Research Lead, Policy Communications

OpenAI

. Build and manage a mixed-methods research program from initial questions through study design, fieldwork, analysis, reporting, and documentation .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesSenior💰 $347,000 - $385,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in mixed-methods research, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to inform policy and communications. Capable of designing rigorous studies, managing research processes, and translating findings into actionable recommendations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Mixed-Methods Research LeadershipQuantitative Research DesignQualitative Research ExpertiseSurvey-Methods ProficiencyCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Questionnaire DesignStatistical AnalysisSampling TechniquesLongitudinal ResearchVendor ManagementResearch EthicsData SynthesisExperimental DesignPolicy RecommendationsPublic-Opinion Research

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationInfluencing SkillsOrganizational Learning

Industry Keywords

Behavioral ResearchMarket ResearchPolicy ResearchCommunications ResearchComplex Environments

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and manage a mixed-methods research program from initial questions through study design, fieldwork, analysis, reporting, and documentation
Establish high standards for research quality, consistency, and responsible research practice
Design rigorous quantitative research, including surveys and longitudinal studies
Oversee questionnaire design, sampling, weighting, vendor quality, analysis, and communication of uncertainty and limitations
Lead qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, to understand interpretation of complex policy topics
Use qualitative insights to improve the clarity, accuracy, and usefulness of policy communications
Turn findings into executive-ready reports with practical recommendations
Partner with Policy, Communications, Product, Marketing, Data Science, Legal, Privacy, and other teams
Build reusable research tools, benchmarks, and knowledge to strengthen decision-making over time

Requirements

What you’ll need

Senior mixed-methods research leader with deep quantitative and qualitative expertise
Substantial experience leading public-opinion, communications, policy, market, or behavioral research in a complex or fast-moving environment
Deep survey-methods expertise, including questionnaire design, sampling, weighting, panel and vendor quality, experimentation, statistical analysis, and longitudinal research
Experience designing and conducting or overseeing qualitative research, including recruitment, interviewing or moderation, synthesis, and integration with quantitative findings
Experience designing research across varied populations and judging whether a sample can support the conclusions drawn
Ability to translate research into clear communications, policy, and product recommendations
Ability to influence senior cross-functional partners when evidence challenges a preferred direction
Ability to communicate complex methods and findings clearly
Experience managing research vendors, budgets, timelines, privacy, and research ethics
Ability to build durable systems that support organizational learning

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity
Performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
Employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid parental leave up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents
Paid medical and caregiver leave up to 8 weeks
Flexible PTO for exempt employees
Up to 15 days annual PTO for non-exempt employees
13+ paid company holidays
Multiple paid coordinated company office closures
Paid sick or safe time
Mental health and wellness support
Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
Annual learning and development stipend
Daily meals in offices
Meal delivery credits as eligible
Relocation support for eligible employees
Charitable donation matching may be provided
Wellness stipends may be provided