Managing Researcher, Health Communication Research

WHO WE ARE: At Fors Marsh, we take on issues that matter. We are a team of researchers, advisors, and communicators working together to shape the systems that shape our lives. We look at human behavior from all angles to design targeted solutions that influence decision-making and move people to action. We are committed to the problem, not just the project, and we are intentional about taking on work and forming partnerships that balance purpose, people, planet, and profit. We are a certified B Corporation, a Just employer, and a 2019-2024 Top Workplace. We hold ourselves accountable to the values that have always defined us. And those values drive us to be the best possible versions of ourselves-for each other, our communities, our clients, and the world.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Under the Communication Campaign Research & Evaluation practice area, the Health Communication Research division seeks a project manager to lead a multi-year, complex account requiring a mix of theory-based, qualitative and quantitative marketing research methods for formative, process, and summative evaluations that guide the strategic planning, implementation, and optimization of multiple paid, earned, owned, and shared media campaigns. Bidding for the contract is underway, and hiring is contingent on contract award anticipated to be made by December 2025. Eventually, the new hire would lead other contracts and research projects primarily sponsored by federal, state, and local governments in the United States. This position is ideal for an experienced manager of client relationships, applied research conducted in a culturally and linguistically competent manner, the professional development of staff, the strategic growth and operations of an organizational division, business development, and thought leadership.

*This position is a contingent hire, meaning it is contingent on Fors Marsh winning an upcoming proposal. The interview process will be the same as our standard process, the offer letter (should we decide to move forward) will serve as a letter of commitment.

Responsibilities include:

• Spearhead the development of creative solutions to problems.
• For complex accounts, manage client and other stakeholder expectations and build long-term relationships.
• Assess client’s research needs and lead the development of research plans with a mix of theory-based, qualitative and quantitative methods to be executed in a culturally and linguistically competent manner.
• Assemble a team from multiple Fors Marsh practice areas and divisions, from business partners, from market research vendors, and from community-based organizations with different capabilities (e.g., related to market research, qualitative participant recruitment, survey operations, data management, statistical analysis).
• Manage the execution of studies, ensuring that teamwork meets a high standard of quality within budgets and timelines.
• Lead submissions of research packages to Institutional Review Board (IRB), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and data protection teams.
• Review and provide feedback to team members on deliverables (e.g., study plans, research materials, reports, strategic plans, presentations).
• Champion new business development efforts, including capture and technical/cost proposals.
• Support the strategic growth and operations of the Health Communication Research division and Communication Campaign Research & Evaluation practice area.
• Support the professional development of division staff through timesheet and expense monitoring, workload management, goal setting, training, ongoing coaching, and continuous performance reviews.
• Build project management competencies among staff.
• Oversee thought leadership (e.g., via manuscripts, presentations, posters, webinars, professional association events).

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in health communication, communication, marketing, advertising, public health, psychology, sociology, anthropology, or a related social science field.
• At least 15 years of work experience in applied advertising, marketing, or communications research.
• At least 5 years of experience with overseeing complex, fast-paced, budget-defined contracts requiring a mix of theory-based methods.
• At least 5 years of experience with assembling and managing research teams, which may include not only Fors Marsh but also business partners, market research vendors, and community-based organizations.
• At least 5 years of experience with supervising staff members.
• At least 2 years of experience with leading capture and technical/cost proposals.
• Strong self-starting skills.
• Experience with managing changing needs and expectations from internal or external clients and their multiple stakeholders (e.g., funders, partners).
• Experience with culturally and linguistically competent research.
• Experience with Institutional Review Board (IRB), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and data protection reviews.
• Experience with triangulating results from multiple qualitative and quantitative methods into recommendations or strategic communications plans to inform the development and refinement of programs, campaigns, and activities.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate proficiency with qualitative (e.g., NVivo, Atlas) and quantitative software (e.g., Stata, SPSS, SAS).
• Applicants may be subject to a low-level government security investigation and must meet eligibility criteria for access to sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with managing a multi-year IDIQ, BPA, or similar contract through which a client requests research for multiple mass media campaigns at the same time.
• Experience with campaigns involving integrated paid, earned, owned, and shared media channels.

We Offer:

Our benefits typically meet or exceed our competitors’ packages. Ways we are unique?

• Ability to make an impact on people’s lives, both internal and external to the organization.
• Top-tier health, dental, vision, and long and short-term disability coverage all covered at 100% for employee coverage.
• Remote work.
• Our company culture, which values balance and allows each employee to take leave as they require it to balance the responsibilities of both their work and home lives without worrying about depleting their available leave hours.
• We provide a floating holiday bank so you can celebrate the days you value.
• Generous matching retirement contributions and no vesting period starting the third month of employment.
• Dedicated training and development budgets to expand your expertise and grow your skillset.
• You can volunteer your way with paid time off.
• You can participate in Fors Marsh staff-led affinity groups.
• Our employees receive product and service discounts through the certified B Corp network.

Salary: $134,000-$150,000

*This position is a contingent hire, meaning it is contingent on Fors Marsh winning an upcoming proposal. The interview process will be the same as our standard process, the offer letter (should we decide to move forward) will serve as a letter of commitment.

Location: Remote, United States Residents only

FM Career Map: Managing Researcher II

EOE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.