Position Overview

The Associate Director for Research reports to the Research Director and works closely with the broader research team. This position leads and conducts applied research and client projects, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to produce high-quality, public-facing reports and other deliverables. A core strength of this role is the ability to translate complex data and analysis into clear, compelling narratives and actionable findings, and to coach and mentor team members in developing this capability. The Associate Director also plays a significant role in business development, including cultivating and maintaining client relationships, drafting proposals and budgets, and securing research engagements. The role represents SMU DataArts externally at convenings and conferences, and contributes to the organization's strategic growth and revenue generation.

Essential Functions: 

• Lead applied research and client projects from scoping through delivery. Design and execute mixed-method research projects, including developing research design, surveys, and qualitative protocols; conducting quantitative analysis, and synthesizing findings. Manage project workflows to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables. Provide strategic guidance to project teams on research approaches and methodologies.

• Translate research into clear, actionable findings and narratives. Serve as a senior author and editor of research reports, presentations, and client deliverables. Translate complex quantitative and qualitative findings into accessible, compelling storylines supported by strong data visualization. Model and actively coach research staff in developing this skill.

• Business development and revenue generation. Identify and cultivate prospective clients and strategic partners in coordination with the Research Director. Lead proposal development, including drafting scopes of work, technical approaches, timelines, and detailed project budgets. Contribute to pricing strategy and contract development. Support revenue growth through new and repeat engagements.

• Client relationship management and external representation Serve as a senior research lead for a portfolio of client engagements. Facilitate meetings, present findings persuasively, and ensure research products align with client goals and contractual expectations. Represent SMU DataArts at convenings, conferences, and sector gatherings, presenting the work clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences.

• Team mentorship and supervision. Partner with the Research Director to provide management, feedback, and mentorship to research associates and analysts contributing to applied research projects. Review analytical outputs and written products to ensure methodological rigor and clarity of communication.

• Strategic research planning and cross-team collaboration. Partner with the Research Director to identify emerging research and consulting opportunities aligned with organizational priorities. Coordinate closely with Research, Communications, and Project Management teams to ensure integration across analysis, dissemination, and engagement.

• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be needed in order to meet deadlines.

• Occasional travel may be required to attend client meetings and conferences. 

 

About SMU DataArts: SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, is a project of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University. SMU DataArts compiles and analyzes data on arts organizations and their communities nationwide and develops research articles and reports on important issues in arts management, arts ecosystems, patronage, and equitable access and inclusion. Its findings are available free of charge to arts leaders, funders, policymakers, researchers, and the general public. SMU DataArts is committed to equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion and prioritizes data collection and research projects that celebrate the arts and culture of communities of color, and advance equity in access to art, cultural funding, and the sector at large. For more information, visit www.smu.edu/dataarts.

 

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in Arts Management, Public Policy, Economics, Marketing, Statistics, Data Science, Sociology, Organizational Studies or related field with strong quantitative and qualitative research training is preferred. 

A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible full-time work experience in applied research, consulting, or a related field is required. Experience managing client relationships and serving as a senior point of contact across a portfolio of engagements, presenting findings externally, and overseeing project workflows from scoping through delivery is also required. Experience in a research or consulting firm environment with direct responsibility for proposal development is essential. 

A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience is required. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as well as the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing. A strong customer service orientation and a commitment to timely resolution of customer issues are essential.

Candidate must possess strong organizational and time management skills to effectively handle multiple tasks and prioritize based on user feedback and needs. Must also demonstrate a strong focus on attention to detail and accuracy. 

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to be resourceful, proactive, and seek assistance as needed. Must also possess the ability to work independently, while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Candidate must possess strong leadership skills with the ability to provide focus and motivation to professional staff. Must also be highly skilled with coaching and mentoring a team.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of MS Office. Knowledge of non-profit accounting preferred, including the ability to read an audit, review, 990, profit and loss statement, and balance sheet is desirable. Familiarity with CRM systems, e.g. Salesforce is a plus.

 

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $117,000 - $125,000

 

Location

Remote or on campus in Dallas, TX.

 

Deadline to Apply

April 22, 2026

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by April 8, 2026.

 

Apply Online

 

SMU is an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of teachers and scholars that value diverse research agendas. SMU is in the culturally dynamic city of Dallas. Explore Virtual SMU at www.smu.edu. SMU offers excellent benefits including full same-sex domestic partner benefits, for further information see: www.smu.edu/hr/total_comp/benefits/Docs

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.