Senior Account Director, Research

Remote, United States (Bay Area, NYC, Washington DC, Seattle, or Portland metro areas)

About the Group 

Panterra is a global strategic advisory firm. Over the last 25 years, we have grown from boutique strategic communications and research firms into a leading international consultancy. We advise governments, embassies, corporations, and individuals on a wide range of complex policy and communications issues. Our work is typically at the nexus of the worlds of politics, business, and the media.  

Our mission is to participate in – and positively impact – the great debates of our age, including (but not limited to) geopolitical crises, election campaigns, high-value litigation cases, international events, and public diplomacy initiatives. In all our work we are guided by our core values of honesty, integrity, ambition, and accountability.  We are not just problem-solvers; we are pioneers who lead the way in finding unique, impactful solutions to the challenges faced by our clients.

About our division – Panterra Research

Panterra Research, formerly ClearPath Strategies, provides research-driven strategy to leaders around the world. Our mission is to promote progressive forces who strive to make life better for more people. We help good people do great things, and we have fun doing it.

The work of Panterra Research principally involves conducting opinion research projects such as surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews, and providing our clients with actionable guidance based on that research. We have a long track record of providing quantitative and qualitative public opinion research across more than 150 countries, serving political campaigns, multinational corporations, NGOs, and advocacy groups. Our client portfolio includes diverse technology clients from Silicon Valley, non-profit advocacy clients (focused on environmental sustainability, civil rights, and education, among others), and international political leaders in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

The Opportunity

Panterra is growing and is looking for a Senior Account Director to lead a range of client projects, specializing in international political and governmental work. The successful candidate will help own complex client relationships, shape strategic storylines for clients, run mixed-methods projects, manage project teams, and assist in business development. The position requires managing research projects and clients around the world, including in Southeast Asia, which often takes places outside of 9am-6pm windows in the U.S.  This role also includes periodic opportunities to travel both nationally and internationally for client research and engagements.

This is not an entry-level position; the ideal candidate comes with 5+ years of experience in a client-services role within the public opinion research industry or closely related field. The ideal candidate would have expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, experience with research projects in both domestic and international settings, and familiarity with surveys conducted in a variety of modes such as face-to-face, phone, and/or online interviewing.

Successful Senior Account Directors are able to capably manage research projects, translate research findings into prescriptive guidance, and confidently present and build relationships with clients. They will also mentor and train junior staff, line-manage one or more colleagues, and contribute to conversations about methodology and innovation across the team. 

This is a remote, US based position; however, for operational reasons, applicants must be a permanent resident in one of the following metro areas: Bay Area, NYC, Washington DC, Seattle, or Portland metro areas. This policy applies to candidates' permanent / legal mailing address and would not affect, for example, temporarily working remotely from a different state.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee domestic and international quantitative and qualitative research projects.
• Draft and finalize surveys, screening questionnaires, and qualitative guides.
• Decide on research design, sampling, and quotas.
• Manage vendors, timelines, and in-field progress.
• Attend and run in-person qualitative fieldwork when needed (focus groups, IDIs, qualboards).
• Drive decisions on weighting and data quality on most accounts.
• Lead analysis, write memos, and prepare PowerPoint deliverables.
• Set, track, and report against project budgets.
• Manage and delegate day-to-day work to Research Consultants (analysts).

Client leadership

• Serve as a primary client contact for projects and regular reporting.
• Provide strategic interpretation of data and advise on implications and next steps.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior client stakeholders.
• Identify and grow opportunities within existing accounts.
• Lead proposal development and contribute to business development.

Team & organizational leadership

• Mentor and develop Consultants (analysts).
• Help build and refine company processes and best practices.
• Contribute to resourcing decisions and operational improvements.
• Model an open, collaborative, inclusive, and accountable culture.

Skills & experience

Organization

• Strong project management and attention to detail.
• Comfortable juggling multiple projects at different life-cycle stages.
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally.

Communication

• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Comfortable presenting to senior clients and internal leaders.
• Ability to translate data into clear, strategic recommendations.

Technical

• Minimum 5+ years professional experience in quantitative and qualitative research.
• Minimum 3+ years managing client relationships and senior-level deliverables.
• Deep familiarity with quantitative public opinion methods (online panels, live phone, face-to-face).
• Deep familiarity with qualitative methods (IDIs, focus groups, qualboards), including in-person execution.
• Experience with turning research results into actionable strategies
• Familiarity with writing proposals and business development.
• Proficient with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation & benefits

Salary: $95,000 - $115,000

Offers may be made at either the Account Director or Senior Account Director level, depending on experience. Compensation will be determined based on level, location, and alignment with internal and external market benchmarks. Panterra aims to provide a competitive and equitable offer upfront based on these factors.

In addition, we are proud to offer the following benefits:

• Discretionary Bonus and Profit Sharing Program,
• a flexible/unlimited vacation policy,
• 13 days paid holidays, plus a “Lucky Friday” program providing 8 additional Fridays off per year,
• several choices of healthcare plans,
• 401(k) non-elective contributions
• paid parental leave (subject to length of service),
• annual in-person team retreats,
• regular opportunities for in-person team gatherings,
• a strong and supportive culture.

We are a dynamic, diverse, and fast-growing company which believes in supporting our team members both professionally and personally. In addition to our teams in San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, London, Brussels and Abu Dhabi, we have an Associate network of global leaders and experts in their fields who employees have the chance to work with and learn from.

Panterra has a friendly company culture with regular social events and a flexible working environment. Moreover, we give all our employees a high degree of autonomy and responsibility early on in their careers, accelerating their progression to the benefit of both the individual and the company. This is especially important because the pace of the work is often fast, in line with the critical issues and events we are involved in. We are a privately-owned business, and our strength is in our people.

Our CSR Commitment

At Panterra, we pride ourselves on not only delivering exceptional strategic advice and services but on doing so with a deep sense of responsibility. We value giving back by striving to contribute to the betterment of society and a sustainable future. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy is a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact beyond business success. It is rooted in two main pillars: purpose-oriented projects and environmental responsibility. Panterra actively invests in the communities it serves through pro-bono projects which leverage the company’s skills and networks. In addition, Panterra is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact. By offsetting our carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting eco-friendly transportation, we ensure that our operations are aligned with a greener future.

To Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and Cover Letter introducing yourself, and outlining your interest in this position. Please also highlight any relevant qualifications and/or experience, and why these make you suitable for the role.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to respond to all applicants. 

We value diversity and aim for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society. Our recruitment process is competency based and no applicant will be discriminated against regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity.