Senior Director, Research Methods

R26_0005033

*US remote role, must be in US at time of application to be considered.

#LI-Remote

MRI-Simmons is the leading provider of actionable insights on the American consumer. The core product in MRI-Simmons' suite of services is MRI-Simmons USA, a comprehensivemulti-media and marketing survey, collecting data froma fresh sample of60,000U.S.adults each year. Data is collectedviaan online or telephone survey, followed by a self-administered product booklet.TheMRI-Simmons USAproductis accredited by the Media Rating Council(MRC)and undergoesanannual audit as part of this process.

This senior role, reporting to the SVP of Research Methods, requires deepexpertisein addressbased probability sampling, recruitment strategy, and managing sample and field performance. The position serves as the organization's lead methodological advisor on sampling, recruitment, incentives, and fieldperformance forecasting. Responsibilities include guiding sample design and weighting, shaping recruitment strategies (including oversampling and incentive design), and overseeing performance monitoring and projection. The role also recommends responserate optimization strategies, analyzes field performance, and forecasts fieldperiod outcomes to inform field operations.

This individual willworkclosely withthe other members of theResearch Methodsteam,as well astheData Science, Operations,Development, Field,and Panel Relationsteams,and external sample providers to ensure methodological rigor,maximizeresponse rates-particularlyamong hard-to-reach populations-and maintaincompliance with Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation standards. The Senior Director will alsopreparequality controlanalysesandcontribute to audit preparation and defense. This rolerequiresstrong communicationskills and experienceinpresentingtotechnical and non-technicalstakeholders---including auditors and the MRC.Finally, this individual may mentor junior staff and provide oversight on complex analyses and testing programs.

Key Accountabilities

Sampleand WeightingDesign

• Recommendsampledesignfor address-basedprobability sample, including oversampling frameworks for niche or hard-to-reach populations(e.g.race/ethnicityand sex/age sub-groups)

• Continuously evaluate and refine sample design to reflect evolving researchenvironment, available sample sources/tools,and service needs.

• Oversee theprocess for orderingsample.

• Develop and leadquality-controlevaluations of sample providers, including coverage analyses, quality checksof addresses, sample yield, and bias assessments.

• Oversee weighting design to address inherent differential selection probabilities and to project the sample to universe estimates on key geographic,demographicand socio-economic characteristics

• Establishquality control procedures and evaluate processing of design weighting and sample balancing,with particular attention tochanges to design or processes

Field Procedures

• Recommend recruitmentand incentivestrategies across mail,phoneand digital channels fordifferent survey modes,refined by sample type and respondent/household characteristics,andincluding timing,frequencyand method ofsamplecontact.

• Work with Field department to draft recruitment mailing schedules and recommendchangesmid-field, asappropriate, including timing and scale ofadditionalsample drops.

• Monitor fieldworkin-progresstoidentifyand addresspotential production issues.

• Prepare regular analyses and reportstoevaluateperformanceagainst prior field periods and prepare/model forecasts.Summarize results and communicatetorelevant stakeholders with actionable recommendations.

• Provide guidance onmethodologicaltestingdesigned toincreaserespondentengagement andparticipation,minimizenonresponse bias, and improveoutcomes amonghard-to-reachsample.

• Conduct or oversee analyses of historical incentive tests and prior wave results to recommend optimized, nuanced incentive structures.

• Maintain record of wave-specific tests,changesand results.

• Work withDevelopmentteam to advise onthe development of a flexible incentive delivery system capable of mid-field adjustments.

• Partner with Data Science toanalyze, reportonand recommendincentive and recruitment concepts.

Audit Support & Compliance

• Prepare materials,analyses, anddocumentationfortechnical guides andaudits.

• Respond to technical audit questions and present sampling and production methodologies toMRCcommittee.

• Ensure all sampling, recruitment, and field processes meet accreditation standards.

• Provide clear, diplomatic guidance to teams across theend-to-endresearchprocess, includingCommercial,Operations, Research Methods, Analytics, and externalaudiences.

Skills& Qualifications

• Bachelor'sor advanced degree in Survey Methodology, Statistics, Data Science, Social Science Research, or related field (Master'sorPhD stronglypreferred).

• 8+ years of experience in survey sampling, ABS, production management, or researchmethodology, ideally in large-scale, ongoing studies.

• Deepexpertisein probability sampling, response-rate optimization, and survey recruitment.

• Strong understanding of ABS-specific operational challenges, including postal delivery issues, nonresponse patterns, and methods for engaging underrepresented populations.

• Demonstrated experience designing and interpreting field experiments and incentive tests.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills; fluency with statistical tools used for production modeling and QC evaluation.

• Prior experience interacting with the Media Rating Council or similarregulatory bodies, including presenting technical methods.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate technical insights into actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.

• Familiarity withABS samplingvendors and experience evaluating external sample providers.

• Experience developing flexible operational systems (e.g., dynamic incentives, adaptive sample deployment).

• Understanding ofsurvey weighting, nonresponse bias analysis, and related methodological assessments.

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation of the following range: $181,000.00 - $200,000.00. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and location. This role might also be eligible for a performance-based bonus. Other benefits include a flexible working environment, comprehensive health insurance, industry-leading parental leave, life insurance, education support, and more.

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including resume screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ's principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ's AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies.

About NIQ

NIQ is the world's leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights-delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms-NIQ delivers the Full View. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world's population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact.To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit thehttps://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion