Position Title: Executive Director of Market Research

Posting Number: S211P

Department: Marketing

Position Type: Staff

Job Description: Job Summary

Hillsdale College is looking for a senior executive responsible for overseeing the company’s market research strategy, ensuring that data-driven insights inform marketing decisions, product development, and overall business strategy. This role reports to the Chief Marketing Officer ( CMO ) and plays a critical part in aligning research efforts with the organization’s goals. The candidate should have proven success working with all levels of leadership as well as strong written, verbal, and presentation skills. Other key elements include knowledge of project management tools, strategic planning, and change management.

Essential Job Functions

Translate complex data into actionable insights for marketing teams, product development, and leadership. Provide recommendations on target audiences, campaign effectiveness, and brand perception. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as customer satisfaction and brand equity. Partner with marketing, sales, product development, and finance teams to ensure research insights are integrated into decision-making processes. Work with external agencies, vendors, or research firms to augment internal capabilities. Present findings to Sr leadership, including the C-suite and board of directors, influencing strategy. Build a team of market research professionals, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and analytical rigor. Mentor and develop talent, ensuring the team stays current with evolving research tools. Manage budgets, resources, and vendor relationships for the research function. Support strategic portfolio planning and contribute to project intake and prioritization processes. Maintain multiple projects through completion and be comfortable with moving between them. Conduct post-project evaluations and ensure lessons learned are captured.

Required Qualifications: Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree in marketing, research, business, statistics, psychology, or a related field is required. A master’s degree and a PhD are preferred in degrees such as market research or related fields. The position requires 12+ years of market research experience, including a minimum of 5-7 years in leadership roles with demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams, experience managing vendor relationships, and third-party solutions. An equivalent combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the responsibilities of the role will also be considered.

Other Skills: General Skills Required

Strong leadership and team management skills to motivate teams across campus and externally. You will be an effective point of contact for research project management, gaining teams’ trust and giving them a positive experience in working with you. Prepare regular progress reports and updates for internal and external teams and senior leadership. Assist in bridging the gap between strategy and execution through projects. Ability to effectively plan, develop goals, meet deadlines, and accomplish goals while prioritizing. Demonstrated ability to think logically and process detailed information. Strong written and verbal communication and storytelling abilities to present complex insights to non-technical stakeholders. Strategic thinking and problem-solving to align research with business priorities. Regular coordination with other cross-functional departmental teams. Allocate resources effectively.

Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Develop and execute the market research strategy to support the organization’s marketing and business objectives. Identify key market trends, audience behaviors, and competitive dynamics to guide marketing campaigns, product launches, and brand positioning. Align research initiatives with organizational goals, such as market expansion, voice of the audience, audience retention, brand health, user journeys, and/or innovation. Oversee the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research studies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and data analytics. Oftentimes, in partnership with external partners Leverage advanced methodologies like predictive analytics, segmentation, conjoint analysis, and customer journey mapping. Ensure research is conducted efficiently, within budget, and adheres to ethical standards. Adopt cutting-edge tools like AI, machine learning, and big data analytics to enhance capabilities. Stay ahead of industry trends, incorporating new methodologies such as social listening, real-time data tracking, or behavioral analytics. Deep understanding of our learning industry and its competitive landscape.

Code of Commitment

‍Be a good representative of Hillsdale College to promote the liberal arts, the College’s original Articles of Association, and the operating principles stated in the Staff Code of Commitment. The Mission Statement should be considered in all aspects of the position. The teaching of Christian faith shall remain a conspicuous aim of the College.

Open Date: 10/01/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Supplemental Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply (Required Documents & Optional Documents): Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents

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