Research Director

Summary

Join Fantasy as a Research Director and lead a team of researchers in designing and delivering mixed-method research approaches. You will set the insights strategy, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create world-class user experiences. This role requires strong leadership, expertise in mixed-method research, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. You will manage research projects, mentor team members, and stay up-to-date on industry trends. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience in a research leadership role within an agency or large organization. Fantasy is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Requirements

• Proven experience (7+ years) in a research leadership role, preferably within an agency or large organization environment
• Ability to lead research projects end-to-end with minimal supervision
• Strong expertise in mixed-method research methodologies and AI-powered research
• Proficient in data analysis and synthesis, with the ability to distill, interpret, and visualize data in ways that inspire action
• Have a knack for demystifying complex topics, making them accessible to clients and colleagues of all skill levels and backgrounds
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team of researchers
• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including clients, designers, engineers, and product managers, to drive user-centered design processes

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage researchers, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to ensure high-quality research deliverables
• Design, plan, and lead research strategy and programs that support best-in-class customer experiences
• Conduct a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including online co-creation communities, ethnographic studies, usability assessments, surveys, and participatory design sessions
• Evaluate concepts and designs to help shape future experience visions and drive product requirements
• Concisely weave together insights to create a compelling and human story across research artifacts like personas, customer journey maps, and workshops
• Develop strategic and actionable insights that lead to prioritized recommendations for product management, UX design, engineering, marketing and executive decision makers
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging methodologies, and best practices, bringing innovative ideas to enhance our research capabilities
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within the research team, promoting knowledge sharing and professional development opportunities
• Planning, designing, and leading research strategy and programs that support business goals and lead to innovative solutions and best-in-class end-to-end customer experiences
• Conducting a broad range of research methods and design techniques, including experience benchmarking, experience maps, rapid iterative studies, usability assessments, surveys, card sorting, and participatory design sessions
• Validating product concepts and designs to help drive product requirements
• Sharing stories of real customers and how they work through behavioral personas, customer journey maps, and other storytelling artifacts to build compassion in cross-functional teams
• Effectively communicating research findings and actionable, prioritized recommendations for product management, UX design, engineering, marketing, and executive decision-makers