Role Overview
As a researcher, you will contribute to the design and execution of meaningful exploratory and evaluative research initiatives. Working closely with the Filene Incubator, you will also help others grow these skills by supporting the i2 and i3 development programs. You will explore the FinTech, technology, and broader societal landscapes to gain key market insight and share perspectives that inform future Incubation efforts. You will also play a key role in capturing, documenting, and communicating outcomes across the Incubation portfolio of work.
This role is ideal for someone who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, curious, strategic, and passionate about improving financial well-being on a large scale. If you are eager to take on a role that allows you to contribute to a larger vision, this is your opportunity to excel.
Role Responsibilities
Research Design and Execution
- In collaboration with the Incubation Director, design and execute evaluative and exploratory research for Incubation tests, ensuring that core questions, hypotheses, and methods are clearly outlined, adhere to rigorous standards, and are aligned with Filene’s strategic vision.
- Collaborate with project lead(s) to integrate required research actions into broader project plans, allocating appropriate resources and time to achieve objectives.
- Partner with the Head of Incubation and Incubation Director to establish research timelines that integrate seamlessly into the Incubation team’s full portfolio of work.
- Develop and implement Incubation research best practices, setting a high standard for Filene’s Incubation portfolio.
Research Communication and Educational Support
- Produce and contribute to compelling research outputs that highlight the success and impact of Filene’s incubation tests, including Lab Test Summaries, articles, blogs, and presentations.
- Strengthen the development of research skills among members enrolled in i2/i3 innovation learning programs, empowering them to drive change within their respective organizations.
Landscape Analysis and Insights
- Continuously explore the FinTech, technology, and broader societal landscapes to gain key market insight and share perspectives that inform areas of future Incubation focus areas and tests.
- Contribute to the assessment of solutions, vendors, and startups within the industry landscape, providing critical evaluations that inform Incubation pipeline decisions.
Partnership Support
- Collaborating with Filene’s Incubator Director and other Incubation team members, utilize Filene’s communication channels and networks to engage credit unions and other financial institutions in testing and implementing incubator concepts.
- Build awareness within the innovation ecosystem, identifying collaboration opportunities that could enhance Filene's incubation projects.
- Attend national conferences and events to gain industry insight and build relationships.
Organizational Fit
- Model Filene Credo and play a key role in maintaining the culture of the organization through personal and cross-functional accountabilities.
- Actively support the achievement of Filene's strategic objectives, plan, budget, and metrics in a manner consistent with Filene’s mission, values, and brand.
- Provide extraordinary service to Filene’s staff, members, and stakeholders.
- Understand and engage in Filene’s complete body of work including research and advisory programs to connect member needs with Filene solutions that can best meet those needs.
- Prioritize and manage workload across several projects simultaneously, demonstrating the ability to shift gears when necessary to meet key deadlines.
The statements above are not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties will be assigned as needed.
Role Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 6+ years in user experience (UX) design strategy or research, academic research, product development, venture capital, human-centered design, corporate innovation, or related field required, or 4+ years of relevant professional experience with an advanced graduate degree (i.e., MBA, PhD, MS, etc.) in related field required
- Leading and Conducting Research: Significant experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research, including landscape analysis, literature reviews, interviews, surveys, diary studies, data analysis, and others.
- Research Strategy and Design: Deep research strategy experience in designing research initiatives, including definition of key hypotheses, recommendation of effective research methods, procedures for data collection and interpretation, and other key needed components.
- Research Interpretation and Communication: Expertise in interpreting, documenting, and presenting research findings in clear and easily understandable terms. Experience creating and leveraging frameworks such as personas, journey maps, and market maps to convey insights.
- Public Speaking: Proficiency in creating and delivering presentations in public speaking engagements.
- Strategic Planning and Project Management: Expertise in planning and leading initiatives, including definition of resource requirements. Strong project management skills with a proven ability to work independently.
- Interpersonal and Facilitation Skills: Confidence to collaborate with CEOs and senior credit union employees to achieve positive outcomes for Filene initiatives. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong facilitation and relationship management skills.
- Leading Professional Development Programs: Experience leading professional development or advanced education programs is preferred.
- Curiosity: Intellectually curious about credit unions and their members. Enjoy working in a “think tank” environment where ideation, continually embracing change, being restless with the status quo and seeking reinvention is part of the culture. A passion for purpose and precision – including the details.
- Travel expected up to 30% to fulfill the requirements of the role.
EEO Policy Statement
The Filene Research Institute (Filene) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Filene complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Filene expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Filene employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.