Senior Account Director - Research (US)

Panterra•San Francisco, CA

15h•Remote

About The Position

Panterra is a global strategic advisory firm that has grown into a leading international consultancy over 25 years. They advise governments, embassies, corporations, and individuals on complex policy and communications issues, operating at the nexus of politics, business, and media. Their mission is to positively impact great debates of the age, guided by values of honesty, integrity, ambition, and accountability. Panterra Research, formerly ClearPath Strategies, is a division that provides research-driven strategy to leaders worldwide, focusing on promoting progressive forces. Their work involves conducting opinion research projects (surveys, focus groups, expert interviews) and providing 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, specializing in international political and governmental work. This role involves owning 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, often outside standard U.S. business hours, and includes periodic national and international travel for client engagements.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years of experience in a client-services role within the public opinion research industry or closely related field
Applicants must be a permanent resident in one of the following metro areas: Bay Area, NYC, Washington DC, Seattle, or Portland metro areas
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

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