maslansky + partners is a language strategy and research consultancy that helps solve complex and high-stakes communication challenges for the world’s largest and most innovative companies, industry trade groups, and non-profits. Our work is guided by a simple, powerful idea: it’s not what you SAY that matters, it’s what your audience HEARS.

Clients come to us to help them figure out how to stand out in the marketplace and increase sales. To win on issues and navigate crisis. To simplify the complex, and to find ways to better engage and retain customers.

We specialize in reshaping their communication by combining proprietary research, a deep understanding of behavioral science, and decades of communications expertise. The result: clear, credible, and compelling language strategies that help senior executives successfully address their business challenges.

We are looking for people with exemplary critical thinking skills, deep empathy, and a gift for effectively articulating ideas to join the firm that invented Language Strategy®.   

Our Director/Senior Director of Quant Research will be reporting to the Head of Research, continuing the momentum of building, and leading a robust and highly strategic quantitative research function within our organization.

PROJECT TEAM LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE (~70% of time)

Being the “go-to” resource for all things quant, with accountability for quality planning and execution of all projects undertaken by project teams.

1. SCOPE DEVELOPMENT:

• • Translate overall client objectives into quantitative research objectives

• • Recommend appropriate methodologies, research designs and sample frames to achieve the objectives, including consideration of timing, budget, and client sophistication
  • Work with external vendors to scope and price project

2. SURVEY DEVELOPMENT:

• • Work with client teams to develop survey instrument, in some cases, taking full ownership of survey development (depending upon complexity)
  • Ensure appropriate sample quotas are implemented
  • Work with client team and clients to review and refine the survey instrument

3. SURVEY EXECUTION:

• • Guide/monitor teams on programming and fielding of the survey, adhering to the sample design
  • Guide teams on banner design and analysis approach

• • Being “hands-on,” when needed

4. ANALYSIS & STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATION DEVELOPMENT:

• • Work with the client teams to develop a Language Strategy or analysis consistent with m+p standards which may include:
    • Guide analytical pans to uncover insights, confirm findings from qualitative research
    • Provide recommendations for slides (or content for slides) to be used in deliverables
    • Ensure accurate interpretation and reporting of data

OPERATIONAL/INFRASTRUCTURE (~20% of time)

Identifying and building efficiencies and consistencies from “start of finish”.

1. BIDDING & SCOPING:

• • Continue to assess and streamline our process for scoping and pricing new survey research projects
  • Work with Operations and Head of Research to identify additional partners/services to add value to our offerings/meet the needs of our clients

1. SURVEY STANDARDIZATION:

• • Identify additional standard survey questions and standardized survey formats for use in achieving different types of research objectives to simplify survey design and ensure that we limit instances of using different question wording to address the same question
  • Establish formats, ways of working and/or templates so that these standards are known to all and easily accessed

1. ANALYSIS STANDARDIZATION:

• • Related the above, expand our library of standardized set of charts and introducing automation, as appropriate, to present data from standard questions/methodologies
  • Development of norms/benchmarks, as applicable, working with Head of Research and Head of Product to establish a database and process for leveraging such data

1. TOOLS/TRAINING:

• • Work with Head of Research to continue to improve our processes, ensure consistency and develop our teams. This may include identifying/evaluating new survey techniques/question types, new analytic frameworks and/or technology that aids in data collection/analysis/reporting.
  • Identify areas of needed training and facilitating such training, which may include identifying outsourced partners. While we do not expect all members of client teams to become trained in sophisticated research methods, we do need all client teams to have a strong foundational understanding of survey research.

GROWTH SUPPORT (~10% of time)

Supporting Head of Research on new business/client opportunities and scaling of quant practice.

1. BUSINESS & CLIENT DEVELOPMENT:

• • Support Head of Research at times, serving as a resource for business generated by other members of the team for integrating quantitative research into proposals

2. PRODUCTIZATION:

• • Work with/support Head of Research to design/develop new products or methodologies that meet identified market needs and integrate key disciplines including cognitive psychology, socio- and psycholinguistics, semiotics and / or data science and analysis

3. QUANT PRACTICE GROWTH/STRUCTURE:

• • Work with Head of Research to develop and execute a strategy to grow our quantitative research business or improve the quality of our insights and outputs
  • As we grow, help determine the best way to scale and service quantitative projects
  • Over time, assist with hiring needed resources/support and/or look to engage external partnerships

What our ideal candidate will bring:

• 5-8 years of experience in market research
• Subject matter expertise and extensive experience in end-to-end quantitative research: from pitching to design, execution, analysis, and presentation
• Willingness to be deeply involved in managing project teams on all steps of a quantitative project, which may ultimately require “doing” of tasks - both big and small
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills and the ability to create true insight and tell stories from research findings
• Extensive experience with messaging, positioning, reputation, public affairs, and/or political campaign research
• Deep knowledge of behavioral science and experience applying it to quantitative research projects
• Experience collaborating with various stakeholders in a high-volume, deadline-driven, process-oriented, client-servicing environment
• Superior communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills
• Strong technical skills and comfort evaluating and adopting new technologies (for research and across the broader organization)
• Ability to use SPSS and/or other statistical software packages is a plus

Four reasons to join the maslansky + partners team:

1. You won’t be bored.  You will work with diverse clients and industries on diverse challenges that allow you to learn every step of the way. 
2. You will be challenged and grow.  We’ll make you a stronger strategic thinker, a better writer, and a more confident presenter, as part of a culture focused on feedback and committed to personal growth. If you are good, you will not get lost…your contribution will be recognized and rewarded. 
3. You can make a big impact. Our team is encouraged to use our passion and expertise to support causes that matter. Through work with PENCIL, Head Start, SBP, and our Project Good Words program, we’ve improved access to education, career opportunities, disaster relief, and clean water…to name a few.
4. You’ll definitely have a good time.  We do serious work but never take ourselves too seriously. Lots of work and lots of fun to help you stay energized and engaged.

The position includes all the standards like competitive compensation, health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, bonuses, 401k plans.  Oh…and free lunch on Mondays!

If you’re intrigued, you should have already checked out our website.  If you haven’t done so yet, we won’t hold it against you, but do it right now: www.maslansky.com.