Qualitative Senior Project Director

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 health care, public opinion, politics, technology, religion, media use, and a host of other important issues. Our clients come from academic, non-profit, government, and commercial sectors and our work informs critical decision-making in all those areas.

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 research, and our process fosters transparency through collaboration.

Position Summary:

SSRS is seeking a Senior Project Director (SPD) to join our qualitative team. Our small team is made up of people who are passionate about qualitative research and are skilled in all aspects of the qualitative research process, including client service, study design, recruitment, interviewing/moderation, and analysis and reporting. We work closely with client service teams across the company to ensure rigor and quality for our clients.

We are seeking SPD candidates who are passionate about designing and conducting focus groups and in-depth interviews, and who also possess the skills and abilities to analyze and write impactful, client-ready reports based on qualitative findings. The SPD is responsible for leading the execution of high-quality qualitative research studies, including in-depth interviews, cognitive interviews, focus groups, online bulletin boards, and other qualitative techniques. The SPD is responsible for overseeing and conducting projects from study initiation through data collection, analysis, and reporting. The role requires the SPD to ensure rigor, consistency, and clarity in all deliverables while being mindful of budgets and timelines.

This position is remote, with occasional visits to the SSRS office in Glen Mills, PA and travel as needed. Local candidates will be hybrid, working two days a week in the Glen Mills office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Qualitative Research Director and work with client service teams to implement qualitative research projects.
• Draft and finalize recruitment screeners and qualitative protocols for cognitive interviews, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and online bulletin boards.
• Oversee recruitment activities to ensure desired quotas are met and provide support to troubleshoot issues that emerge.
• Conduct virtual in-depth interviews and cognitive interviews during regular business hours.
• Moderate or co-moderate in-person and virtual focus groups with up to 10 participants, which may take place during daytime, evenings, or occasionally on weekends.
• Moderate online bulletin boards that typically take place over several days.
• Monitor progress of qualitative studies to meet goals and provide support to troubleshoot issues that emerge.
• Ensure quality control and delivery of qualitative data, including transcripts, interviewer notes, and bulletin board data.
• Identify themes and supporting quotes from qualitative data using appropriate software, such as NVivo or CoLoop.
• Synthesize data and write client reports and presentations in Word and PowerPoint that are findings-driven, clear and actionable.
• Support client relationship development and ongoing communications.
• Support business development and study design.
• Travel as needed for in-person research.
• Perform other duties as the needs of the business dictate.

Position Requirements:

Candidates must reside in a state where SSRS is registered to operate, including Colorado, DC, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or Washington

• At least 4 years of experience as a qualitative or mixed methods researcher, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience moderating focus groups and conducting in-depth interviews on social science topics, having conducted at least 10 focus groups. RIVA certification as a focus group moderator (or comparable training) is preferred.
• Must have strong skills and experience writing client-ready reports based on qualitative data.
• Must be willing to occasionally moderate virtual focus groups in evening hours and weekends.
• Experience facilitating online bulletin boards is preferred.
• Experience conducting qualitative research with diverse populations, including populations with lived experiences that are different from your own.
• Experience managing all phases of qualitative research studies.
• Experience with questionnaire design, mixed-methods research, program evaluation, and/or survey methods is ideal.
• Proficiency in qualitative data analysis using one or more qualitative software products, such as NVivo or CoLoop.
• Strong analytical thinking skills.
• Professional attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft products, particularly Word and PowerPoint.
• Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged.

Additional Requirements:

Candidates are asked to submit a cover letter of interest and a resume with their application.

Final candidates will be asked to complete an assessment exercise to ensure fit for the position.

Budgeted Starting Salary:

$70,000-$80,000

Please include a cover letter with your application, emailed to: lshaheen@ssrs.com

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.