Volunteer Head of User Research

What will you be doing?

Join our dynamic team as the Head of User Research, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our service design initiatives. As a key member of our Service Design Team, you will lead and oversee user research activities to inform the development and enhancement of our services. Your primary responsibility will be to conduct in-depth user research, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis, to gain valuable insights into user needs, preferences, and behaviours. Key deliverables for this role include:

Conducting comprehensive user research to inform service design decisions. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate user insights into actionable design recommendations. Developing user personas, journey maps, and other research artefacts to communicate findings effectively. Contributing to the continuous improvement of our service design processes and methodologies. Mentoring and supporting junior members of the Service Design Team in conducting user research.

You will work closely with our Head of Content Design and Product Management Team and other team members to ensure that user research activities align with our organisational goals and priorities. While the core responsibilities of this role are set, there is flexibility for the volunteer to propose and lead additional research initiatives that align with our mission and objectives. We welcome innovative ideas and approaches that can enhance the quality and impact of our user research efforts. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our organisation's mission while gaining valuable experience in user-centred design and research methodologies. If you are passionate about improving services for our beneficiaries and have the skills and dedication to drive impactful change, we want to hear from you. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a Head of User Research who possesses a combination of skills, experience, and qualities to excel in this role:

Expertise in User Research: Demonstrated experience in planning, conducting, and analysing user research activities, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis. Strategic Thinking: Ability to align user research efforts with organisational goals and priorities, and translate insights into actionable design recommendations. Collaborative Spirit: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Analytical Skills: Proficiency in synthesising complex data and insights to identify patterns, trends, and user needs. Innovative Mindset: Willingness to explore new research methodologies and approaches to enhance the quality and impact of user research efforts. Leadership Abilities: Experience in mentoring and supporting junior team members in conducting user research and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Passion for User-Centred Design: Genuine interest in understanding and advocating for the needs, preferences, and behaviours of diverse user groups. Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to evolving project requirements and priorities. Commitment and Dedication: Strong commitment to our organisation's mission and values, with a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our beneficiaries. Professionalism: High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of work, including meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results. Experience in the Nonprofit/Criminal Justice Sector (Desirable): Previous experience working in the nonprofit, criminal justice sector or with mission-driven organisations, particularly in roles related to service design or user experience, would be advantageous.

If you possess these qualities and are passionate about leveraging user research to drive positive social impact, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

What difference will you make?

Your input will shape how we present ourselves to our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public. With your expertise in user research, we will enhance our understanding of user needs and preferences, ensuring that our services are tailored to meet their requirements effectively. Your insights will directly influence the design and development of our services, ultimately improving the overall user experience and increasing user satisfaction. Moreover, your help and expertise will enable us to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. By conducting thorough user research and staying abreast of industry trends, you will empower us to explore new possibilities, activities, and ways of working. Your contribution will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of our organisation. Our mission is to help people and communities navigate the criminal justice system in England and Wales. Your user research activities will directly support this mission by informing our strategic decisions and helping us deliver impactful solutions that address the needs of our beneficiaries. Your dedication to understanding and advocating for our users will be invaluable in achieving our goals and making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in expanding our reach and impact within the volunteering community. Your networking skills and contacts will help us amplify the work already being done by our excellent team of volunteers. By spreading the word about our organisation and engaging with potential volunteers, you will help us attract new talent and strengthen our community of supporters, further advancing our mission and impact.