Insights Illuminator
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.
Apply To This Job
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.
Apply To This Job