Staff UX Researcher

HoneyBook
Full-time$84k-105k/year (USD)New York, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Research Operations Coordinator

Company: HoneyBook

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations / Research Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-27

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is central to shaping Research operations by owning and evolving the research repository, developing new programs, and refining processes to amplify research impact across the organization.

  • Key duties include supporting end-to-end research operations for both remote and in-person studies, standardizing documentation, driving repository growth, and collaborating with leadership on operational needs and visibility initiatives.

  • Candidates will be responsible for managing participant recruitment, coordinating logistics, maintaining research tools, and leveraging AI to enhance research productivity and outcomes.

  • The position requires a strong operator with excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to process improvement and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Research Operations Coordinator" and the associated responsibilities strongly indicate a role focused on the operational backbone of a User Experience (UX) research team, rather than a hands-on researcher role. The emphasis on repository management, process refinement, participant coordination, and tool management aligns with typical Research Operations (ResOps) functions. The mention of "AI-powered business management platform" and "AI adopter" highlights an expectation for candidates to be comfortable and proactive in utilizing AI technologies within their operational workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Research Process Support: Oversee and execute operational aspects of the end-to-end research process for both remote and in-person studies, including planning logistics for in-person sessions and events.

  • Participant Management: Manage participant recruitment pipelines, conduct screener calls, schedule research sessions, maintain participant records, and ensure timely distribution of incentives.

  • Repository & Documentation: Standardize and maintain UX research methods, playbooks, templates, training materials, and other essential documentation.

  • Insight Amplification: Drive the growth and maintenance of the internal research repository by defining and implementing effective methods for documenting, sharing, and consuming research insights across the organization.

  • Operational Excellence: Collaborate with UX Research and Design leadership to identify operational needs, propose and implement process improvements, manage research tools, and support the planning and execution of initiatives that enhance the research practice.

  • Visibility & Communication: Partner with research managers to increase the visibility of research projects and findings through various channels, including newsletters, internal communications, and repository updates.

  • Budget Management: Manage the research operations budget, including forecasting, tracking expenditures, and reporting on financial performance.

  • Trend Monitoring: Stay current on research operations trends, best practices, and emerging tooling to continuously improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly define a Research Operations Coordinator role. The emphasis on "end-to-end research process," "repository management," and "insight amplification" indicates a strategic operational function. The inclusion of "budget management" and "trend monitoring" suggests a level of responsibility beyond basic coordination, requiring foresight and strategic thinking within the operations domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • Demonstrated experience in an operational, coordination, or project management capacity, specifically supporting research, design, or product teams.

Required Skills:

  • Research Operations Support: Experience in coordinating research activities, including participant recruitment, scheduling, and logistics management for both remote and in-person studies.

  • Process & Documentation Management: Ability to standardize and maintain research methods, documentation, playbooks, and templates.

  • Repository Management: Experience in defining, documenting, and maintaining research repositories for effective insight sharing.

  • Tool Proficiency: Comfort and experience managing research tools and platforms, including vendor relationships and accounts.

  • Organizational Skills: Exceptional ability to manage complex schedules, track multiple projects, and maintain meticulous attention to detail.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build productive relationships with internal cross-functional partners (Product, Design, Data, Marketing, Customer Support) and external vendors.

  • AI Adoption: Experience using AI tools professionally to support research, operations, documentation, synthesis, or general productivity, with a curiosity for exploring AI's application in research operations.

  • Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying and solving operational challenges, with a focus on efficiency and high-quality outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

  • Prior direct experience in a Research Operations role supporting a User Experience Research team.

  • Familiarity with online research and design tools such as EnjoyHQ, Ballpark, Great Questions, Looker, User Interviews, or Qualtrics.

  • Experience with portfolio and project management tools like Notion, JIRA, Airtable, or Trello.

  • Experience working with distributed and international teams and processes.

  • Experience with product design operations.

  • Familiarity with research methods, timelines, and terminology.

