Research Director- Entertainment

Title: Research Director- Entertainment Location: Los Angeles, Must be in the LA area Salary: Commensurate with experience Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io A leading entertainment research consultancy is seeking a strategic and intellectually curious Research Director to join its team. This individual will lead high-profile research initiatives supporting film and entertainment clients, helping studios and marketers better understand audiences, evaluate creative, and make smarter business decisions. This is a highly consultative role for someone who enjoys blending rigorous research with compelling storytelling and executive-level client engagement. You'll work across quantitative and qualitative studies, translating complex findings into clear strategic recommendations that influence marketing, positioning, and audience engagement strategies. What You'll Do: Lead end-to-end custom research engagements, including concept testing, creative and advertising evaluation, audience segmentation, positioning studies, recruit screenings, and qualitative initiatives Determine the appropriate methodologies, analytical approaches, and reporting strategies to address client business objectives Transform quantitative and qualitative findings into actionable insights and strategic recommendations that drive decisionsDevelop executive-level presentations and narratives for studio executives, filmmakers, marketers, and other stakeholders Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, presenting findings and providing consultative guidance around audience engagement, positioning, and marketing effectiveness Analyze market trends, competitive dynamics, and consumer behavior to identify opportunities and risks Collaborate closely with internal teams, vendors, and clients to ensure successful project execution and exceptional client service Provide expertise on research methodologies, analytical frameworks, and interpretation of findings while continuously improving processes and research quality What We're Looking For: 6+ years of progressive experience in market research, consumer insights, analytics, or related fields Demonstrated success independently leading complex research programs and developing strategic recommendations Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including brand health, messaging, positioning, audience segmentation, and media effectiveness Experience working with large and complex datasets and translating analysis into compelling business stories Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor insights to diverse audiences Advanced PowerPoint capabilities and strong written communication skills, including attention to grammar, structure, and clarity Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with strong attention to detail and a collaborative, "no job too small" mentality Entertainment, media, or film industry experience is highly preferred; a passion for movies and television is a major plus #J-18808-Ljbffr Smith Hanley Associates