Full Time
Hybrid
Toronto

Project Lead, User Research & Service Design

ABOUT THE ROLE

Sandbox is hiring a Project Lead, User Research & Service Design to drive user research and service design for projects exploring how media and technology, and in particular artificial intelligence (AI), can drive change in education, employment, and social policy. In this role, you will lead the design and execution of user research studies, creative and usability testing, and the implementation of service design methodologies to shape impactful media and digital solutions for the social challenges Sandbox is working on. You will work closely with the CEO, the Director of Research & Digital Learning Initiatives and the Digital Learning and Products and Lead and collaborate with internal teams and external partners. You will play a pivotal role in the development of Sandbox’s Research, Marketing & Impact department and have the opportunity to demonstrate your leadership abilities.


Key Responsibilities

Project conceptualization, planning and management (40%)

  • Lead the conceptualization, planning, execution, and monitoring of a portfolio of projects including research and service design components
  • Manage project implementation within scope and timelines
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams and external collaborators, implementing company processes and tools efficiently
  • Conduct regular project status meetings and provide updates to the executive team, clients and stakeholders
  • Maintain and manage client relationships
  • Manage work with external partners/freelancers as needed, providing oversight, guidance, and feedback

Research & service design conceptualization and implementation (30%)

  • In collaboration with relevant team members and external collaborators, conceptualize, plan and implement user and market research with a strong focus on informing user-centred products and campaigns
  • Identify, recommend and implement the best research and service design methods (e.g. interviews, observations, surveys, prototyping, blueprints, journey and process mapping, usability testing, etc) and tools (e.g. Miro, Dovetail, Typeform, Notion, Figma) based on project needs
  • Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to understand user needs, test concepts, and evaluate the impact of digital products and marketing campaigns
  • Lead data collection, analysis, and synthesis, using data visualization tools to interpret and communicate findings internally and to client teams

AI Implementation (15%)

  • Monitor AI advances in creative industries, education, and employment, identifying opportunities and risks for Sandbox
  • In collaboration with the technology team, design, implement and report on AI-focused initiatives and experiments

Strategic Business Development (15%)

  • Provide input on business development strategy based on AI monitoring research
  • Provide input on RFPs (Request for Proposals), grant applications, and business development pitches

What You Bring to the Table

  • A minimum of 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in user research, service design or related roles, including at least 3 years in project management. Preferred sectors include technology, education, communications and marketing, and consulting
  • You have proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods and in translating research into actionable insights, ideally in user-focused products
  • You are a driven and results-oriented leader, focused on quality and efficiency
  • You have strong strategic and critical thinking skills and are able to navigate complexity, and recommend innovative solutions
  • You have excellent organizational and creative problem-solving skills, with experience managing multiple projects efficiently within tight timelines
  • You have strong collaboration, communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to empathize and communicate with diverse audiences (users, teams and decision-makers) and drive action based on both data and collective intelligence
  • You are comfortable and inspired by fast-paced and multidisciplinary environments
  • You are proficient at using research and service design software, such as Miro, Figma, Dovetail, (or other qualitative analysis tools), Notion (or other project management tools), Typeform (or other survey tools), Looker Studio (or other data visualization tools)
  • You are proficient at using generative AI tools
  • You have a university degree, college diploma, industry certification, or other training in service design, education, social sciences, business, marketing or related field


Bonus if You Have…

  • Experience with the design and development of digital media products
  • Experience with design and implementation of marketing campaigns
  • Experience with statistical analysis and software (e.g. R, Python, SPSS, SQL)
  • An interest or experience in visual design, media, or technology development

Don’t worry if you don’t meet every requirement! If you have relevant skills and a passion for this work, we encourage you to apply.

ABOUT US

Our amazing team is expanding!

At Sandbox we are a multidisciplinary team at the intersection of media, technology, and learning. We work hard and venture into new territory to deliver evidence-driven, out-of-the-box digital media and learning products, leveraging research to understand behaviours and promote impact. We work and partner with organizations who strive to improve lives on a global scale, from local trade unions, colleges and universities, to government agencies in Canada and the United States to international organizations such as UNICEF or the OECD.


What’s in it for you?

At Sandbox, you’ll get to:

  • Work with a talented team of researchers, designers, technologists, and educators in a dynamic, fast-paced agency environment
  • Apply your research skills to projects that make an impact in education, employment, health, and other social and economic policy areas
  • Expand your expertise and explore new methodologies and approaches to research and storytelling
  • Enjoy a flexible work environment, hybrid office setup, four weeks of vacation, and professional development opportunities


The Hiring Process

  • Submit your CV, cover letter, and respond to the mandatory screening questions
  • Complete a skills assessment
  • First interview
  • Second interview, including a short written assignment
  • Final touchpoint with the CEO
  • References

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Compensation & Perks

  • Salary: $75K-$90K, based on experience and qualifications.
  • Start date: As soon as possible. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
  • Hybrid work: Tuesdays and Thursdays our team works in-office.
  • Working hours: 9:00am-5:30pm EST
  • Paid vacation: 20 days of paid time off, including 15 vacation days and 5 days of office closure, (typically over Christmas and New Year’s).
  • Health benefits: Extended health, dental and vision benefits that kick in after three months of employment. We offer both single and family plans, with cost-sharing options.
  • Technology: Take home laptop or computer in the office.
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Thanks for your interest and we look forward to meeting you!