Insights Illuminator

JOB SUMMARY

This is a client-facing, doer role dedicated to the execution and management of in-person and remote primary qualitative research projects. This specific position - supporting a Fortune 100 technology client - requires a high level of adaptability, including operating in fast-moving client environments, synthesizing and articulating insights in real time, and flexing hours to support global work. It further involves significant travel to qualitative research, confidence managing senior clients, and fluency in applying AI tools to enhance research, analysis, and storytelling.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Project Management

• Own daily execution of primary, secondary and/or consulting initiatives
• Ensure cohesive delivery across Insights, ReOps and Creative team members
• Maintain project team momentum, organization and clarity across all phases

Research Tools

• Create (or refine drafts of) research tools – discussion guides, questionnaires, activities, stimuli
• Continuously refine tools based on preliminary findings and evolving learning needs

Fieldwork Execution & Management

• Serve as primary contact for internal and external project team members
• Oversee successful quant and/or qual fieldwork – strategically and tactically
• Moderate/facilitate primary research across qualitative approaches (e.g., interviews, focus groups, ethnographies, diaries, AI-moderated conversations) – both in-person and remote
• Identify early themes, issues and opportunities and adjust fieldwork/stimuli/topics to maximize learning

Insight Articulation & Storytelling

• Lead the synthesis of research findings into clear, compelling insights, identifying patterns, tensions and opportunities across qualitative and quantitative data
• Ensure insights are strategically relevant, human-centered and actionable
• Own the development of the project’s core narrative and final deliverables
• Translate findings into implications and recommendations

Disclaimer

These descriptions reflect management’s assignment of essential functions and other anticipated responsibilities; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS, or equivalent) a plus
• 6+ years of experience in market research, insights, strategy or consulting environments
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing qualitative and/or quantitative research across a range of methodologies, tools and platforms
• Proven ability to lead end-to-end research engagements, from design through synthesis and delivery
• Experience moderating or facilitating qualitative research (e.g., interviews, groups, ethnographies, digital/asynchronous methods)
• Experience translating data into clear, actionable insights and narratives
• Experience and savvy in the technology sector

Skills & Competencies

• Must have high fluency and production abilities in the MS and Google suites of software
• Must be a regular business user of AI tools and platforms
• Must balance insights-forward thinking with disciplined execution
• Must have strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams while maintaining project clarity and momentum
• Must be a team-first professional who is a strong collaborator across departments
• Must be proactive, anticipatory project owner who identifies opportunities to strengthen insights & execution
• Must be comfortable navigating ambiguity and evolving project needs,
• Must maintain professionalism and flexibility in fast-paced environments
• Must be open to feedback and able to build on others’ ideas to strengthen project work
• Must contribute positively to team and company’s culture and energy

PHYSICAL AND/OR COGNITIVE CAPABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work on a company computer using digital platforms and industry-specific software for up to the full duration of the workday
• Must be able to effectively communicate and exchange information via phone, video, reading, writing, studying, analyzing and entering data
• Must be able to cognitively process business information, analyze situations and goals, and effectively collaborate with others without creating additional or undue work for others
• Must be able to travel to in-person research and client/company meetings. Travel may include:
  • Personal (or rented) automobiles
  • Public transportation such as rideshare, train, bus or airplane
  • International travel that requires a valid US passport

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must work from a dedicated, distraction-free, private workspace at home or a space pre-approved by Smarty Pants
• Core work hours are 9am-5pm EST or 7am-3pm PST Monday-Friday (excluding company closures, PTO, leave). Additional work outside these hours will be required based on client and/or company needs
• Frequent domestic or international travel may be required to attend research, client meetings or company meetings

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary

• Competitive salary range available to qualified candidates upon request

Additional Compensation

• Eligible for discretionary year-end and/or spot bonus, based on company performance and discretion

Benefits

• Eligible to participate in Smarty Pants’ health care plan offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield following 60 days of full-time employment
• Eligible to participate in Smarty Pants-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan following 90 days of full-time employment
• Employer contribution of 3% of salary to Smarty Pants-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan following one year of employment, with no vesting schedule
• Eligible for Smarty Pants’ Paid Family Leave Plan following one year of full-time employment
• Eligible to participate in Smarty Pants’ sponsored 529 savings plan
• Up to $100/month phone/internet stipend

Plan details are provided separately in the Smarty Pants Employee Handbook and through additional third-party literature.

Paid Time Off

• Company closures (currently 16.5 weekdays)
• Up to 17 planned Vacation days
• Up to 3 unplanned Personal/Bereavement days
• Unlimited Just Get Better (sick) days
• Twice-per-quarter half-day Happy Hours

Additional information on PTO usage and limitations is provided in the Smarty Pants Employee Handbook.

Benefits and/or eligibility may change with a 30-day notice to employees.