consulting, and related fields. The Research Director will own client relationships, develop research strategies that integrate Morning Consult data into client workflows, and work with account executives on proposals. The position also leads complex research projects and programs, advances research expertise and practices, advises clients on research design, contributes to strategic initiatives, and coaches and mentors team members. The role can be based remotely or at Morning Consult’s Washington, DC, New York, NY, or Chicago, IL office. The stated salary range is $93,300–$150,100, with a midpoint of $121,700. The role is eligible for additional variable compensation and an equity grant. The company describes its offices as modern, open-concept spaces and offers catered lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, as well as beverages in the office.

Requirements

At least 8 years of professional experience in quantitative market research.
Experience with survey research methods, strategic consultation, project planning, and delivery of quality, timely project deliverables.
Significant experience managing clients and driving account-level revenue growth.
Strong prioritization and delegation skills, including the ability to focus on key business objectives through periods of change.
Ability to plan effectively, focus a team on long-term objectives, and communicate strategic priorities and decisions clearly.
Ability to drive project teams to achieve strong output with available capacity.
Ability to mentor, coach, and develop talent and promote a positive work experience.
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence decision-makers without authority using compelling arguments and domain expertise.
High attention to detail and strong technical standards.
Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to simplify complex scenarios and challenges.
Receptiveness to feedback and ability to identify and proactively raise inefficiencies and barriers to success.
Willingness to learn and grow, with a commitment to continuous self-improvement.

Nice To Haves

Proven experience in global brand tracking and/or brand and communication research.
Experience leveraging insights to support and shape strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

Own client relationships for accounts of varying sizes.
Create research strategies that embed Morning Consult data into clients’ workflows and align with the Research Solutions team’s broader growth priorities.
Build relationships with clients and executive stakeholders to drive account-level growth and secure renewals.
Work with account executives to pitch, price, and deliver client proposals.
Manage large, complex research projects and programs personally and through direct reports, ensuring delivery of quality data and strategic insights for business decisions.
Manage project execution to ensure delivery aligns with contracted scope of work.
Ensure best practices and processes are adopted to improve efficiency.
Develop specialized expertise in research methodologies and/or industry knowledge.
Advise prospects and clients on research and survey design to produce meaningful data and answer key business questions.
Partner with senior leaders to establish and execute strategic initiatives at the portfolio and/or commercial level.
Coach and mentor direct and non-direct reports and provide input into continuous performance management and talent decisions.
Delegate effectively and empower others to execute tasks with accountability.