Full Time · US-based remote · WFH 4–5 days/week

Who we are

We create research-driven narratives that transform. Harnessing unparalleled creativity and uncompromising precision, we provide storytelling research, insights, and strategy for the most influential and ascendant companies in tech, entertainment, non-profit, and public policy.

From messaging architectures to brand platforms, policy to product, our team of strategy, messaging, design, and research experts hone communications insights to craft stories that help our clients confidently tell their own.

At the heart of our organization is our mission to be an indispensable strategic partner with diverse, innovative, and global capabilities.

We’re seeking a Project Operations Manager to join us in continuously raising the bar to do just that.

The opportunity

As a Project Operations Manager, you will coordinate all aspects of the end-to-end execution of qualitative, quantitative, and consulting projects; from pitching and scoping engagements to recruitment and fieldwork, quality control, analysis, and deliverable development across multiple client projects simultaneously.

This role carries a distinct market research focus. You will be the voice of the client inside our walls: representing client needs and expectations in internal conversations about operational delivery of your projects, from survey recruitment to sampling quota conversations, and undertaking QA/QC of all client deliverables. You don’t need to be a methodological expert, but you bring enough hands-on market research experience to understand how projects flow, anticipate issues before they surface, advocate for the client, and propose smart solutions when challenges arise mid-project.

At Storyline Strategies, our projects are as complex as they are fast-paced. Our project operations managers are mission-critical, cross-functional problem-solvers who think strategically and drive progress collaboratively. If you have a gift for efficiency, a sharp research instinct, and you’re already tinkering with AI workflows to unlock even more, this role will keep you challenged and fulfilled.

You’ll report to the Senior Director of Project Operations & Strategic Initiatives and partner closely with a fellow Project Operations Manager, all of whom sit under the leadership of the Chief of Staff, seamlessly coordinating and communicating with internal teams, external partners and vendors, and client teams across regions and time zones. Together, your team blends deep program management strength with the research expertise you bring: a complementary partnership that elevates every engagement.

Orchestrating vital processes, and ensuring progress, are central to the role. Above all, it’s about forging and cultivating relationships: ensuring clients are understood, up to speed, and getting what they need (or more) when they need it (or before). And it’s about relationships with your colleagues. Not only will you be a critical part of a gifted and dynamic team, you’ll be at the epicenter, powering and elevating everything we do.

What you'll do

Project Operations & Client Partnership

Develop and maintain client-facing and internal project timelines and project plans that enable the successful on-time and on-budget execution of custom projects across all aspects of Storyline’s services and products, including proposal development and pricing, resource planning, research design, recruiting, fieldwork, moderation, analysis, reporting, and storytelling.
Serve as the primary client point of contact for all timeline, logistical, and resource-related project components; ensuring project expectations are clearly and confidently communicated and established.
Act as the voice of the client in internal meetings; representing client priorities and standards in discussions about qual and quant recruitment, quantitative execution, fieldwork, and deliverable development.
Continuously scan for roadblocks and opportunities, raising a hand early and proposing solutions before others see the issue, drawing on your understanding of research workflows to anticipate where projects are most likely to strain.
Command the room with professional presence; setting clear next steps, holding clients and teammates accountable, and pushing back (constructively) when scope, timeline, or quality is at risk.

Research Quality, Recruitment & QA/QC

Serve as a quality assurance and quality control checkpoint for all client deliverables (qualitative and quantitative) before they are finalized and sent, ensuring every output meets Storyline Strategies’ standards through in-depth reviews and proofing.
Provide an informed, client-minded eye on survey and sample recruitment for both qualitative and quantitative studies; reviewing screeners, quotas, and feasibility, and flagging gaps that could affect data quality or timelines.

Cross-Functional & Process Leadership

Coordinate with the Senior Director and fellow Project Operations Manager to monitor, manage, and maximize team member utilization, forecasting project staffing needs, delivery dependencies, and suggest tradeoffs and support tools where necessary. Provide regular updates on project progress, including financial and budget updates, staffing, and timeline updates.
Demonstrate a willingness to prototype and pilot emerging AI/ML or LLM-powered tools that assist in project delivery, without sacrificing quality.
Partner with cross-functional teams to continuously identify opportunities for process and project improvement.
Lead and champion the deployment and use of project and process management resources, tools, and protocols, including project management, timeline, and collaboration tools.
Serve as a process and project management thought partner for Storyline’s broader operational functions and organizational objectives.

What you'll need

Upwards of 4 years of experience in market research spanning project, operations, and/or resource management, with direct exposure to qualitative and quantitative study execution.
B.A. and/or M.A. in a field with strong research or business emphasis.
Strong preference for experience in political or policy-driven research.
Solid, practical understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, principles, standards, and best practices. Enough to understand project workflows, anticipate issues, and advocate for the client. Deep methodological expertise is welcome but not required.
Hands-on familiarity with fieldwork coordination (qual + quant) and quality control across multiple concurrent projects.
Demonstrated experience reviewing and quality-checking research deliverables (e.g. reports, data tables, topline summaries, and client-facing materials) with a sharp eye for accuracy and clarity.
Experience analyzing qualitative and quantitative research results and/or communicating research results to stakeholders.
Familiarity with Google Workspace tools and expertise with project and knowledge management tools such as Notion, Google Workspace, and Slack.
A documented habit of “playing in the sandbox” with new AI technology — able to cite at least two concrete ways you’ve deployed generative AI, LLMs, or machine-learning tools to streamline research operations, enhance data quality, or elevate client communications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; superior logic and problem-solving skills; and strong interpersonal skills leading dispersed internal and client teams.
Experience thriving in fast-moving, sometimes ambiguous agency environments — organized yet flexible when priorities shift — in a high-throughput, deadline-driven, process-oriented, client-services setting.
Experience managing multiple, complex global projects with multiple client stakeholders, internal teams, and external partners.
Ability to work outside of traditional business hours to support global clients and projects.

Location

US-based, remote position with work-from-home flexibility 4–5 days per week. Strong preference for candidates in the Washington, DC; New York, NY; or San Francisco, CA metropolitan areas. Those based in these cities meet in person regularly for strategic and collaborative work.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package. Storyline Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. EOE/AA/M/F/V/D/SO.

In order to comply with equal pay and salary transparency laws in various locations, we believe the target range of base compensation in all locations within the United States for this role is $90,000–$115,000 USD. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and location.

How to apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@storylinestrategies.com.

The Storyline team

We’re trailblazers.We believe “good enough” is neither good nor enough. We’re energized by new challenges, and motivated by the pursuit of innovative ideas that produce results.

We’re invested in what we do.The work is endlessly stimulating. The clients are among the world’s most influential brands and decision-makers. The team is continuously inspiring. There’s no better motivation to bring your best to everything you do.

We’re driven by a passion for storytelling. Nothing excites us more than uncovering a game-changing insight, crafting an effective solution, and creating an unforgettable narrative.