  • Experience planning or facilitating live research sessions or events.

  • Experience implementing scalable workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section has been expanded to reflect the operational nature of the role, emphasizing skills like "Process & Documentation Management" and "Repository Management." The "AI Adoption" skill is highlighted as a specific requirement, reflecting its mention in the job description. Preferred skills are categorized to offer a clearer view of what would make a candidate stand out. The experience level is inferred to be mid-level, given the responsibilities and the mention of managing budgets and developing programs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Process Improvement Case Studies: Showcase examples of how you have identified operational inefficiencies within research processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in speed, quality, or researcher effectiveness.

  • Repository Management Examples: Demonstrate your approach to organizing, documenting, and surfacing research findings. This could include mock-ups of repository structures, examples of standardized documentation templates, or descriptions of systems you've implemented for insight sharing.

  • Tool Implementation & Management: Provide evidence of your experience selecting, implementing, or managing research-specific tools and platforms. Detail how you've managed vendor relationships and ensured effective utilization of these tools.

  • Workflow Optimization Documentation: Present examples of workflows you've designed or refined to streamline the research process, from recruitment to reporting. Quantify the impact of these optimizations where possible.

  • Budget Management Documentation: If applicable, include examples of how you've managed budgets for research operations, including forecasting, tracking expenses, and reporting.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your methodology for mapping out existing research workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and designing optimized processes that enhance efficiency and scalability.

  • System Implementation & Automation: Showcase your experience in setting up and managing research tools and platforms, and any efforts you've made to automate repetitive tasks within the research lifecycle.

  • Measurement & Performance Analysis: Describe how you track and measure the effectiveness of research operations processes and the impact of your initiatives on the broader research team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Portfolio Essentials" and "Process Documentation" sections have been developed to guide candidates on how to best present their qualifications for an operations-focused role. The emphasis is on demonstrating tangible improvements, strategic thinking in process design, and effective management of systems and documentation, which are critical for a Research Operations Coordinator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Estimated Range: $84,000 - $105,000 USD per year

  • Methodology: This estimate is based on the provided salary range of $84k - $105k in the job description. This range is considered competitive for a mid-level Research Operations Coordinator role in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City, factoring in the company's industry and stated compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

  • Wellness Programs: Comprehensive programs designed to support employee physical and mental well-being.

  • Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO): A flexible approach to time off, encouraging employees to take the time they need for rest and rejuvenation.

  • Exceptional Family Leave Policies: Generous leave provisions for new parents and those caring for family members.

  • Meaningful Equity: Opportunity to own a stake in the company's growth and success.

  • Competitive Salary: A base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.

Working Hours:

  • Standard Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

  • Flexibility: While the role is hybrid with 3 required in-office days, there is an expectation of flexibility to accommodate research schedules, participant availability across time zones, and occasional travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly extracted from the provided text. The benefits are also listed as provided. The working hours are inferred to be standard full-time, with a note on the expected flexibility given the nature of research coordination and hybrid work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (AI-powered Business Management Platform for Service-Based Businesses)

Company Size: HoneyBook is a well-established company, indicated by its significant funding ($248M) and backing from numerous prominent investors. While an exact employee count isn't provided in the raw data, its operational scale and market presence suggest a mid-to-large-sized organization.

Founded: 2013, with a history of significant growth and market leadership in its niche.

Team Structure:

  • Research Team: A close-knit, supportive, and customer-centric User Research team that values curiosity, craft, and operational excellence.

  • Reporting Structure: The Research Operations Coordinator will likely report to a Research Manager or Lead, who in turn reports to higher levels of Design or Product leadership.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Essential collaboration with Product Managers, UX Designers, Data Analysts, Marketing teams, and Customer Support to ensure research insights are integrated and actionable across the organization.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: HoneyBook emphasizes an AI-powered approach, suggesting a strong reliance on data and analytics to inform product development and business strategy.

