Research & Insights Associate Director

The role

THE ROLE

Director, Research & Insight

WE ARE 

A creative agency powered by social connections. That means we thrive on what’s trending and creating campaigns that get people buzzing. We call it “Ideas Worth Talking About,” and we’re proud to have played a part in some of the most culturally relevant campaigns of the decade for brands like McDonald’s, Adidas, Universal Studios, and YouTube.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE

• We like to laugh, we live for celeb gossip and we’re great on AUX.
• Our passport program lets you explore and work from one of our 18 other offices worldwide, including Paris, Singapore, Madrid, Dubai, London and more!
• You best believe we know how to celebrate our wins. And our losses (it’s how we learn). 
• From carbon offsets to community kitchens, we’re passionate about making a difference. 
• Did we say snacks? Because we have great snacks.

YOU ARE

• A person who thrives in a fast-paced environment, responding quickly and proactively
• Not interested in just following trends – you want to create them
• A self-starter, who’ll take ideas from concept to execution, navigating feedback like a pro  

Traditional agency experience is not required, but it’s a plus. What matters is your deep understanding of what resonates with social audiences. This role is energetic, innovative and forward-thinking. Alongside engaging with communities, you’ll guide brands by staying ahead of social trends and cultural moments. In return, you’ll join a global agency dedicated to generating buzzworthy ideas for some of the world’s leading brands. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Unearth cultural truths: Master social media’s pulse, extracting potent, culturally-relevant insights from data and conversations across platforms (TikTok, Instagram & beyond) to guide top brands.
• Lead & inspire: Mentor a talented team, setting the bar for excellence while seamlessly blending teaching and execution.
• Transform data into action: Wield cutting-edge tools (Infegy, Sprout, GWI) to synthesize complex data, crafting actionable strategies and sparking ‘aha’ moments.
• Drive insightful research: Spearhead small-to-large research initiatives, from deep consumer profiling and competitor benchmarking to pioneering AI-driven approaches.
• Measure what matters: Define success through sharp measurement objectives tied to brand goals, and deliver compelling analytics that accelerate impact.
• Work collaboratively with some of the industry’s finest (and most fun!): Partner across Creative, Editorial, Strategy, and Influencer teams to translate insights into groundbreaking work.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS ROLE

• 10+ years of experience in social media, strategy market research or data & analytics
• Deep understanding of social media platforms and their audiences.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using social media analytics tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor team members.
• A pulse on social media cultural and platforms trends and be able to translate into what it means for a client’s business and how to integrate that thinking
• Tool proficiency: Expertise with native social media analytics and social listening platforms. A strong understanding of Excel and experience with insight platforms is a MUST. Experience with Looker Studio is a bonus. (Note: This is not a data science role; experience with Python or SQL is unnecessary)
• Most importantly, the ability to answer the why

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN OUR TEAM?

At We Are Social, we don’t just offer a job—we offer a creative career in an agency that moves at the speed of culture. Here’s what you’ll get:

• We are the first, largest, most awarded socially-led creative agency in the world, connecting you to 1,300+ like-minded professionals around the world
• An innovative and entrepreneurial work environment that promotes ingenuity and individuality – with the best of colleagues, and the best of clients
• Hybrid work models and flexible hours, plus a work from anywhere policy for short-term stays in other regions
• Generous vacation starting at 3 weeks + 1 extra week during the summer and over the holidays
• Agency summer days (exact policy differs per campus and agency)
• Modern, open co-working spaces with coffee & snack bars, located in great city neighborhoods, close to shops and restaurants and easy access to public transport
• Dogs allowed, dedicated private wellness room (in select offices)
• Regular team social events – holiday parties, seasonal gatherings, weekly happy hours, inspiring speakers and more! We are obsessed with learning and being better humans
• In-house learning & development sessions and annual career and growth conversations
• Access to internal network of opportunities across all agencies
• Focus on developing and recruiting BIMPOC Talent
• Internal EDI group(s), programs & initiatives across Plus Company and opportunities to be involved in employee resource group(s)

We invest in your health and wellness:

• Flexible benefits to support your individual lifestyle and life stage – with access to a personal wellness spending account you can use for a wide range of wellness expenses, including gym membership fees, pet care, education expenses, and much more!
• Comprehensive mental health support including access to a virtual mental health therapy clinic providing you with personalized therapist, guided iCBT programs and live therapy, access to health clinicians 24/7, and a holistic array of other health and holistic array of other health and wellness resources to support you and your family.

JOIN US

At We Are Social, we celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences. We welcome unique voices and talents, especially those not traditionally embraced by advertising. Discover more about our culture and our work.

Creating meaningful work means embracing different perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on age, colour, ability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Not only are these provisions protected by provincial and federal law, embracing difference is what makes We Are Social what it is—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We pride ourselves on our inclusive and accessible workplace. If you need any accommodations during the interview process to make it work for you, let us know.

Let’s do cool stuff together. Apply now!