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Hollis + Miller Architects · 12 hours ago

Research Director

Kansas City, MO

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Hollis + Miller Architects is expanding their team and seeking an experienced Research Director to support their research-driven approach to design. This role combines technical expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking to ensure high standards of excellence in research and data analysis.

ArchitectureConsultingInterior DesignReal Estate

Culture & Values

Hiring Manager

Emma James, SHRM-CP

Responsibilities

Manages research team capacity and provides an organized approach to conduct recurring and ad hoc research efforts

Leads planning and execution of a portfolio of research projects with a significant qualitative analysis component, including a collaborative approach to refining research questions, developing and codifying research methods, accessing and/or collecting data, analyzing data, surfacing insights, and creating visualizations, presentations, and reports on findings

Collaborates with the Education Design Director to identify annual research initiatives, supporting the integration of qualitative and quantitative research findings to enhance project outcomes

Ensures timely and accurate delivery of initial and final findings from research projects

Serves as lead consultant on publicly available state and national data sources on education as well as data requirements and access to support development of organization-wide research agenda

Builds staff capacity to interpret and leverage data by developing and facilitating training and workshops, providing small group and individual coaching

Maintains expertise on relevant research topics and methods. Encourages innovation in qualitative methodologies, tools, and frameworks through continuous learning and knowledge-sharing

Develops and maintains systems for organization of data inputs and final deliverables that streamline access and collaboration and ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance

Maintains awareness of national and state requirements for involving students and staff in ethical research initiatives across public and private school organizations and coordinates approaches accordingly

Develops and maintains dashboards or databases to share frequently requested data with internal and external stakeholders

Leads research team efforts to share insights from data analyses through visualizations, presentations, and reports that communicate key insights to various audiences

Presents findings both internally and externally and ensures staff and Partners are equipped to understand methodology and interpret findings

Manages development of internal deliverables (including annual Culture/Climate reports and presentation slides) that center data in support of cross-departmental project goals and organizational key messages and objectives

Leads and mentors research team members, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and methodological rigor

Provides clear guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to support the professional growth and career development of team members

Manages resource allocation, workload balancing, and project assignments to optimize team efficiency and well-being

Champions best practices in qualitative research design, analysis, and storytelling through active mentorship and peer review

Promotes a positive, inclusive team culture that values diverse perspectives and approaches to insight generation

Supports a research-based mindset across company pillars, identifying opportunities to enhance business outcomes and strategic plan initiatives

Fosters connections with universities and other education and research institutions to expand the Firms impact and support purpose-driven impact

Joins Business Development and Firm Leaders as needed to build relationships with current and future clients, providing a lens of research expertise

Participates in key project interviews that are built around a research-based strategy

Shares research findings at local and national conferences, partnering with clients as appropriate for a layered perspective

Participates in tasks beyond academic research and publications to include consulting, client-responsive projects, or advisory work that translates insights into strategy and action

Performs other duties as assigned by Senior Partner, Vision and Strategy

Qualification

Master's degree in social scienceQualitative researchProject ManagementQuantitative analysis softwareData visualization softwareMicrosoft OfficeRelationship managementLeadershipCommunication skillsAttention to detail

Required

Master's degree in social or data science, education, or other relevant field required

At least 10 years of related professional experience is preferred

Background in Project Management and leading project teams required

Proven experience independently leading qualitative research projects required

Extensive background in organizing and leading interviews, focus groups, and community listening sessions with diverse populations and stakeholders

Vast experience writing research reports and developing insights for diverse audiences

Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including PowerPoint

Deep understanding of qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo) and some experience working with quantitative analysis software (e.g., SPSS) preferred

Familiarity with data visualization software (e.g., Tableau or PowerBI) a plus, as well as graphic tools such as Adobe Creative Suite applications

Self-starter with strong sense of ownership and initiative

Creates thoughtful, smart approaches to research projects through innovative idea generation

Displays strong relationship management and the ability to foster new relationships across company pillars

Ability to internalize feedback with open demeanor and adapts quickly with a high degree of responsiveness

Solves problems strategically and can multi-task while managing time well

Displays extremely strong organization skills and attention to detail

Possesses an ability to simplify and visually present findings to a variety of audiences and stakeholders

Possesses excellent written and verbal communication skills and approaches work with an energetic and positive attitude

Preferred

Doctorate degree and or research certification preferred

At least 10 years of related professional experience is preferred

Quantitative and/or mixed methods research preferred

Deep understanding of qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo) and some experience working with quantitative analysis software (e.g., SPSS) preferred