Senior Director, Research Methods

This senior role reporting to the SVP of Research Methods requires deep expertise in addressbased probability sampling recruitment strategy and managing sample and field performance. The position serves as the organizations 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 will work closely with the other members of the Research Methods team as well as the Data Science Operations Development Field and Panel Relations teams and external sample providers to ensure methodological rigor maximize response ratesparticularly among hard-to-reach populationsand maintain compliance with Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation standards. The Senior Director will also prepare quality control analyses and contribute to audit preparation and defense. This role requires strong communication skills and experience in presenting to technical and non-technical stakeholders---including auditors and the MRC. Finally this individual may mentor junior staff and provide oversight on complex analyses and testing programs. 

Key Accountabilities  

Sample and Weighting Design 

• Recommend sample design for address-based probability sample including oversampling frameworks for niche or hard-to-reach populations (e.g. race/ethnicity and sex/age sub-groups) 

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

• Oversee the process for ordering sample.  

• Develop and lead quality-control evaluations of sample providers including coverage analyses quality checks of 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 demographic and socio-economic characteristics  

• Establish quality control procedures and evaluate processing of design weighting and sample balancing with particular attention to changes to design or processes 

Field Procedures 

• Recommend recruitment and incentive strategies across mail phone and digital channels for different survey modes refined by sample type and respondent/household characteristics and including timing frequency and method of sample contact. 

• Work with Field department to draft recruitment mailing schedules and recommend changes mid-field as appropriate including timing and scale of additional sample drops. 

• Monitor fieldwork in-progress to identify and address potential production issues.  

• Prepare regular analyses and reports to evaluate performance against prior field periods and prepare/model forecasts. Summarize results and communicate to relevant stakeholders with actionable recommendations.  

• Provide guidance on methodological testing designed to increase respondent engagement and participation minimize nonresponse bias and improve outcomes among hard-to-reach sample.  

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

• Maintain record of wave-specific tests changes and results. 

• Work with Development team to advise on the development of a flexible incentive delivery system capable of mid-field adjustments. 

• Partner with Data Science to analyze report on and recommend incentive and recruitment concepts. 

Audit Support & Compliance  

• Prepare materials analyses and documentation for technical guides and audits. 

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

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

• Provide clear diplomatic guidance to teams across the end-to-end research process including Commercial Operations Research Methods Analytics and external audiences. 

Qualifications :

Skills & Qualifications 

• Bachelors or advanced degree in Survey Methodology Statistics Data Science Social Science Research or related field (Masters or PhD strongly preferred). 

• 8 years of experience in survey sampling ABS production management or research methodology ideally in large-scale ongoing studies. 

• Deep expertise in 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 similar regulatory 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 with ABS sampling vendors and experience evaluating external sample providers. 

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

• Understanding of survey weighting nonresponse bias analysis and related methodological assessments. 

Additional Information :

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation of the following range: $181000.00 - $200000.00. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidates 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 résumé 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 NIQs 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 NIQs AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: NIQ

NIQ is the worlds leading consumer intelligence company delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to 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 insightsdelivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platformsNIQ delivers the Full View. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100 markets covering more than 90% of the worlds population.

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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 the  Work :

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Employment Type :

Full-time