Vice President of Research

About GLAAD

As the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, GLAAD is at the forefront of accelerating acceptance to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation that leads to cultural change. For 40 years, GLAAD has been a dynamic media force rewriting the script for LGBTQ acceptance. Our work tackles tough issues that shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.

The work of GLAAD is a campaign-style work environment that operates on a breaking news cycle; there is always a high level of energy and rapid activity for everyone in the organization; preparing for the next events/campaigns to accomplish our important media advocacy work, challenging anti-LBGTQ activism, and changing hearts and minds about our need for full equality. Staff members are expected to consciously and continuously promote the mission, values, programs, and impact of the organization when presented with opportunities for participating in membership development and reaching out to personal connections on behalf of GLAAD.

GLAAD operates with support from foundations, corporations, and individuals from every corner of the United States. Our highly skilled team of more than 60 staff works out of our Headquarters in New York, Los Angeles, and remotely.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Programs Officer (CMPO) the VP of Research will be responsible for leading research, strategy and data storytelling across all of GLAAD. This pivotal leadership role will drive innovation across how GLAAD uses research and data to accelerate acceptance of LGBTQ communities.

The VP will be at the forefront of modernizing GLAAD’s research capabilities, including pioneering the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, data collection, and sentiment tracking.

The VP will serve as a strategic thought partner to the CMPO, building best-in-class systems, including a live media sentiment dashboard, message testing frameworks, and robust reporting capabilities to translate complex quantitative and qualitative data into compelling, actionable narratives for internal teams, press, and external partners.

The VP will also collaborate across all of GLAAD’s operating divisions and manage the Senior Director of Research. Must be located in the New York Metropolitan area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership & Innovation

Strategic Roadmap: In partnership with the CMPO, set a broad and integrated vision, strategy, and roadmap for building a best-in-class research and analytics infrastructure to support multiple GLAAD verticals (Local News, Gaming, Entertainment, Podcasts, Social Media, AI).
Modernization and AI Strategy: Oversee and set the vision and strategy for all existing and new research activities, analytics, and polling. This includes pioneering the integration of advanced tools, including building Artificial Intelligence (AI) with sensitivity to ethical implementation, and machine learning, to leverage efficiencies in data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring maximum impact.
Revenue & Monetization: Collaborate with Development to support efforts to monetize GLAAD’s research activities through the cultivation of relationships with funders, corporations, and other organizations.
Team Leadership & Direction: Provide counsel, inspiring leadership, and direction to the GLAAD research team, including other team members whose work touches on research, to ensure that there is vision alignment and measurable impact and outcomes of all research activities.
Thought Leadership, Trend Monitoring & Cultural Analysis: Keep informed of emerging trends and developments in the research arena, leveraging this knowledge and using analytics/KPIs to track and analyze cultural trends, opportunities, and successes, thereby providing significant thought leadership to advance GLAAD’s core work and mission.

2. Research Infrastructure & Data Products

Full-Cycle Research Leadership: Concept to Final Report: Lead and drive all existing and new proprietary quantitative and qualitative studies from conceptualization to final report. This includes determining all research methodologies, processes, data measures, and metrics, while developing a robust and disciplined approach for all research design and analysis, and effectively managing a diverse range of projects to deliver final reports with relevant findings.
Live Sentiment Dashboard Development: Design, build, and maintain a live, integrated dashboard that tracks LGBTQ sentiment and media representation across the media ecosystem, including social media, podcasting, and traditional news platforms.
Message Testing Framework: Design, implement, and manage a rigorous message testing framework to guide public messaging and communications strategy, ensuring maximum resonance and impact.
External Reporting Standards & AI Efficiency: Develop and implement a consistent standard for all of GLAAD's external reports and thought leadership, spanning the entire lifecycle from initial report idea generation to the use of efficient, AI-enhanced research techniques and the final public sharing process in collaboration with the Communications team.

3. Data Storytelling, Analysis, & Programmatic Impact

Data Storytelling for Press, Teams, and Partners: Translate complex research into actionable ideas and initiatives that influence brands and programming. Prepare snappy headlines, key insights, and media-ready statements derived from research data, ensuring easy distribution and maximized press coverage and research understanding.
Executive Presentation & Strategy Counsel: Own the presentation of research findings to GLAAD senior leadership to help shape new directions and programming activities to further promote LGBTQ acceptance.
Cross-Functional Programmatic Impact: Collaborate with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams to understand business goals and ensure that the design and implementation of all research projects and related activities support decision-making and programming across the key verticals of GLAAD’s Media Institute.
Data Operationalization & Training: Operationalize the utilization of the live dashboard and other data tools, training and integrating the data output into the daily workflows of all GLAAD teams (Comms, Development, GMI, etc.) and training teams on dashboard and data tool utilization.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in marketing, research, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is a big plus!
12-15 years of progressively responsible research experience, of which at least seven years were in a senior leadership role leading the research function in the marketing, entertainment, media, consumer brands, or advertising industries will equip you to succeed in this role.
Proven experience leading innovation and modernization of research functions, including system design and process improvement.
Direct experience integrating AI, machine learning, or advanced analytical tools to improve research efficiency and output.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex data into compelling narratives and highly effective presentations for diverse stakeholders (e.g., press, executives, partners).
Background in designing, executing, and analyzing qualitative research and other qualitative methods that provide information and new insights to inform programming and organizational planning.
Strong experience in quantitative research, including survey design, creative question writing, sample design, and analysis.

COMPETENCIES & ATTRIBUTES

Leadership and Collaboration: An innate talent to inspire, lead, and influence others, combined with superior interpersonal skills necessary to establish collaborative, cross-functional partnerships at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
Strategic Research & Analytical Rigor: Deep understanding of complex research methodologies, the ability to synthesize data from multiple sources (quantitative and qualitative), and exceptional analytical skills to drive program planning and forecast impact on business priorities.
Innovation and Technology Mastery: Extensive knowledge of diverse technologies, including advanced data visualization and AI/ML tools, coupled with a proven ability to lead the modernization of research functions, implement new systems, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Expert Data Storyteller & Communicator: Superior ability to interpret complex data, translate findings into clear, visually compelling presentations, and craft snappy, media-ready summaries for diverse audiences and press distribution.
Commitment & Passion: A strong commitment to GLAAD’s mission and core values, demonstrated by a passion for LGBTQ advocacy and all things media, entertainment, and advertising.

GLAAD Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

GLAAD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, height, and weight, or other personal characteristics as may be protected by applicable law.

Commitment to Diversity:

GLAAD was established with the premise that expanding diversity within the organization enhances the work experience and furthers the understanding of the entire mission that GLAAD is based upon. An atmosphere of civility and mutual respect towards difference is indispensable to the work process and enables the free interchange of ideas that is the basis of a successful organization. These differences may be cultural, ethnic, religious, intellectual, ideological, or political. Each of these qualities is integral to the identity we form as individuals, and all are essential to creating a vibrant workforce here at GLAAD composed of individuals with unique perspectives and backgrounds. GLAAD has committed itself to a workforce of inclusion, respect for difference, and fairness, and guarantees the same rights to all its employees to ensure the fullest degree of success within the organization.

GLAAD is also committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, height, and weight, or other personal characteristics as may be protected by applicable law. We especially encourage members of historically underrepresented communities to apply, including LGBTQ people, women, people of color, and people with disabilities.

Compensation

A competitive salary commensurate with experience is $170,000. Benefits include 403(b) retirement plan participation; escalating vacation beginning with 19 days plus holidays; and organization-paid health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, healthcare, and dependent options; flex spending accounts; and life and long-term disability insurance.

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