Director, Research & Insights

In consult with the Senior Director of Strategy and Insights, as our Director of Research and Insights, you will be accountable for strategy alignment, resource allocation, and the day-to-day operations of the Research and Insights (R&I) team in the following ways:

• Develop ways-of-working, menu/list of core competencies, annual research agenda, and engagement plans, including utilizing the team’s innovation framework to define and drive key opportunities for investment via data and insights
• Responsible for talent development and management within the Research & Insights team
• Synthesize trends from multiple sources to inform innovation, marketing, and opportunities with both new and existing partners
• Drive visibility of the team; ensure outputs focus on actionable recommendations and the so-what (end-result: driving impact and reach)
• Oversee new and consistent primary research focus areas (end-result: forward thinking insights)
• Serve as an expert in discipline, requiring depth and breadth of various research methodologies
• Oversee existing research initiatives including (but not limited to):
• Non-Applied Survey
• Non-Start Survey
• Employment Outcomes Survey
• Enrollment Experience Survey
• Customer Journey Research
• Annual POLS Outcomes and Transparency Report
• Annual Academic Partner survey Report
• Continually identify and research new vendors and methodologies to improve the way information is collected, synthesized, and disseminated
• Provide and present research externally and to internal leadership with a focus on implications of work
• Work collaboratively with Research & Insights colleagues based outside of the US
• Own the POLS weekly email digest/newsletter with an emphasis on being prescriptive in what we will be circulating (news updates and project updates), the sources we’ll scan (Strada, NSC, Inside Higher Ed, Chronicle, etc.)
• Interpret internal/external business challenges and provide input into improvements to products and services in response
• Serve as an important voice in ongoing initiatives to reimagine the POLS data infrastructure and CX initiatives across POLS
• Ensure a consistent R&I voice is represented in RFP and other proposal responses

Your Qualifications:

• 4-year degree from an accredited institution in Market Research, Statistics, Behavioral Sciences, or equivalent discipline OR appropriate combination of experience and education
• 8+ years of experience in research-related role, with a minimum of 5 years leadership experience managing teams (strong preference for agency experience)
• Expert in a wide-range of both quantitative and qualitative primary research methodologies (to include conjoint, max-diff, focus groups, and in-depth interviewing)
• Track record of leading and influencing others in a constructive manner to build and sustain collaborative relationships
• Superior analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills to analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and present research and strategy
• Strong business acumen to turn insights into actionable recommendations through knowledge generation and activation (not just data collection)
• Ability to connect the dots and identify trends, present them in an engaging way and drive action from the working teams.
• Ability to work creatively, using a variety of resources with a comfort level in using the data to support or refute assumptions and recommendations
• Expertise in survey research, project design, field supervision, vendor and stakeholder management
• Skilled in presenting data visually to provide a clear story, including expertise in persuasively presenting research to Executive teams
• A demonstrated ability to work remotely with minimal supervision (this is a remote-accessible position) under highly-dynamic workloads with the ability to be highly effective while managing shifting internal expectations and priorities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with stakeholders to drive action
• Passionate about staying up-to-date and engaged with industry expertise
• Focused attention to detail, excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to multi-task and work well under pressure and tight timelines
• Excellent written, visual, and verbal communications skills effective with broad and diverse audiences
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time to company offsites and/or academic partners

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the Colorado and New York City laws, the pay range for this position is as follows: Minimum full-time salary range is between $135,000.00 - $145,000.00. This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program.