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Austin, Texas, United States
Hybrid
Ruder Finn is seeking a Senior Analytics Manager to join its award-winning Emerging Technology & Analytics team. This role will support new-business and client engagements through earned media analysis, social listening, audience and competitive research, social and influencer analysis, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) audits.
This individual will oversee research conducted by junior and global team members, guiding the approach, ensuring quality and translating findings into clear, compelling narratives for senior agency leaders and clients. They must be comfortable navigating ambiguity, leading internal conversations and connecting data to broader communications and business objectives.
The ideal candidate can move seamlessly between strategy and execution—providing direction and coaching while also working hands-on in the data when needed. They will be a strong storyteller, collaborative team leader and trusted analytics partner who can identify what matters most without losing sight of the underlying details.
Key Responsibilities
Lead research and analytics workstreams for new-business pitches and client assignments, from identifying the research approach through final presentation.
Translate broad business questions into focused research plans, clear team assignments and actionable deliverables.
Oversee and contribute to earned media, social, audience, influencer and competitive research, including data collection, analysis and quality assurance.
Guide and coach junior and global team members, including colleagues based in India, on research methodologies, tools, analysis and insight development.
Synthesize quantitative and qualitative findings into cohesive, executive-ready narratives tied to client objectives and communications strategy.
Present findings and recommendations to senior agency leaders, account teams and clients, confidently leading discussions and responding to questions.
Develop measurement frameworks and reporting approaches for integrated communications programs spanning earned media, social and influencer.
Lead Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) audits to assess brand visibility, competitive positioning, narrative gaps and white-space opportunities across AI-generated search and answer experiences.
Build Boolean searches, analyze platform data and support the development of reports, dashboards and data visualizations as needed.
Partner with account, strategy, creative and other specialty teams to integrate research and analytics into broader client strategies.
Support the development of team capabilities, including analytics, measurement, GEO and AI-related methodologies, tools and training.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in analytics, communications, marketing, business, statistics, mathematics or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
6+ years of experience in research, analytics, measurement or a related discipline; agency experience is strongly preferred.
Experience leading research or analytics projects and overseeing and coaching junior or globally distributed team members.
Strong ability to translate complex data into concise insights, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations.
Experience with earned media, social and influencer measurement, including developing measurement frameworks and performance reports.
Experience using media intelligence, social listening or audience analytics platforms such as Talkwalker, Cision, Resonate, Muck Rack, Signal AI, Rival IQ or similar tools.
Strong working knowledge of Boolean query development, data analysis, data quality assurance and research methodologies.
Experience conducting GEO audits and analyzing brand visibility, competitive positioning, narrative gaps and white-space opportunities across generative AI platforms.
Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with data-visualization platforms is required, with hands-on experience using Tableau, Power BI, Looker Studio or similar tools considered a strong plus.
Confidence presenting complex findings to senior internal stakeholders and clients.
Strong project-management, writing and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced agency environment.
Experience with Google Analytics or advanced analytical tools and languages such as SQL, Python or R is a plus but not required.
Experience working on healthcare accounts is a plus.
Benefits & More
You will receive a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity
You will also be able to enroll in our Health, Dental, Vision, company paid Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, as well as 401k (match) plan.
Monthly allowance for cell phone, office equipment, etc.
Generous PTO policy with paid maternity/paternity leave
Transit benefits
Professional learning and development opportunities
Workplace flexibility
On-site and off-site social gatherings
Ruder Finn provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Ruder Finn will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Ruder Finn believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
