Hope to see you all there!

Kelton Research is looking for a Business Development Associate with at least 2 years of experience in primary market research (ideally on the business development side) who wants to be a part of a fast-growing company with opportunities for advancement. You must be able to manage a broad range of projects, leads and tasks, be absolutely polished, presentable, and able to interact with clients and vendors professionally, and have no trouble managing multiple priorities simultaneously. You should be able to scope out the logistics and costs of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and clearly communicate them both orally and in written proposals.

Responsibilities include:

• Proposal development: Conceptualize methodologies and develop detailed proposals for a broad array of quantitative and qualitative research programs
• Contextual business research: Conduct secondary research to provide context for pitches and proposals
• Creative asset development: Design, maintain, and evolve PowerPoint decks for pitches and proposals
• Vendor management: Manage vendor outreach, communication, and negotiations with sample providers, focus group facilities, and other partners
• General sales & marketing support: Write project case studies, conduct ongoing prospect research, attend networking events, and manage website and newsletter updates
• Business intelligence: Oversee maintenance/reporting of CRM database (Salesforce.com)

Required Skills/Experience:

• Knowledge of the market research industry a must; minimum of two years experience/familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative research required
• Superior knowledge of PowerPoint design; samples will be requested. Familiarity with PhotoShop, Illustrator, and general design applications are also a plus
• Strong comfort level in Word; knowledge of Excel, Salesforce are a plus
• Strong writing skills a must; writing samples will be requested. Attention to detail, and ability to communicate concisely and precisely
• Strong time management and organizational stills with proven ability to manage multiple tasks, work well under pressure, and work independently to meet deadlines and objectives
• Strong interpersonal capabilities
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Reporting & Growth Path

• Position will report to Executive Team, including partners, and support the needs of the Project Management Teams as needed
• Growth path: Business Development Manager, responsible for managing a specific prospecting territory/sales goals

About Kelton Research

Kelton has become the nation’s fastest growing research consultancy through the strength of its diverse consultants, the skill and work ethic of its researchers and analysts, and the profoundly different approach we take to market research.

This is not a data shop. Our clients come to us for our ability not just to do positioning research, but to create, test, and recommend positionings; not just for our ability to conduct tracking studies, but because of our ability to field research and deliver recommendations that fundamentally alter clients’ business strategies and impact their bottom line for the better. While we have specialized services that attract clients, our true specialty is our staff – a different caliber and mindset of individuals than is found at most major research firms.

Kelton is centered in Los Angeles, with a robust satellite office in NY. The company currently employs both quantitative and qualitative experts, PhDs and cultural anthropologists, as well as consultants with marketing, public relations, media, and business consulting backgrounds who specialize not in research but in driving strategy for our clients.

Also, as this position will occasionally require running errands outside of the office, all respondents must have a car, valid driver’s license, and insurance.

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k)
To be considered for this position, please send your resume in Word or PDF format to: Careers@KeltonResearch.com.

We are thrilled to welcome some new members and companies to the Board of Directors this year!  In addition, we’re always looking for volunteers to assist with activities through-out the year.  So, if interested… let us know.

Board Installation will be announced at our next Member Meeting which will be held June 18^th at Universal City Walk (invitation to follow via Socializr).

Congratulations to the 2009-2010 Board of Directors for the Southern California Chapter MRA!!

• Immediate Past President: Irene Gustaitis, NeuroFocus
• President:  Rudy Yu, Universal Studios
• President Elect: Karen Manne, Disney / ABC Domestic TV
• Treasurer: Shelia Thompson, Frank N. Magid Associates
• Secretary: Ben Sheck, Taylor Research

Directors-At-Large

• Director of Education: Myla Merriss, Adept Consumer Testing
• Director of Communication & Holiday Party Coordination:  Frannie Glassenberg, Schlesinger Associates
• Director of Publication & Technology: Michael  Lambie, Nielsen
• Director of Marketing & Volunteer Coordination:   James Bettis, FOX
• Director of Social Events/Mixers:  Tobin Bailey, Research Now
• Director of Membership & Sponsorship: Lorei Musselman, LA Research
• Director at Large – Education in Training: Kerry Hecht, Peek-A-Boo Research
• Director at Large – Membership in Training:  James Arcediano, Taylor Research

Advisors

• Ginger Blazier, Directions in Research
• Lynn Stalone, I?H?R Research Group
• Scott Baker, Adept Consumer Testing
• Tony Blass, Field Dynamics

Stay tuned:

June 18: Meeting of the Members at Universal City Walk (invitation to follow via Socializr)

Nov. 5-9: National MRA Fall Conference in San Diego