Senior Research Manager

About Essential Research

Essential is an Australian public affairs company working across a range of public interest issues, developing research-based communication strategies and campaigns for clients, including trade unions, NGO’s, government departments and membership-based organisations.

Essential exists to make organisations of social value stronger, using integrated communications and campaign strategies, which incorporate:

• Market research and polling
• Media relations, issues and crisis management
• Digital and online campaigning
• Content development and marketing
• Advertising and media buying
• Member, stakeholder and internal communications

Our research-based methodology makes sure our clients’ communications are on a solid footing, and our award-winning creative solutions get results and cut through the increasingly crowded and diverse media environment.

We are proud of the work we do and believe in our clients’ work. Most of all, we are committed to delivering a profitable business that also secures social and environmental change to make Australia a better place.

Position summary

Full time Contract Parental leave cover for 6 months initially with potential to become permanent.

This position is an important component of Essential’s Research team, itself the cornerstone of our integrated strategic communications practice. The Senior Research Manager is required to undertake predominantly qualitative research projects (although there probably will be occasional opportunities to be involved in quantitative research) – from research design to report writing stage. They are required to run focus groups, advise on best practice qualitative methodologies and designs to Directors, Account Managers and Communications Consultants, and to lead research projects, with only minimal support from the Research Director.

You are likely to have at least 6 years’ experience in a research role, most likely in a smaller agency or consultancy environment. You will be strongly proficient in conducting qualitative research, and in the analysis and presentation of research results. Whilst not essential, experience of working with quantitative data – including survey design and analysis – will be highly beneficial for this role.

You will be highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects, across several locations in Australia, and with suppliers in both Australia & overseas. You will be diligent, results-oriented and show strong initiative, ensuring tasks are followed through to the end, and you’ll be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with often-challenging deadlines. You will be comfortable with high expectations, and accountability for your performance, in a strongly supportive work culture.

You will have excellent writing skills and be adept at developing visual summaries of complex information in PowerPoint. You will be a clear verbal communicator and be comfortable discussing research projects with a range of stakeholders, from senior and experienced research staff, through to communications and digital media practitioners, to clients.

As you demonstrate success in this role, there will be meaningful opportunities to develop your career in research.

Skills & responsibilities

Research Design and Methodology

• Designs qualitative methodologies, including recruitment specifications and discussion guides.
• Moderates online over-time discussion groups, live online focus groups and face to face focus groups, and conducts qualitative interviews as needed.
• Work closely with quantitative researchers on mixed methodology projects, overseeing survey design, analysis and reporting. While not mandatory, having experience designing, leading and analysing quantitative projects is considered advantageous and will be beneficial for this role.
• Writes high quality reports, and turns complex results into clear messages and reports outcomes in an unbiased manner that can be used to effect client goals.

Client and Issues Management

• Supports client management teams and the Research Director in committing to the highest level and quality of service delivery to clients, with a particular focus on qualitative research.
• Understands issues that can impact on campaign outcomes and takes a proactive approach to dealing with such issues.
• Comprehends client needs and devises appropriate research techniques to facilitate meeting those needs.

Project Management

• Works with Company Directors, and the Research Director and other senior personnel as relevant, and in small teams with other divisions, to ensure client objectives are met and turn campaign ideas into effective research methodology.
• Operates within agreed project budgets and timelines.
• Provides input into the department’s policies and procedures to ensure effective and efficient systems are in place.
• Leads qualitative research projects, including being the main client contact and primary researcher. Must have an understanding of both online and traditional face-to-face qualitative research.
• Co-ordinates suppliers, field work companies and research recruitment companies to ensure project outcomes are met. 
• Liaises with clients throughout various stages of a research project and works to meet client expectations.
• Contributes to business development of the unit, as appropriate.

Strong Relationship Management

• Attends and manages key client meetings.
• Communicates with relevant internal and external stakeholders to enhance client servicing.
• Participates in internal meetings and processes to further strengthen the Essential model.
• Liaises with suppliers to coordinate and implement tasks and briefs in order to meet client needs.

About you

• You are likely to have 6-8 years experience in a research role, mostly likely in a smaller agency or consultancy environment.
• You will have a keen interest in the role of research in building communications and campaign strategies across a range of progressive social & political issues.
• You will be proficient in conducting a range of qualitative research methods (including using online/ digital research methods), and in the analysis and presentation of research results.
• You will have experience of focus group moderation (either online or face-to-face).
• You will be diligent, results-oriented and show strong initiative, ensuring tasks are followed through to the end.
• You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with often-challenging deadlines.
• You will be comfortable with high expectations and accountability for your performance, within a strongly supportive work culture.
• You will have excellent analytical & writing skills and be adept at developing visual summaries of complex information in PowerPoint.
• You will be a clear verbal communicator and be comfortable discussing research projects with a range of stakeholders, from senior and experienced research staff, through to communications and digital media practitioners, to clients.

Company and culture

• Flexible work arrangements – 2-3 team days in our Melbourne office.
• Up to 6 weeks of annual leave.
• Generous ‘time off in lieu’ policy.
• Team lunch every Monday.
• Opportunities for growth and development with a generous training budget.
• Ethical client base.
• Friendly team culture and regular social events.