Research Analyst
Full-time
Chicago, IL, US
$21/h - $26/h
About the job
iHeartMedia
Current employees and contingent workers click here to apply and search by the Job Posting Title.
The audio revolution is here – and iHeart is leading it! iHeartMedia, the number one audio company in America, reaches 90% of Americans every month - a monthly audience that’s twice the size of any other audio company – almost three times the size of the largest TV network – and almost 4 times the size of the largest ad-supported music streaming service. In fact, we have:* More #1 rated markets than the next two largest radio companies combined;
- We’re the largest podcast publisher, with more monthly downloads than the second- and third-largest podcast publishers combined. Podcasting, the fastest-growing new media, today has more monthly users than streaming music services or Netflix;
- iHeart is the home of many of the country’s most popular and trusted on-air personalities and podcast influencers, who build important connections with hundreds of communities across America;
- We create and produce some of the most popular and well-known branded live music events in America, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina and the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour;
- iHeartRadio is the #1 streaming radio digital service in America;
- Our social media footprint is 7 times larger than the next largest audio service; and
- We have the only complete audio ad technology stack in the industry for all forms of audio, from on demand to broadcast radio, digital streaming radio and podcasting, which bring data, targeting and attribution to all forms of audio at an unparalleled scale. As a result, we’re able to combine our strong leadership position in audience reach, usage and ad tech with powerful tools and insights for our sales organizations to help them build success for their clients at a more efficient cost than any other option.
Because we reach almost every community in America, we’re committed to providing a range of programming that reflects the diversity of the many communities we serve – and our company reflects that same kind of diversity. Our company values stress collaboration, curiosity, welcoming dissent, accepting mistakes in the pursuit of new ideas, and respect for everyone. Only one company in America has the #1 position in everything audio: iHeartMedia! If you’re excited about this role but don’t feel your experience aligns perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. At iHeartMedia we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and are looking for teammates passionate about what we do! What We Need: A Research Analyst turns complex data into clear, actionable insights that guide business decisions. They blend analytical rigor with creative problem‑solving and thrive in fast‑paced, collaborative environments. Strong organization, adaptability, and accuracy are essential.
The role requires proficiency with media research tools (Nielsen Audio, Scarborough, MRI‑Simmons, comScore), advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills, and comfort working across audience metrics, consumer insights, advertising performance, and marketplace data. A solid grasp of advertising fundamentals—reach, frequency, impressions, KPIs, rating points, and demographics is critical.
Research Analysts must communicate insights clearly, build compelling data‑driven presentations, and tailor messaging for sales, marketing, and clients. A service‑oriented mindset and strong cross‑team relationships are key.
The ideal candidate is curious, eager to learn, and passionate about audio, music, entertainment, and pop culture. With knowledge of radio, podcasting, and streaming, they help drive advertising effectiveness, sales strategy, and broader research initiatives through meaningful, actionable insights. What You'll Do:* Utilize primary and syndicated research databases to provide quantitative and qualitative data for prospective and current advertisers
- Create insightful data driven presentations that meet internal sales teams’ and client needs and objectives
- Fulfill ad-hoc sales research requests across a variety of data, including audience metrics, consumer insights, competitive advertising spend, targeting and overall marketplace trends
- Assist with project management and data analysis for various forms of advertising effectiveness projects and advertising impact
- Educate and partner with marketing and sales staff on how best to utilize the quantitative and qualitative analytics provided
- Coach and train sales on the best ways to use data in presentations
- Lean in to learn how AI can assist in analysis, charting and presentations
- Find new ways to deliver exceptional results as fast as possible
What You'll Need:* Experience with media research and software programs, including Nielsen Audio, Scarborough, MRI-Simmons, ACT 1, Media Monitors, Nielsen TV, and comScore is highly desired
- Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint are a must
- Proficiency with other analytic and database tools and resources is a plus
- Strong combination of analytical aptitude and creative problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to build positive relationships with a variety of personalities and roles
- Ability to articulate our “story” across assets, platforms and audiences
- Passion for music, audio, entertainment and pop culture
- Ability to manage expectations, manage various projects and deliver accurate analysis in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor's degree or above
- Strong desire to always be learning and asking questions
- Understanding of audio channels, including radio, podcasting and streaming
- Understanding of advertising basics and terms such as reach, frequency, KPI, impressions, rating points, and demographics
What You'll Bring:* Respect for others and a strong belief that others should do this in return
- Business insight and ability to apply general knowledge of business
- Individual accountability and understanding of when to seek guidance
- Skills managing assigned projects to completion using instruction, guidance, and direction
- Skills to solve problems within standardized procedures and practices
- Ability to communicate straightforward information in a digestible manner and an understanding of when to ask questions in order to validate understanding
- Understanding of impact of own decisions
- General understanding of business principles
Compensation: Salary to be determined by multiple factors including but not limited to relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and alignment with market data. $21.15 - $26.44 Location: Chicago, IL: 233 N. Michigan Avenue, 30th Floor, 60601 Position Type: Regular Time Type: Full time Pay Type: Hourly Benefits: iHeartMedia’s benefits offering is flexible and offers a variety of choices to meet the diverse needs of our changing workforce, including the following:* Employer sponsored medical, dental and vision with a variety of coverage options
- Company provided and supplemental life insurance
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Paid company holidays
- A Spirit day to encourage and allow our employees to more easily volunteer in their community
- A 401K plan
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost – services include telephonic counseling sessions, consultation on legal and financial matters, emotional well-being, family and caregiving
- A range of additional voluntary programs, such as spending accounts, student loan refinancing, accident insurance and more!
We are accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status. Non-Compete will be required for certain positions and as allowed by law. Our organization participates in E-Verify. Click here to learn about E-Verify.