RESEARCH MANAGER
Applied Research That Shapes Real-World Decisions
About Change Craft
Change Craft is a California-based strategic communications agency that helps public agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations solve complex public challenges through research, strategy, communications, and behavior change.
Our Insights & Impact Team conducts applied research that informs communications campaigns, public policy, community engagement, and program design across topics including public health, early childhood, behavioral health, immigration, recycling behaviors, systems change, economic development, environmental sustainability, and education.
About The Role
This is an applied research role. Not research for the sake of research. Research that clients act on.
We're looking for someone who enjoys answering real-world questions through thoughtful research and translating findings into practical recommendations clients can actually use.
Reporting to our Director of Insight & Program Design, you'll manage research projects from start to finish while supporting both client strategy and internal research quality. You'll lead mixed-methods research, supervise project execution, synthesize findings, and help mentor junior research staff.
What You'll Do
Research Design & Execution

• Lead qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research projects from design through reporting
• Design surveys, interview guides, focus group protocols, and discussion guides
• Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans
• Develop sampling plans and research methodologies
• Ensure research quality and methodological rigor
  

Analysis & Insights

• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using SPSS and other analytical tools
• Identify meaningful patterns, themes, and strategic implications
• Translate findings into clear recommendations
• Prepare executive summaries, research reports, presentations, and client deliverables
• Present findings to internal teams and clients
  

Project Management

• Manage multiple concurrent research projects
• Develop project timelines, budgets, and work plans
• Coordinate internal research teams and external partners
• Monitor project progress and ensure deadlines are met
  

Team Leadership

• Mentor Research Analysts and junior staff
• Review research instruments and deliverables
• Support continuous improvement of research methods and AI-assisted workflows
• Contribute to the growth of Change Craft's research practice
  

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Behavioral Science, Social Science, Public Policy, Education, Evaluation, or a related field
• 3+ years of applied research experience
• Experience managing research projects from design through reporting
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Experience using SPSS for quantitative analysis
• Experience designing and conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups
• Excellent analytical writing and presentation skills
• Experience producing client-ready reports and recommendations
• Strong project management and organizational skills
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with government, nonprofit, public health, education, or social impact organizations
• Experience evaluating communications or behavior change campaigns
• Familiarity with AI-assisted research workflows (Elicit, Consensus, NotebookLM, Claude, ChatGPT)
• Experience mentoring junior researchers
• Experience with NVivo, Dedoose, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or similar research platforms
• Bilingual English / Spanish
  

What Success Looks Like

• Research projects are delivered on time and at a consistently high quality
• Clients receive actionable recommendations, not just data
• Research findings are translated into communications and program strategies
• Junior researchers receive thoughtful guidance and mentorship
• The Insights & Impact team continues building a reputation for rigorous, practical research
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000-$100,000 per year (DOE)
• Benefits include generous health plans for medical and mental health services, dental, and vision; paid time off; life and short-term disability insurance
• 18 observed company holidays and civic engagement days including an annual winter break
  

Location: Remote anywhere in the US. Hybrid available if located in Sacramento.
Status: Full-time
Travel: 5-15% for client meetings, site visits, and team convenings
Reports to: Director, Insight & Program Design
Post Date: July 2026 | Target Hiring Timeframe: 2-4 weeks
To Apply
Please Answer The Following

• Describe a research project you personally managed from design through final presentation.
• What qualitative and quantitative research methods do you use most often?
• Which research software and statistical tools have you used professionally?
• Why are you interested in applied consulting research?
  

The Fine Print
Change Craft LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or on the basis of disability. Questions: careers@changecraft.com.