Research Operations Lead, Community Engagement

United States Digital Space LLC; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The company in Boston, MA is seeking a Research Operations Lead for Community Engagement to define and lead growth and engagement of the company Labs Research Collective (panel) while managing the team executing it. You will build scalable community engagement programs, develop strategic partnerships, and ensure a diverse, high-quality participant community to support an expanding research portfolio.

Success in this role requires balancing strategic planning with operational execution, building

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in community engagement, research operations, or program management, with demonstrated success leading complex operational initiatives.
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership capacity, including direct management of individuals or coaching of multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing a customer/user/participant panel and/or experience with Community-Based Participatory Research.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing cross-functional partners and presenting to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Drive the overarching recruitment vision and tactics for the the company Labs Research Collective, ensuring a diverse and high-caliber community that fulfills evolving study requirements.
• Mentor and lead the Community Engagement team by setting goals, giving feedback, and fostering an inclusive, high-performance environment.
• Construct and refine scalable operational frameworks to improve recruitment productivity and participant journey.
• Define and track metrics for panel growth, representation, and health, using data-driven insights to guide strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Community engagement

Job description

At the company, we're on a mission to unlock human performance. the company empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives. Research at the company is powered by the the company Labs Research Collective, our community of study participants.

As the Research Operations Lead, Community Engagement, you will define and lead the strategy for growing and engaging the the company Labs Research Collective (panel) while managing the team responsible for executing it. You will build scalable community engagement programs, develop strategic partnerships, and ensure the company maintains a diverse, high-quality participant community capable of supporting an expanding research portfolio.

Success in this role requires balancing strategic planning with operational execution, building high-performing teams, and partnering cross-functionally to continuously improve participant recruitment, engagement, and retention.

Responsibilities

• Drive the overarching vision and tactical implementation of recruitment efforts for the the company Labs Research Collective, ensuring a diverse and high-caliber community that fulfills evolving study requirements.

• Mentor and lead the Community Engagement team by establishing clear goals, offering consistent feedback, and cultivating an inclusive, high-performance environment that supports professional development.

• Construct and refine scalable operational frameworks and standard procedures to enhance recruitment productivity, elevate the participant journey, and enable sustainable program growth.

• Define and track core metrics for panel growth, demographic representation, and operational health, utilizing data-driven insights to direct strategy and effectively distribute resources.

• Cultivate high-impact strategic alliances with local organizations to broaden our reach and foster deep community trust in the company Labs.

• Oversee the design and execution of in-person community activations, regional events, and marketing initiatives intended to amplify the the company Labs presence and stimulate interest in research participation.

• Collaborate with internal partners across Research, Marketing, and Legal to harmonize recruitment objectives, mitigate potential risks, and safeguard project timelines.

• Manage the operational budget for community engagement, overseeing expenditures for campaigns and incentives while uncovering efficiencies to maximize the return on recruitment investment.

• Serve as the primary voice for community engagement to senior leadership, presenting performance reports, operational trends, and future strategic recommendations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in community engagement, research operations, or program management, with demonstrated success leading complex operational initiatives.

• 2+ years of experience in a leadership capacity, including direct management of individuals or the coaching of multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated expertise management of a customer/user/participant panel and/or experience with Community-Based Participatory Research

• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing cross-functional partners and presenting to senior leadership.

• Willing to work flexible hours (evenings and/or weekends) to attend community events as a representative of the company Labs

This role is based in the the company office located in Boston, MA. Candidates must be prepared to work in person in the the company office or at relevant activations 5 days each week.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-verify to determine employment eligibility. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The the company compensation philosophy is designed to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional talent by offering competitive base salaries, meaningful equity, and consistent pay practices that reflect our mission and core values.

At the company, we view total compensation as the combination of base salary, equity, and benefits, with equity serving as a key differentiator that aligns our employees with the long-term success of the company and allows every member of our corporate team to own part of the company and share in the company’s long-term growth and success.

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $90,000 - $130,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each range, individual pay is based on factors such as job-related skills, experience, performance, and relevant education or training.

In addition to the base salary, the successful candidate will also receive benefits and a generous equity package.

These ranges may be modified in the future to reflect evolving market conditions and organizational needs. While most offers will typically fall toward the starting point of the range, total compensation will depend on the candidate’s specific qualifications, expertise, and alignment with the role’s requirements.