Research Manager

About Purple Strategies

Purple Strategies is a corporate reputation and strategy firm that combines the creativity and discipline of brand communications with the speed and strategy of political campaigns to help leverage or reduce pressure on a business, brand or issue. We help build and defend reputation and brand value and serve Fortune 500 companies, associations, nonprofits and some of the most recognizable brands in the world.

Purple helps the world's most important organizations address their toughest challenges. We operate in a highly collaborative environment and apply integrated, team-based approaches to help clients:

• ANTICIPATE reputation challenges and opportunities; 
• COMPEL change through business actions and transformation; and 
• NAVIGATE reputation issues, acute crises, key business choices and policy/regulatory changes to inform decision-making. 

About The Position

This is a full-time position in Purple Strategies' Research Expertise Group. The purpose of the Research EG is to ground Purple's bespoke solutions in compelling and actionable data and insights. Priorities of this EG include:

• Providing actionable research driven by campaign objectives / client needs.
• Ensuring consistent research foundation for insights development.
• Ensuring data quality and methodological rigor.
• Supporting strategy and decision making through research.

The Research Manager is responsible for designing, fielding, analyzing and reporting quantitative and qualitative research. At the same time, they will think beyond these traditional data sources and incorporate multiple data streams (such as desk research, first-party data, and digital analytics) into our analysis to create actionable insights that inform client strategies, messaging, campaign engagements, earned and paid media plans, and crisis management/ rapid response monitoring. The ideal candidate will love exploring and analyzing data, revel in uncovering hidden insights or trends, and have strong communications skills to turn data insights into meaningful client reports.

In This Position, You Will

• Quantitative research management
  • Designing/contributing to research design that addresses objectives and answers key questions.
  • Questionnaire drafting and development according to research best practices.
  • Developing sampling and weighting plans.
  • Overseeing field process (including vendor management).
  • Quantitative data analysis and identification of key findings.
  • Preparing reports, presentations and memos.
• Qualitative research management
  • Managing focus group scheduling and recruitment.
  • Drafting screeners and developing discussion guides, creating materials and hand-outs.
  • Preparing reports, presentations and memos of key findings.
• Syndicated, public and social data exploration
  • Identifying new and relevant sources of information.
  • Mining and synthesizing data from multiple data streams / sources of information.
• Working with cross-functional client teams to deliver integrated insights that address research objectives and help achieve key client goals.

Qualifications and Experience You Need To Be Successful In This Role

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as social sciences, marketing or math; advanced degree or coursework is a plus.
• Recommended 5+ years of experience in political, public opinion, market research or consumer research; experience with corporate reputation or crisis management is a plus.
• Proven experience contributing to all phases of research projects from inception through delivery of results.
• Experience applying various quantitative analysis techniques (such as cluster/factor analysis, regression/key driver analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics) and qualitative research methods (such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and communities) to analyze data and address research objectives.
• Demonstrated success translating research results into actionable recommendations that had a significant impact on brand/marketing/media strategy.
• Ability to create powerful stories led by data and insights and present complex research data and information in a clear, compelling, visual manner that results in high quality client deliverables and inspires action.
• Proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel and Word; statistical software such as R, SPSS or Marketsight a plus.
• Strong organizational, time management, writing, and communication skills; must be able to communicate clearly and effectively to consistently influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and adapt to changing situations and a fast-paced environment.
• Embodiment of Purple's values: Adaptable, Collaborative, Curious, Innovative, Industrious, Respectful.

Work Location

This is a full-time position based in either our Alexandria, VA headquarters or our Chicago office. Purple Strategies offers a hybrid model and seeks employees who are comfortable working in the office for a portion of their workweek. Purple values the camaraderie, connection, inclusion and professional development that in-person interactions provide, yet still recognizes the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees' lives.

How To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter online at www.purplestrategies/joinourteam.com

Purple is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.