Director User Research

Location:

Nationwide - US

Description: About Active User Experience Design
Do you have a creative eye for design Do you ponder the interaction between people and their environment Interested in creating leading edge rich Internet applications Would you like to influence a growing global brand If so, then we have a position for you The UX group at Active is a multi-talented, globally distributed team of individuals whose skills range from conceptual design to contextual inquiries. We are a passionate bunch of highly skilled UX specialists with a focus on defining and creatively addressing the needs of our customers. And were cyclists, runners, swimmers and campers too, so we have a personal interest in building great products for our users. You could be one of us

Director User Research
The Research Director is responsible for leading user research initiatives in support of product development, by leading a team of talented usability analysts. The ideal candidate is responsible for the vision of Usability and User Research as a discipline and driving process improvements to better integrate Usability into the software development lifecycle. In this unique role, the Director would assist with collecting and analyzing research data, transforming it into actionable information, through persuasive presentations. Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills are a must. Our compensation is commensurate with experience.

Preferred locations:
San Diego, CA
Seattle/Bothell, WA
Burnaby Canada

Roles & Responsibilities:
Manage and mentor a team of usability engineers
Prioritize, manage and oversee all research initiatives
Handle all aspects of research budgetary issues
In this unique role, the Director should be able to assist with appropriate research methodologies as time allows and business demands, using appropriate user centered design methods (i.e., be prepared to periodically plan, design and conduct usability evaluations including heuristic evaluations, card sorts, competitive analyses, cognitive walkthroughs, 1:1 discount usability sessions, field studies, focus groups, etc.)
Assist the research team with analyzing and interpreting data, compile professional reports and present findings to cross functional teams
Keep abreast of current usability developments and new methodologies
Must be able to manage vendor relationships (e.g., recruiters, outsourcing research to outside firms)

Position Requirements:
At least 7 years of industry experience conducting all forms of informal and formal usability research methodologies with demonstrated experience conducting research for large scale websites or web-based applications
At least 5 years of industry experience managing research teams
Must have experience managing research budgets, and using research to drive both business goals and customer needs
Advanced degree in Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors, Human Computer Interaction, or other related discipline with a solid foundation in research-based design using both quantitative and qualitative methods
Experience with running a lab
Experience writing appropriate discussion guides, screeners, test protocols, etc.
Experience with online/remote usability tools (Netraker, Vividence, Morae, etc.)

Nice to Have Skills:
Experience performing research on large scale, international websites
Experience working on an Agile/Scrum team preferred but not required
Demonstrated commitment to web accessibility (Section 508 compliance)

About The Active Network
The Active Network provides technology solutions and marketing access to community organizations, and is a leading online community for active lifestyles. Blending the right combination of talent, teamwork and technology, the Active Team is passionate about our business, our customers and our mission, To enhance the lives of individuals worldwide through technology and marketing solutions that enables and encourages participation.

Relocation and sponsorship support is not available for this position.

Don't let this great opportunity to work with a dynamic and energetic group of individuals pass you by, please apply now Be sure to include salary history in your cover letter. Active Network is proud to be and EEO/AAP employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace.
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