Director, Non-Probability Sampling Strategy and Operations

At SSRS, the work we do has an impact. We give people the chance to be heard by conducting quantitative and qualitative research on a variety of topics including current events, health care, customer satisfaction, politics, media usage, sports, and more.

Our team of critical thinkers has genuine enthusiasm for our work and a shared goal to connect people through research.  We get excited about the inherent problem solving involved in survey-based research, and our process fosters transparency through collaboration.

SSRS is seeking an experienced and innovative Director of Non-Probability Sampling Strategy to lead our approach to sample sourcing, quality assurance, and fieldwork optimization. This senior role is responsible for defining and overseeing quality standards related to non-probability and blended sampling, providing strategic consultation on survey design, and evaluating and managing sample vendors for methodological soundness and operational performance. The Director will work cross-functionally with Researchers, Statisticians, and Operational Leads, while also tracking and reporting performance metrics and integrating continuous improvement into all aspects of field execution.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in opt-in sample methodologies, advanced quality control techniques, and vendor strategy, and will be a key contributor to evolving SSRS’s multi-mode data collection practices.

Candidates for this role are preferably based in our Glen Mills, PA office but remote work is a possibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Oversight & Consultation
• Serve as SSRS’s internal and external subject matter expert on non-probability sampling, sample blending strategies, and online panel methodology.
• Advise proposal teams and project leads on appropriate sample design, vendor selection, and feasibility based on project goals and methodology.
• Lead operational consultations on sample structure, quotas, recruitment methods, and data collection best practices across multi-mode projects.
• Quality Standards & Assurance
• Develop and institutionalize robust quality assurance standards and operational procedures for respondent validation, duplicate detection, fraud prevention, and data integrity.
• Partner with SSRS Advanced Methods Team to create benchmarks, SOPs, and validation protocols for opt-in and mixed-mode sampling strategies.
• Lead the deployment of tools, dashboards, and manual reviews to monitor respondent engagement, dropout rates, speeders, and inconsistent response patterns.
• Metric Tracking & Reporting
• Define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sample quality, vendor performance, response quality, and survey outcomes.
• Produce regular internal reports on sample performance by vendor, project type, and methodology to inform strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead post-mortem reviews and contribute to lessons learned documentation, operational retrospectives, and quarterly strategy updates.
• Vendor Strategy & Management
• Evaluate, select, and manage a diverse portfolio of opt-in sample vendors and platforms, ensuring alignment with SSRS’s quality and cost objectives.
• Negotiate sample specifications, field timelines, feasibility, and quality expectations with panel providers.
• Continuously assess vendor performance, pricing, and value through a combination of metrics analysis and qualitative review.
• Innovation & Thought Leadership
• Investigate new technologies, platforms, or methodologies that can potentially advance SSRS’s data quality, efficiency, and scalability.
• Represent SSRS at industry forums, conferences, and vendor briefings on the future of opt-in sampling and quality control.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving best practices, regulations, and academic research in survey methodology and sample science.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Public Policy, Business, or Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Survey Methodology, Data Science, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in survey research operations with deep experience in non-probability sampling and data quality management.
• Expertise in developing and applying quality standards for online and opt-in panel-based surveys.
• Experience managing and evaluating online sample vendors (e.g., Lucid, Dynata, InnovateMR, PureSpectrum, etc.).
• Strong analytical skills, including experience with tracking operational KPIs and reporting on them across projects or vendors.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Researchers, Statisticians, and Operations staff.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; experience in training, documentation, or presenting findings to leadership preferred.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for long hours

Our goal is to promote diversity, creativity, and flexibility across our teams while strengthening problem-solving abilities and collaboration.  

Ready to be part of something bigger? Apply today to join the team that is redefining research to impact positive change.