Research Director

PCSI Careers • Midlothian, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

PCSI is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through employment, advocacy, partnerships, and innovation. We build and sustain a skilled workforce that provides top-tier services across the country, integrating individuals with disabilities and veterans into meaningful jobs. PCSIx, the for-profit innovation arm of PCSI, accelerates solutions that strengthen organizations and advance our mission of inclusive employment by leveraging technology and operational expertise. The Research Director will lead research strategy for the PCSIx team, guiding the research team, sharing findings, and supporting innovation for meaningful employment.

Requirements

• Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) or marketing management preferred.
• Minimum 2 years project management experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of data research experience required.
• Social media research experience required.
• Strong experience with Adobe Suite, AirTable, PowerBi, and WordPress required.
• 2 or more years of marketing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with database entry, maintenance, and management.
• Requires knowledge of PC functions and software.
• Operation of Windows applications, MS Teams, MS Word, MS Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and related applications.
• Knowledge and experience with AI tools: Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, Grok, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare executive-level materials and correspondence.
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, ambiguous, and rapidly changing environments.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance high-level priorities and operational execution.
• Ability to pass criminal, drug, and driving screening.
• May need to have the ability to legally drive a company vehicle.
• Ability to exchange accurate information in person and over the phone.
• PCSI does not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. This includes visa types such as H-1B, TN, and STEM OPT. Please do not apply if you currently require or may require sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) or marketing management preferred.
• 2 or more years of marketing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the research process and thinking from design and data collection to analysis and reporting, ensuring accuracy, rigor, and timeliness.
• Be the internal contact and coordinator for the team and progress; ensure milestones are communicated, acknowledged, and met.
• Foster a culture of communication and participation that is consistent and collaborative.
• Contribute to discussions and decision-making regarding the composition of research teams for projects, including team member appropriateness and skills, focus areas, client needs, and availability.
• Coordinate and assist with internal research needs for growth and advocacy.
• Oversee the quality of research, including channel choice and variety, and volume of data for analysis.
• Ensure all research adheres to regulatory guidelines and ethical standards.
• Support multiple roles within the research process, including research, analysis, data use, and dashboard-related responsibilities, as needed to assist team members and meet project objectives.
• Assist with training needs and training and internship relationships as needed.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to researchers, analysts, interns, and contractors.
• Establish and maintain research standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Identify/monitor skill gaps within research teams and support professional development opportunities.
• Work closely with contractors to complete tasks and projects.
• Serve as liaison as needed between technical contractors and executive team, effectively communicating tasks, needs, reports from both sides.
• Build collaborative working relationships across teams with varying priorities and operational styles.
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives that contribute to organizational effectiveness.
• Assist with planning, operational problem-solving, and implementation efforts across multiple functional areas.
• Contribute to initiatives that support innovation, operational sustainability, and mission alignment.
• Monitor industry trends and ensure the organization remains at the forefront of behavioral and social research practices.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% employer-paid premiums for Employee Only plans.
• 401(k) with company match up to 6%, with pre-tax and Roth options, and 100% immediate vesting upon eligibility.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, plus additional voluntary benefit options.
• 21 days of PTO each year, in addition to all federal holidays.

What This Job Offers

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