Director, Product Design & User Research

Summary

Join RapidSOS, an intelligent safety company, as the Director of Product Design & User Research. You will lead a team in creating intuitive, AI-powered solutions for first responders. This pivotal role involves overseeing user research, leading design efforts, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders. You will leverage your expertise in web design, human factors, and usability testing to build high-standard products. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in user research and product design, strong leadership skills, and exceptional communication abilities. RapidSOS offers a competitive salary, benefits, equity participation, and a dynamic work environment.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in user research, product design, or related fields, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Strong understanding of modern web design principles and methodologies
• Proven expertise in both product design and research, with a hands-on approach and the ability to lead effectively in both disciplines
• Proven ability to manage and mentor a team, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation
• Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills. Strong ability to advocate for design and research priorities
• Demonstrated success in working cross-functionally with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders
• Proficiency with research tools, design software (e.g., Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), usability and user testing platforms
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10%

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee comprehensive user research initiatives to deeply understand customer needs, pain points, and workflows
• Translate research findings into actionable insights that shape product design and strategy
• Advocate for the user and their experience at every stage of the product development lifecycle
• Design and oversee intuitive, modern, and visually appealing web interfaces, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience
• Ensure that all designs meet usability, accessibility, and scalability standards
• Lead design reviews and provide constructive feedback to the team
• Manage, mentor, and inspire a team of 2-3 researchers and designers, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Set clear goals, provide regular performance feedback, and support professional growth
• Work closely with Product Management, Engineering, and other stakeholders to align research and design efforts with business objectives
• Facilitate effective communication between teams to ensure seamless integration of research insights into the product development lifecycle
• Champion user-centric design principles across the organization
• Communicate research findings, design decisions, and project progress effectively to technical and non-technical audiences
• Advocate for resources, timelines, and priorities to support the research and design team’s success

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in designing solutions for emergency response, public safety, air traffic control, customer service software, or other critical coordination systems
• Experience in designing AI solutions
• Familiarity with Agile product development processes
• Strong portfolio demonstrating user research outcomes and impactful design solutions

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits and equity participation
• A dynamic, flexible and fun start-up work environment with a highly talented team
• The salary range for this role is $200,000 - $220,000
• This role will also be eligible to receive equity options