Research Director - Insights + Analytics, True Global Intelligence

Overview

FleishmanHillard, a global integrated public relations agency, is looking for a Research Director to join our True Global Intelligence Team in one of our U.S. locations in a hybrid role. Our True Global Intelligence Practice integrates primary and secondary research methods with communications measurement and data analytics, developing and integrating AI tools and methods across capabilities.

We are looking for a Research Director to help us expand our AI capabilities in an evolving landscape where traditional methodologies and emerging technologies converge. This is a role that requires expertise in established research practices and a demonstrated commitment to integrating AI into research projects/programs/engagements. The successful candidate will drive strategic research initiatives and position us at the intersection of rigorous research methodology and innovative AI application.

This position will assist in leading analytics and assist with client management for multiple accounts, focusing specifically on how to optimize research programs through integrating or building AI methods that maintain rigor and address client needs. The role will be a great opportunity for someone who is already experimenting with AI in a range of research and insights use cases, building custom prompts and genuinely enjoys tinkering with AI platforms.

FleishmanHillard, globally headquartered in St. Louis, is one of the largest integrated communications companies in the world. Our service to clients draws on expertise across more than 25 disciplines, including B2C and B2B marketing, branding, corporate reputation management, CSR, creative services, entertainment and sports, digital and social media, financial communications and investor relations, healthcare, internal communications, issues and crisis management, public affairs, and technology. FleishmanHillard believes a diverse team brings a wider range of personal and professional experiences and perspectives.

FleishmanHillard values the importance of impact and inclusion to strengthen the bonds between us, grow our people and create spaces for everyone to thrive. We stay true to our commitment to our people and the communities in which we live and work. As part of our ongoing effort to be the world’s most inclusive agency, we are committed to seeking candidates who possess and demonstrate a profound interest in furthering our impact and inclusion goals.

Responsibilities

• Work seamlessly with our team to integrate AI process and methods in existing research programs, work to open up new opportunities to sell in AI processes, as well as develop new processes to add to our suite of capabilities

• Cultivate strong relationships with clients and cross-functional internal resources 

• Advise clients and senior-level decision makers with strategic recommendations of how to integrate AI into research programs and demonstrate how this will help achieve account goals

• Ensure established processes are followed, and maintaining required documentation to deliver results that meet the highest quality standards 

• Own all aspects of the project execution and escalate issues that impact the timeline or data quality in a timely manner 

• Counsel junior-level staff, oversee deliverables, and provide professional development opportunities 

• Assist with development of scopes of work, budget management, and staffing with team leads 

• Present research findings to clients in a clear and professional manner, translating data into strategic recommendations

Qualifications:

• Ability to join us in a hybrid model of working in-person in the office weekly in one of our U.S. locations

• 7+ years of experience across a broad range of research categories and models; Previous experience in a client-service capacity is preferred 

• Hands-on experience in AI applications and tools and demonstrated proficiency in integrating and developing AI solutions alongside more traditional research methods 

• Experience in secondary research, social listening, landsape analyses, secondary data gathering/synthesis and insights development from secondary research

• Business acumen and self-starter mindset – able to work fluidly with a team and independently; can hear about a challenge and propose options and solutions

• Proven analytical and deductive reasoning skills; able to translate findings into meaningful insights and storytelling 

• Strong Project Management skills; capable of setting priorities, meeting deadlines and managing projects 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels using both technical and non-technical verbiage. Great at presenting findings to a diverse audience. 

• Expertise in media data collection tools such as Talkwalker, Brandwatch, Cision, Signal AI, etc.; Google Analytics experience is a plus 

• Bachelor’s degree required 

Our Story

FleishmanHillard specializes in public relations, reputation management, public affairs, brand marketing, digital strategy, social engagement and content strategy. FleishmanHillard was named 2020, 2021 and 2022 Campaign Global PR Agency of the Year; 2023 ICCO Large Agency of the Year – The Americas; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Agency of the Year; 2022 and 2023 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Extra-Large Agency of the Year; 2023 Campaign US PR Agency of the Year; 2021 PRovoke APAC Consultancy of the Year; and 2021 PRWeek UK Large Consultancy of the Year. FleishmanHillard is part of Omnicom PR Group and has nearly 80 offices in more than 30 countries, plus affiliates in 45 countries.

FleishmanHillard offers a hybrid work model and seeks employees who are comfortable working in the office for a portion of their week, in accordance with their local office hybrid work policy. We value the collaboration and camaraderie that in-person interactions provide, but also understand the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees’ lives. We acknowledge that our people are diverse individuals with unique circumstances and needs, and therefore our goal is to foster a productive and inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive, both in and out of the office.

FleishmanHillard is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, alienage, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state or local laws. Please do not contact the office directly to apply – only resumes submitted through this website will be considered. If you need assistance reviewing career opportunities or completing an application, please email our careers team or call 314-982-1700 and ask to be connected to Talent Development.

The anticipated salary range for this position at the Research Director level is $71,000-$125,000.

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications and geography. A range of medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, paid time off and/or other benefits also are available.