Demo

Qualitative Research Director

Penta Group
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 3/9/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/9/2025

Penta Group is a global company providing data-driven solutions to help clients achieve their objectives in an increasingly complex stakeholder environment. We provide cutting-edge intelligence products to help clients understand what their stakeholders think, see, and hear, and then leverage that intelligence to develop and execute effective, measurable strategies.

Our global team brings decades of experience in business, government, communications, research, data science, and media. Our clients include companies across a variety of industries, including technology, financial services, energy, healthcare, and more. Penta has offices in New York, London, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Dublin, Brussels, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

About Penta's Syndicated Research Team :

Penta’s Syndicated Research Team gathers both quantitative and qualitative feedback directly from senior policymakers in Washington, D.C. Each year, our comprehensive and independent research engages policymakers to assess how corporations and associations are perceived in Washington.

Our study evaluates corporate reputation and advocacy effectiveness based on the factors that matter most to policymakers. We examine Fortune 500 companies and major trade associations operating in Washington, drawing insights from the policymakers most relevant to their work. By leveraging this data, we provide clients with actionable intelligence to strengthen their advocacy, positioning, and engagement strategies in the federal policymaking landscape.

Position Summary :

We are seeking a highly motivated Director of Qualitative Research to lead our portfolio of Federal and State qualitative research projects with senior policymakers. As Director, you'll manage a number of Research Associates in their development while balancing project management responsibilities across multiple projects.

Leveraging your expertise in in-depth interviews and qualitative analysis, you will drive a comprehensive understanding of the policy-making landscape. This role is the research and analytical backbone of Penta’s syndicated research offering. The insights derived from your research will significantly shape our client’s communications strategies and help ensure their successful engagement with this vital group of stakeholders.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced qualitative researcher to join a collaborative team and apply their creativity and entrepreneurial drive to shape the future of our qualitative research practice. As a leader, you will also be the go-to expert on qualitative research as our organization continues to grow.

Primary Responsibilities :

  • Plan, execute and own research projects with a focus on research design, vendor management, moderation, and analysis.
  • Design and conduct in-depth interviews with policymakers and policy influencers on a frequent basis.
  • Collaborate with internal and external recruitment partners to ensure the selection of representative samples for qualitative studies.
  • Develop and implement systems to ensure the rigor, reliability, and ethical standards of all qualitative research projects.
  • Stay current with new qualitative research methodologies, tools, and trends, and continuously improve internal processes.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop team members, fostering their growth and supporting their success within the organization.

Qualifications :

  • Advanced degree (M.A., M.S., or Ph.D.) in a relevant field such as Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, or Communications.
  • 5-8 years of experience leading qualitative research projects in an academic, industry, or consulting environment.
  • Proficiency in conducting and analyzing interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic research.
  • Experience using qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo, MAXQDA, Dedoose) to code and analyze data.
  • Exceptional writing and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex findings in a clear and engaging manner.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality results on time.
  • Strong understanding of emerging trends and innovations in qualitative research methods.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and effectively engage diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience managing and mentoring junior staff to achieve individual and team goals.
  • Salary Range :

    The base salary range for this position is $100,000–$125,000, depending on a candidate’s experience and qualifications as they relate to the position.

    Location :

    This position is for US-based personnel and will be hybrid, with a preference for candidates in the Washington, DC metro area who can be in-office four days per week.

    Benefits :

    Penta Group is proud to offer a generous benefits package, in which regular full-time employees are eligible for enrollment the first day of the month following their date of hire. Please find a list below of our current benefit offerings :

  • Excellent health care, vision, and dental coverage provided by United Healthcare with 100% of individual employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums covered.
  • Competitive retirement benefits with a 401(k) matching 100% up to 3% of an employee’s deferred salary, and matching 50% of the next 2% deferred.
  • Employer paid short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance, with the option to buy additional coverage.
  • Twelve weeks paid parental leave.
  • Flexible paid time off and a generous holiday schedule.
  • Monthly stipend for cell phone.
  • Optional pet insurance coverage.
  • Frequent firm-wide social events and activities.
  • An excellent environment for learning and growth.
  • Penta Group, LLC values diversity and inclusion, is committed to equal employment opportunity, and to compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. We also comply with District of Columbia law, which prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, applicants for employment and interns based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, reproductive health decisions and breastfeeding), national origin, disability, age (18 and over), personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family responsibilities, matriculation (e.g., being enrolled in a college or university or in a business, nursing, professional, secretarial, technical or vocational school), political affiliation, genetic information (including family medical history), lawful use of tobacco products, unemployment status and status as a victim or the family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense or stalking.

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    Salary : $100,000 - $125,000

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