Senior Account Director - Research (US)

Panterra Global Ltd•San Francisco, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

Panterra is a global strategic advisory firm with 25 years of experience, advising governments, embassies, corporations, and individuals on complex policy and communications issues, often at the nexus of politics, business, and media. Their mission is to positively impact major global debates, guided by values of honesty, integrity, ambition, and accountability. Panterra Research, formerly ClearPath Strategies, specializes in research-driven strategy, conducting opinion research projects like surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to provide actionable guidance. They have a long track record in quantitative and qualitative public opinion research across over 150 countries, serving political campaigns, multinational corporations, NGOs, and advocacy groups, including diverse technology clients, non-profit advocacy clients (environmental sustainability, civil rights, education), and international political leaders. Panterra is seeking a Senior Account Director to lead client projects, focusing on international political and governmental work. This role involves managing complex client relationships, shaping strategic storylines, running mixed-methods projects, managing project teams, and assisting in business development. The position requires managing research projects and clients globally, including in Southeast Asia, which may involve work outside standard U.S. hours, and offers periodic national and international travel opportunities for client engagements. This is not an entry-level position, requiring 5+ years of experience in a client-services role within public opinion research or a related field. Successful candidates will manage projects, translate findings into guidance, present to clients, build relationships, and mentor junior staff.

Requirements

Strong project management and attention to detail.
Comfortable juggling multiple projects at different life-cycle stages.
Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally.
Excellent written and oral communication.
Comfortable presenting to senior clients and internal leaders.
Ability to translate data into clear, strategic recommendations.
Minimum 5+ years professional experience in quantitative and qualitative research.
Minimum 3+ years managing client relationships and senior-level deliverables.
Deep familiarity with quantitative public opinion methods (online panels, live phone, face-to-face).
Deep familiarity with qualitative methods (IDIs, focus groups, qualboards), including in-person execution.
Experience with turning research results into actionable strategies.
Familiarity with writing proposals and business development.
Proficient with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee domestic and international quantitative and qualitative research projects.
Draft and finalize surveys, screening questionnaires, and qualitative guides.
Decide on research design, sampling, and quotas.
Manage vendors, timelines, and in-field progress.
Attend and run in-person qualitative fieldwork when needed (focus groups, IDIs, qualboards).
Drive decisions on weighting and data quality on most accounts.
Lead analysis, write memos, and prepare PowerPoint deliverables.
Set, track, and report against project budgets.
Manage and delegate day-to-day work to Research Consultants (analysts).
Serve as a primary client contact for projects and regular reporting.
Provide strategic interpretation of data and advise on implications and next steps.
Present findings and recommendations to senior client stakeholders.
Identify and grow opportunities within existing accounts.
Lead proposal development and contribute to business development.
Mentor and develop Consultants (analysts).
Help build and refine company processes and best practices.
Contribute to resourcing decisions and operational improvements.
Model an open, collaborative, inclusive, and accountable culture.