Senior Research Director

Ready to make an impact – and have the most fun of your career? 

Welcome to DH, a social impact communications and creative agency committed to making the communities we serve more connected, safe, healthy, just and prosperous for everyone. 

We work with a diverse list of organizations across the Northwest and beyond, including clients in health care, economic development, consumer brands, government, nonprofits and more. Our team includes brand strategists, public affairs professionals, designers, and copywriters, not to mention musicians, painters, paddle boarders, parents, dog lovers and bakers. Because that part of life is just as important as work.   

DH fosters an inclusive and equitable environment, valuing diverse voices and actively working to dismantle all forms of systemic oppression. We acknowledge historical marginalization and strive to create space for all identities within our agency and beyond. Our culture promotes authenticity and respect, recognizing that diverse perspectives enhance creativity, problem-solving and communication for more accessible, culturally responsive and impactful work. 

We’re committed to making DH a place where people can create the best work of their careers and make a positive impact on the world. If that sounds like a good fit for you, read on. 

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION 

The Senior Research Director role at DH is central to building and leading our in-house research capabilities. You’ll serve as the agency’s lead research consultant, strategist and producer, designing and implementing research projects, analyzing findings and transforming insights into actionable recommendations that shape our client work. We are looking for a candidate with expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods. 

In this role, you’ll implement a wide range of market research activities, including surveys, analysis of secondary data, facilitating focus groups, conducting insight interviews, and other methodologies. You’ll work closely with the DH team to develop reports, data visualizations, and presentations that share findings with clients in dynamic and engaging ways. You’ll also support the wider promotion of our research capabilities, including proposal development and thought leadership activities such as blog writing, conference presentations, and social media Q&As. 

This role also brings a business development focus, helping grow DH’s research practice with new and existing clients. From managing vendor relationships to mentoring junior staff and leading training sessions, you’ll play a pivotal role in strengthening DH’s culture of data-driven strategy. 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Master’s degree in communications, sociology, psychology, or a related social science field with a research focus preferred 
• Minimum ten years of progressive research experience in communications, social science or related fields; agency or consultancy background preferred 
• Strong leadership skills, with proven ability to guide teams through research design, implementation, analysis and reporting 
• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research principles, methodologies and their application to communications and behavior change projects 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles 
• Excellent facilitation, analysis, and client relations skills 
• Multilingual abilities are a plus 

BENEFITS & PERKS 

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Life and disability insurance coverage 
• 401(k) with matching contributions 
• Generous paid time off, including holidays and vacation days 
• Opportunities for professional development and growth 
• A collaborative and inspiring work environment where creativity thrives 

Competitive salary: $120,000 to $160,000, commensurate with experience 

Reports to: Vice President 

Office Requirements: Hybrid 

Interested? Please send along your resume and an example of a research report you developed. Please combine your resume and all of your materials into one PDF and attach it or include a link to your research example. We’re looking forward to meeting you!