Senior Director, Research Methods

NielsenIQ • Full-time • Remote (Illinois City, IL, US) • $181k - $200k / year • 4d ago

R26_0005033

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

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 comprehensive multi-media and marketing survey, collecting data from a fresh sample of 60,000 U.S. adults each year. Data is collected via an online or telephone survey, followed by a self-administered product booklet. The MRI-Simmons USA product is accredited by the Media Rating Council (MRC) and undergoes an annual audit as part of this process.

Job Description

This senior role, reporting to the SVP of Research Methods, requires deep expertise in address‑based 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 field‑performance 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 response‑rate optimization strategies, analyzes field performance, and forecasts field‑period 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 rates—particularly among hard-to-reach populations—and 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

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Survey Methodology, Statistics, Data Science, Social Science Research, or related field (Master’s 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: $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 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 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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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 https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion