Description
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Manager, Audience & Impact Research leads the organization's qualitative research and impact measurement work, with primary responsibility for research methodology, synthesis, and translating qualitative findings into strategic insight. This role partners closely and continuously with the Manager, Data Strategy & Analytics to align qualitative and quantitative work, and reports to the Senior Director, Research & Data Analytics.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Design and lead research studies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other qualitative methods, aligned to organizational and impact measurement goals
• Own qualitative data coding, analysis, and synthesis, translating raw qualitative input into clear findings and recommendations
• Set qualitative research methodology and quality standards across the team's work
• Direct and validate first-pass coding and other qualitative groundwork completed by Research Operations Associate
• Partner with the Manager, Data Strategy & Analytics to co-design integrated qualitative/quantitative filtering and reporting frameworks
• Advise on and build data visualizations, complete audience and impact reports and present findings to stakeholders
• Contribute qualitative and impact-measurement expertise to broader organizational and system-wide strategy discussions, in structured collaboration with the Manager, Data Strategy & Analytics and the Senior Director
• Maintain relationships with internal stakeholders (especially fundraising teams) who rely on qualitative and impact findings, ensuring research addresses real organizational questions
• Provide day-to-day direction to Research Operations support staff on qualitative research logistics and groundwork
• Stay current on qualitative research and impact measurement best practices relevant to public media, audience engagement, and mission-driven organizations
CORE COMPETENCIES:
• Demonstrated experience in survey design and designing and leading qualitative studies (interviews, focus groups, ethnographic methods, or similar)
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with experience translating qualitative findings into actionable recommendations
• Strong ability to communicate research findings to non-technical audiences and stakeholders
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience in public media, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations
• Background in impact or outcomes measurement frameworks
• Experience partnering with quantitative researchers or analysts to build integrated mixed-method reporting tools
• Experience mentoring or directing the work of junior researchers or contract support staff, even without formal management authority
EDUCATION:
• ? MA / MS / MBA / JD (Masters / Postgraduate / Advanced Degree)
LOCATION:
WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations. We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA. WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible. Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.
Benefits | WETA
