Senior Director, Human Intelligence

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Senior Director, Research (Canada) We are seeking an inspiring Senior Director, Research to lead and grow our research and insights offering across Canada. This senior leader will bring deep expertise in primary and/or secondary research (including advanced measurement frameworks), paired with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and proven ability to drive strategic business impact. The ideal candidate is a seasoned research and consulting leader who thrives in complex, multi-market environments. They will oversee large-scale, global and integrated research initiatives spanning quantitative and qualitative methodologies, media intelligence, digital analytics, and performance measurement. This role requires executive-level client partnership, commercial acumen, and the ability to scale and mentor high-performing teams. Your potential coming to life: Joining our team means you will… Strategic & Practice Leadership Set the vision and strategic direction for research and measurement across Canadian operations, ensuring alignment with broader Edelman global priorities Lead the design of complex research programs, including methodology, sampling strategy, advanced analytics, and integrated measurement frameworks Champion innovation in research methodologies, analytics, and storytelling approaches to elevate our competitive advantage Partner cross-functionally with Corporate, Brand, Digital, Assembly, and other practices to integrate insights into broader communications strategy Executive Client Partnership Serve as senior strategic advisor to C-suite and executive stakeholders, translating research into actionable business and reputational strategy Own senior-level client relationships, ensuring overall client satisfaction, quality control, and long-term partnership growth Deliver compelling, executive-ready narratives that connect insights to strategic recommendations and measurable business outcomes Provide strategic oversight on all major deliverables to ensure analytical rigor and storytelling excellence Business Growth & Commercial Leadership Identify and proactively pursue new business opportunities, contributing to revenue growth across Canada Lead strategic scoping of complex engagements, including pricing, resource allocation, and profitability oversight Partner in new business pitches, developing research-led solutions tailored to client objectives Oversee financial performance of engagements and ensure delivery excellence within scope and budget Team & Talent Leadership Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of research leaders and practitioners Provide senior-level coaching on research design, advanced analytics, client management, and consultative skills Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, innovation, and accountability Drive talent development, succession planning, and career pathing within the research function Qualified candidates have most, if not all, of the following… Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree considered an asset 12+ years of progressive experience in market research, brand and communications consulting, insights development, strategy, and/or media research Demonstrated leadership experience managing senior research professionals and complex, multi-market programs Deep expertise in survey design, qualitative methodologies (focus groups, IDIs), media and digital analytics, secondary research, literature reviews, a ... (truncated, view full listing at source)