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Media Research Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What We Are Looking For VML is seeking a Media Director to support a key travel/tourism client. We ... Adept at using media research and planning tools to determine audience size and determine audience ...

What We Are Looking For VML is seeking an Associate Media Director to join our Connections ... Adept at using media research and planning tools to determine audience size and determine audience ...

Research Director | Central Region

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$131K - $180K/yr

You're confident serving as the go-to research voice for brokers, leadership, clients, and media ... Direct applicants only please, no agencies. Colliers respects diversity and is an equal opportunity ...

You're confident serving as the go-to research voice for brokers, leadership, clients, and media ... Direct applicants only please, no agencies. Colliers respects diversity and is an equal opportunity ...

What We Are Looking For VML is seeking a Media Director to support a key travel/tourism client. We ... Adept at using media research and planning tools to determine audience size and determine audience ...

You're confident serving as the go-to research voice for brokers, leadership, clients, and media ... Direct applicants only please, no agencies. Colliers respects diversity and is an equal opportunity ...

What We Are Looking For VML is seeking a Media Director to support a key travel/tourism client. We ... Adept at using media research and planning tools to determine audience size and determine audience ...

You're confident serving as the go-to research voice for brokers, leadership, clients, and media ... Direct applicants only please, no agencies. Colliers respects diversity and is an equal opportunity ...

You're confident serving as the go-to research voice for brokers, leadership, clients, and media ... Direct applicants only please, no agencies. Colliers respects diversity and is an equal opportunity ...

The primary responsibility of the Associate Media Director is to oversee the planning ... Lead the media planning process, which involves researching and selecting media channels ...

The primary responsibility of the Associate Media Director is to oversee the planning ... Lead the media planning process, which involves researching and selecting media channels ...

The primary responsibility of the Associate Media Director is to oversee the planning ... Lead the media planning process, which involves researching and selecting media channels ...

The primary responsibility of the Associate Media Director is to oversee the planning ... Lead the media planning process, which involves researching and selecting media channels ...

The Ad Sales Research Director role requires a unique combination of consumer insights expertise ... Experience managing digital and cross-media brand lift studies and evaluating campaign ...

The Ad Sales Research Director role requires a unique combination of consumer insights expertise ... Experience managing digital and cross-media brand lift studies and evaluating campaign ...

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Media Research Director information

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$15.5K

$120K

$156.5K

How much do media research director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for media research director in the United States is $119,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a media research director do?

A Media Research Director oversees the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to media consumption, audience behaviors, and market trends. They design research methodologies, manage research teams, and ensure that findings inform media planning, content strategy, and advertising decisions. By providing actionable insights, they help organizations understand their audiences and optimize their media strategies for better engagement and results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a media research director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Media Research Director, you need expertise in media analytics, audience measurement, statistical analysis, and typically a degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Nielsen ratings, comScore, SPSS, and advanced Excel, as well as data visualization platforms, is crucial. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help you effectively guide research teams and translate complex insights for stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate, actionable audience insights that drive informed media strategies and organizational growth.

How does a media research director typically collaborate with other departments to influence media strategy?

A Media Research Director frequently works cross-functionally with marketing, sales, content, and analytics teams to ensure that research insights inform media planning and decision-making. They translate data on audience behavior, media consumption, and campaign performance into actionable recommendations, often presenting findings in meetings and reports. Collaboration is key, as directors must align research objectives with overall business goals and communicate complex results in a way that drives strategy across departments.

What is the difference between Media Research Director vs Media Analyst?

AspectMedia Research DirectorMedia Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field; often advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field; certifications like IAB or Nielsen are common
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing research teams, strategic planning, and high-level analysisData collection, analysis, and reporting; often more hands-on and detail-oriented
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in advertising agencies, media companies, and large corporationsCommon in media agencies, market research firms, and broadcasting companies

The Media Research Director focuses on strategic oversight, managing research teams, and high-level media insights. In contrast, the Media Analyst handles data collection, detailed analysis, and reporting. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to media planning and research, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Media Research Director jobs?

Cities with the most Media Research Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Media Research jobs?

The most popular types of Media Research jobs are:

What states have the most Media Research Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Media Research Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Media Research Director jobs?

For Media Research Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Media Research Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,966 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Research Director or Senior Director- For Future Consideration

Culver City, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

NRG is a leading global insights and strategy firm at the confluence of content, culture, and technology.  We stay ahead of whatโ€™s next, providing fresh insights to spark new ideas. Weโ€™re a trusted partner to our clients, working behind the scenes to bring imagination, depth, and clarity to their biggest challengesโ€”in entertainment, technology, lifestyle, sports, and gaming.  Together, we create with confidence.

Weโ€™re proud of our companyโ€™s values โ€“ these values guide us as we navigate sunny days, gray skies and everything in between:   

  • Do what you love. With conviction.
  • Where discovery lives. And impact drives.
  • Celebrate difference. Cultivate belonging.
  • Big thinking. Collectively inspired.
  • Embrace the journey. Be human.

At NRG, weโ€™re always on the lookout for sharp, curious, and creative minds who are excited about diving deep into what makes audiences tickโ€”across entertainment, technology, gaming, sports, and beyond.

This posting is for future opportunities across all of our client services teams at the Research Director or Senior Director level. Weโ€™re always on the hunt for great talent and are excited about the possibility of teaming up in the future. If youโ€™re passionate about working with a team that partners with the worldโ€™s top brands to shape content, products and strategies that fuel cultural conversations, we want to hear from you!

Below is a snapshot of what a typical Research Director or Senior Director role looks like at NRG. The specifics may shift depending on the hiring needs, but this should give you a sense of what weโ€™re about and what weโ€™re looking for. If you donโ€™t hear back for several weeks, donโ€™t worry โ€“ we regularly review general applications but prioritize active openings. If there is a potential fit when the position opens, weโ€™ll be in touch! 

In this role, you will lead a wide range of research initiatives across the full project lifecycle from proposal to report delivery. You will bring your intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial mindset, and storytelling ability to lead projects that help solve our clientsโ€™ biggest challenges, shaping the future of the industry landscape. If youโ€™re passionate about qualitative and quantitative research; if you enjoy visualizing data and discovering insights with confidence; if you love being a trusted consultant to clients โ€“ this opportunity is for you!   


  • Successfully design and field complicated research initiatives.
  • Lead all phases of quantitative and qualitative research projects, including proposal drafting, research design, questionnaire and discussion guide development, data analysis and storytelling.
    • Projects will include audience, landscape, and brand studies, with methods such as concept and creative testing, messaging/positioning evaluation, market sizing, and segmentation.
  • Translate research data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations through visual, creative and story-driven reports.
  • Troubleshoot any complicated issues that arise in an efficient and effective manner.
  • Identify and develop research opportunities for new and existing clients. Cultivate and foster deep client relationships to successfully execute projects and drive overall business.
  • Serve as a trusted partner to clients, fully understanding their business objectives and strategically strengthening the relationship.
  • Help lead and develop a team, giving meaningful feedback on all aspects of a project and training analysts and managers across methodologies.
  • Drive successful project execution, collaborating with senior team members and providing oversight to junior team members in coordinating logistics with internal and external operations teams (programming, fieldwork, facilities, moderators, data processing), and partnering with these teams to drive projects forward on stringent timelines.

  • Experience โ€“ Weโ€™d love for you to have 7+ yearsโ€™ experience working in consumer insights, consumer research or in an analyst/strategy role at an entertainment/media/technology company.
  • Your degree(s) โ€“ Ideally looking for a B.A./B.S. degree in areas such as Social Sciences, Business, Marketing, Market Research, Statistics, Economics or a related field. Additional degrees are welcome!
  • Passion โ€“ An enthusiasm for research, data driven approaches, and strategic thinking. You enjoy staying up to date on industry trends and developments. Small talking or deep diving on entertainment, technology, gaming, sports and or/lifestyle fuels you.
  • Research practitioner โ€“ In-depth understanding and experience with a range of complex qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
  • Client-centric โ€“ Proven experience nurturing and building relationships with clients, understanding their goals and ensuring we deliver on those and confidently providing strategic guidance to them.
  • Leadership โ€“ You can mentor and inspire junior team members.
  • Data driven โ€“ Expert at working with data to identify trends and insights, including both structured (i.e. data and hard numbers) and unstructured (i.e. interviews and qualitative) data. Advanced data visualization skills using tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs and Slides.
  • Data analysis techniques and software โ€“ Experience with the following data analysis techniques would be awesome: statistical significance testing, correlation analysis, multivariate analysis techniques (such as cluster/segmentation analysis) and conjoint and discrete choice analysis. Experience with statistical packages, like SPSS or Q, are a plus.
  • Communication and storytelling โ€“ Strong writing skills where you can craft a story around data insights and clearly communicate key points in a succinct manner. You have great verbal communication skills as well and are highly skilled at presenting to groups and sharing your point of view.
  • Curiosity and critical thinking โ€“ You are genuinely interested in seeking information on the โ€œwhys,โ€ always digging for more information to understand what makes consumers tick. Whether itโ€™s understanding why one marketing message is more effective than another or what consumers think we could be using AI for in the future, you can always find something interesting to sink your teeth into. Simply put, you love to learn.
  • Self-starter โ€“ Internally-motivated who continuously strives to get things done well, regardless of challenges encountered.
  • Expert multitasker โ€“ Successfully manages time and multiple competing priorities to ensure deadlines are always met. Staying organized is a must for managing projects!
  • Hawk-eyed attention to detail โ€“ Errors donโ€™t get past you and you are always focused on ensuring high levels of quality control and reporting.
  • Great Team Member โ€“ Team player who is able to work collaboratively and harmoniously within a team and across teams. You will roll up your sleeves to help get the job done and no task is beneath you. You welcome feedback because you have a zest for learning and growing.

This is a full-time, exempt position.


We embrace the current era of work and what it means to be a best-in-class employer. We understand the flexibility that is required to recruit and retain incredible talent, whether itโ€™s empowering you to do your best work from the comfort of your home or supporting you if you need to take a mental health day for self-care and rest. Below is a unique blend of benefits tailored to meeting the ever-changing professional landscape.

  • Flexible/Remote work with optional usage of our great offices in Culver City and New York
  • Unlimited PTO, volunteer days and a generous number of recharge days including a full office closure during the week of Christmas and New Yearโ€™s
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
  • 401K with company match
  • 12 weeks paid Parental Leave
  • Regular performance evaluations with opportunities for promotions and merit increases
  • Educational and training reimbursement plan and other training and professional development opportunities
  • Employee perks program (includes discounts on travel, hotels, cars, fitness, movie tickets and more)
  • Resources available for mental health, inclusive care and family building
  • NRGratitude โ€“ our company-wide employee recognition program
  • Regular team/company events and activities including annual summer and holiday parties
  • Pet friendly headquarters and pet insurance options

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the center of all our practices to ensure that NRG is a place where people from all identities and backgrounds can thrive. NRG is committed to recruiting and retaining diverse talent by supporting their growth through learning programs, internal mobility, affinity group participation and leadership development. Our differences make us a stronger workforce and enhance our creativity and innovation. We are proud to be an inclusive workplace for all and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. 


In order to comply with equal pay and salary transparency laws in various locations, we believe the target range of base compensation in all locations within the United States for this role is $100,000-150,000. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and location.