Director of Qualitative Research / Senior Moderator
Insights (Qualitative)Full TimeChicago, ILHybrid
Dig Insights unites strategy, human understanding, and technology to help brands move decisively, in a world that won’t wait. We work with insights and marketing professionals at some of the world’s most well-loved brands, powering their brand and innovation decision-making. Dig One is our agile technology platform, used by our people and our clients, to deliver smarter and faster decisions.
Our clients span verticals including CPG, QSR, retail, technology, financial services, and telecommunications. Our work is led by a team of over 250 strategists, insights consultants, developers, and data scientists. We work for a global client base out of offices in Toronto, Chicago, London, and Singapore.
Since we started in 2010, we’ve been focused on setting a new standard for the insights industry – challenging the traditional model and building for what comes next. That means hiring people who are bright, creative, resourceful, and kind. People who succeed at Dig are curious, question established norms and are passionate about helping our clients to move their businesses forward. If you want to join a team that takes themselves just seriously enough to produce great work, we’d love to welcome you.
As we continue to grow, both geographically and in our expertise, we are looking for people who want to join a high-growth and highly collaborative company.
Director of Qualitative Research / Senior Moderator – About this role
Working collaboratively with Analysts, Managers, and the VP, the Director of Qualitative Research plays a leadership role in the execution and delivery of qualitative research projects. This role ensures that projects are thoughtfully designed, well moderated, and translated into clear, actionable insights.
The Director leads day-to-day project direction, bringing a strong strategic lens to research design, analysis, and reporting, while partnering closely with the VP on client strategy. They take ownership of project execution, proactively identifying risks, solving challenges, and maintaining high standards of quality throughout.
In addition to delivering excellent research, the Director contributes to team development. They mentor junior researchers, provide guidance on best practices, and help elevate the overall quality of thinking across projects. This role offers continued growth in leadership, client exposure, and strategic contribution within a supportive team structure.
Your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Lead qualitative research projects from design through delivery.
- Shape research approach and materials with a strong strategic lens.
- Moderate IDIs, focus groups, and ethnographic engagements, and facilitate workshops in both in-person and virtual settings.
- Oversee project management to ensure quality and timely execution.
- Lead analysis and report development, delivering clear insights and actionable recommendations.
- Contribute to proposal development and research design.
- Collaborate across Dig teams, including Quantitative, to deliver integrated insights.
- Mentor and support junior team members.
Experience, Skills and Requirements:
- 5+ years of direct and relevant qualitative research experience.
- University degree or post-graduate certificate in a relevant field.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are an asset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Flexibility around working outside regular office hours as required
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
- Naturally inquisitive, comfortable initiating and engaging in conversation, and confident leading discussions.
- Location: US (preferred). However, we are open to considering experienced candidates based in Canada.
- Willingness and ability to travel within Canada and the US as required.
Work Perks:
- Hybrid working policy which gives the flexibility to employees to work remotely or in one of our office locations
- Unlimited vacation policy
- Reimbursement for health and wellness classes/memberships, and continuous learning
- Medical Insurance
- In-person and virtual social events such as poker night, paint night, trivia night and more!
To find out more about us visit us at www.diginsights.com & www.upsiide.com
Our culture is built on 5 core values: Energy, Excellence, Evolution, Equality and Empathy. We believe that our success is dependent on the diverse talents, skills, and ideas of its staff. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including those in the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities, and from people with disabilities.
We thank you for your interest in Dig Insights, however, only candidates who are chosen for an interview will be contacted.