Director, Research – Digital & Insights

FTI Consulting

. Design, scope, and execute primary research projects .

Posted 9/16/2026full-timeChicago • District of Columbia • United StatesLead💰 $99,000 - $152,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing the full primary research lifecycle, including designing and executing quantitative and qualitative research projects. Proficient in data analysis, storytelling, and delivering actionable insights to clients while mentoring early career professionals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Primary Research ManagementQuantitative Survey ResearchQualitative Research ExecutionProject ManagementData Analysis and Storytelling

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quantitative Research MethodologiesQualitative Research MethodologiesSurvey DesignData TabulationCross-Tab AnalysisExcel Data ManipulationPowerPoint Presentation DevelopmentAI Integration in ResearchResearch Project Lifecycle ManagementClient Recommendations

Soft Skills

Verbal Presentation SkillsPublic SpeakingAttention to DetailTime ManagementOrganizational SkillsCollaborative ApproachMentoring Ability

Industry Keywords

Multi-Client Opinion ResearchConsulting Firm ExperienceResearch MethodologiesFocus GroupsIn-Depth InterviewsSurvey FieldingGlobal InitiativesData Processing SoftwareClient EngagementResearch Deliverables

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, scope, and execute primary research projects
Draft questionnaires and discussion guides
Manage the full primary research lifecycle from inception to completion
Lead and contribute directly to project deliverables
Manage survey fielding
Conduct focus groups and in-depth interviews
Lead small to medium projects independently
Collaborate with senior team members on large-scale and global initiatives
Guide and mentor early career professionals on research methodologies and best practices

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum 7 years conducting primary research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies
At least 3 years in project management/lead capacity
Minimum 3 years in a multi-client opinion research agency or consulting firm managing multiple simultaneous projects
Travel required to clients and to FTI office(s)
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
Employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas
Proven track record designing and executing quantitative survey research
Proven track record managing and executing qualitative research
Expertise managing full research project lifecycles
Proficiency creating PowerPoint presentations
Proficiency developing survey tabulations, applying weighting, and generating cross-tab analyses
Ability to manipulate data using Excel or other data processing software
Ability to integrate insights across multiple platforms, analytics streams, and methodologies
Strong data storytelling capabilities
Experience leveraging AI to drive efficiencies and innovate primary research methodologies
Excellent verbal presentation and public speaking abilities
Skill translating research terminology into practical client recommendations
Strong writing and numerical proficiency
High attention to detail
Excellent time-management and organizational skills
Collaborative approach and mentoring ability
Comfort managing multiple research projects simultaneously
Ability to operate independently while collaborating across offices

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional development programs
On-the-job learning
Self-guided professional development courses and certifications
Dedicated coach and regular coaching sessions
Tailored programs for critical professional milestones