Position Description. Department: Quantitative Research Direct Reports: Project Manager/Researcher Senior Researcher

Transcription

1 Position Description Position Title: Research Director (Quantitative) Reports to: Executive Director, Research Department: Direct Reports: Project Manager/Researcher Senior Researcher Date: 03/10/2011 Position Status: Full time Primary Objective Our Research Directors have a senior role and responsibility for leading the development and implementation of social research based projects to consolidate the Social Research Centre s presence in the marketplace as a leader in the provision of quality social research services to its client base and other key stakeholders. Organisational Environment The Social Research Centre is dedicated to using its specialist expertise in social, health and government research services to advance social research outcomes in Australia. The company has an established track record of delivering quality projects to exacting standards and is acknowledged as a centre for excellence in the provision of social and health research services. Organisational Values Internal Key Working Relationships Team: including senior researchers, analysts and researchers Operations and Field Team: including Project Coordinators, Coders, Programmers and Call Centre Managers Managing Director Executive Director, Research Shared Services (e.g. Human Resources, IT, Finance) External Clients Suppliers: including panel suppliers & qualitative interviewer recruiters External Consultants Professional Associations Page 1

2 Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs) 1. Research Design and Management Preparing project plans and conducting project inception meetings Questionnaire design and review Sample design and weighting Monitoring all aspects of the research process, overseeing research team and becoming involved where necessary with the following: o Liaising with field team to initiate data collection o Liaising with external suppliers (e.g., online suppliers) when necessary o Questionnaire preparation for CATI o Checking CATI scripts o Data file checking o Checking outputs o Charting o Writing technical reports o Writing output specifications o Project managing while in field Undertaking univariate and multivariate (where appropriate) analyses of survey data Preparing reports based on research analysis and results including, where relevant, appropriate recommendations and suggestions for future development Presentation of results to clients and key stakeholders Conducting all quantitative and qualitative research in accordance with the organisation s obligations and guidelines under ISO Client Relationship Management and Business Development Seek out new business opportunities e.g. research briefs and tenders Discuss potential research projects with new or existing clients Proposal writing including providing formal advice regarding research design, timelines and costing of projects Provide advice to clients outside current project work Provide a point of contact for general client queries resolve and resolve any conflict Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Positive feedback on design of research project Questionnaire fielded with no errors Project deliverables specifications, technical reporting, analysis, evaluative reporting and presentations are on time and accurate Reports written are of a publishable standard Minimal corrections required for work delegated to or completed by project team (e.g., researchers) Projects fall within budget Positive client feedback Research project meets client s requirements Repeat business from clients Positive feedback from clients at either new business meetings or annual formal service reviews Proactive contact with clients Proposal success rate increase in rate of work won from previous year Increase in revenue from previous year bought in by project work Page 2

3 3. Operational Management Promoting the reputation and brand of The Social Research Centre as a leader in the market by speaking at events and training externally Develop an online presence through social and professional networks Participate in business operations meetings with the Director of and other managers Contribute to the development of management forms and tools as required Participate in budget reviews post research projects and provide financial information about project performance as requested 4. Personal Development Actively participate in one-on-ones with direct manager Keeping up to date with academic and general changes or advances in own area of specialization (e.g., with articles and newsletters) Responsible for own part of performance review including setting up own development plan Attendance at relevant conferences Provide Leadership in a chosen area of methodological expertise and content area Increased brand awareness amongst users of Social Research Implement changes where necessary to project management procedures and practices as agreed by management Positive Feedback from Senior Management Demonstrated initiative for personal development Sharing relevant information or new knowledge with research team e.g., with researcher forums Actively contribute to L&D plan Attendance at performance reviews and commitment to continuous development Participating in a range of professional development activities Producing at least 1 high quality white paper or presentation annually or significant contribution to staff training and development in chosen methodological domain or content area Page 3

4 5. HR Management and OHS Management Taking management responsibility for direct reports. This could include senior researchers, researchers and/or research assistants Weekly one-on-one meetings with direct reports Taking responsibility for the effectiveness, efficiency and professional development of direct reports. This includes conducting formal annual performance reviews Adhering to the Social Research Centre s HR and OHS policies and corporate values in all dealings with direct reports Providing developmental feedback while reviewing of tasks and monitoring workload and work quality of direct reports (or equivalent) Contributing to the training and development of direct reports (and the researcher group in general) Positive feedback on performance and managerial responsibilities (e.g., positive feedback from other parts of the business) Direct reports working towards learning goals Within the PRA group sharing responsibility for the delivery of at least one researcher forum each quarter Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience Post-Graduate tertiary degree in a relevant discipline and 8+ years experience gained in a government or social research environment Well developed quantitative (and qualitative) research skills including sampling, questionnaire design, statistical analysis and reporting Experience with Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing Ability to work alone or as a team member Ability and willingness to work in a very hands on project role sometimes with limited availability of support staff Ability to run a project team and coordinate the workflows of other team members Willingness to mentor and train other research and project support staff Superior ability to use relevant software (SPSS, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and other packages relevant to projects, as necessary Ability to write / contribute to publication standard reports and presentations Ability to document survey procedures and produce publication quality technical and methodological reports Ability to respond to research briefs / write high-quality proposals Committed work ethic in terms of documenting decisions, transparency, leaving an audit trail, using professional protocols and maintaining system files Demonstrated expertise in business development and client management Superior leadership and project management skills An excellent understanding of the tender process for government and social research including demonstrated experience in proposal preparation/submission and/or writing Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities AS Market, Opinion and Social Research Standard AMSRS Code of Professional Behaviour AMSRO Market and Social Research Privacy Code Esomar Code of Practice Page 4

5 Verification: We certify that the content of this position description is accurate: Employee s Name & Signature Date Manager s Name & Signature Date Page 5