  • Agile & Iterative: The mention of "fail fast and often" and thriving in "fast-paced, intellectually-charged environments" points to an agile and iterative development methodology.

  • Customer-Centricity: The core mission revolves around empowering service-based business owners, highlighting a deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs.

Company Website: https://www.honeybook.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched by drawing from the provided description, including its industry, founding year, and funding status, to infer its operational scale and culture. The emphasis on AI and customer-centricity is highlighted as key cultural drivers relevant to operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level "Coordinator" with significant ownership and responsibility for core operational functions. It serves as a critical support role that enables the effectiveness of the entire UX Research team.

Reporting Structure: The Research Operations Coordinator will report to Research Leadership (e.g., Research Manager or Lead), providing essential operational support to facilitate their strategic initiatives and the broader research team's output.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the efficiency, scalability, and overall effectiveness of HoneyBook's User Research practice. By streamlining operations, managing the research repository, and ensuring smooth execution of studies, this position amplifies the impact of research insights on product development and business decisions. The success of this role contributes to more proactive research, reliable outcomes, and better-informed product strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization in Research Operations: Deepen expertise in all facets of ResOps, including tooling, process optimization, knowledge management, and budget management, potentially leading to a Senior Research Operations Specialist or Manager role.

  • Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to various departments (Product, Design, Data) through collaborative efforts, broadening understanding of the end-to-end product development lifecycle.

  • Leadership in Operational Initiatives: Lead projects focused on improving research tooling, repository architecture, or process automation, demonstrating initiative and strategic thinking.

  • Mentorship & Training: As the role matures and the team grows, there may be opportunities to mentor junior team members or develop training materials for researchers on operational best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Career & Growth Analysis" section focuses on the trajectory of an operations professional. "Operations Career Level" clarifies the role's positioning, and "Operations Impact" articulates how operational excellence contributes to broader business goals. Growth opportunities are framed within the context of developing specialized operations skills and expanding influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in the New York office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster in-person interaction, team building, and focused work.

Office Location(s): New York, New York. Specific office details (e.g., amenities, exact location within NYC) are not provided but it's a major hub for tech companies.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration, allowing for spontaneous idea sharing and team cohesion, crucial for operations roles that often involve coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

  • Operations Tools & Technology: Access to the necessary research and project management tools (e.g., EnjoyHQ, Notion, Airtable) will be provided to support the operational demands of the role.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with the UX Research team, Design leadership, and other cross-functional partners, fostering a strong understanding of their needs and workflows.

Work Schedule:

  • The role is expected to maintain a standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours/week).

  • Flexibility will be key, particularly for scheduling research participants across different time zones and accommodating the needs of in-person and remote studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work Environment" section contextualizes the hybrid nature of the role and its implications for collaboration and daily operations, emphasizing the blend of in-office and remote work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A conversation with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and alignment with the role's requirements.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your operational experience, project management skills, and understanding of research operations principles. Expect questions about your approach to participant management, repository building, and process improvement.

  • Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with members of the UX Research team and potentially cross-functional partners. This stage assesses your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into the team's dynamics. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported researchers and facilitated their work.

  • Operations Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home exercise or a live case study focusing on a research operations scenario. This could involve outlining a plan to improve a research repository, streamline participant recruitment, or manage a research budget.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Operational Impact: Focus on showcasing how your operational contributions directly improved research efficiency, quality, or impact. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced recruitment time by X%", "increased repository usage by Y%").

  • Demonstrate Process Ownership: Use your portfolio to illustrate your ability to own and refine processes. Show examples of workflow diagrams, SOPs, or templates you've developed.

  • Showcase Tool Proficiency: Include examples of how you've leveraged research operations tools (e.g., participant databases, scheduling software, knowledge repositories) to manage research activities effectively.

  • Emphasize Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've partnered with researchers, designers, and product managers to understand their needs and deliver operational support.

  • Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill area. Ensure each piece clearly articulates the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand Research Workflows: Familiarize yourself with the typical stages of a UX research project and the operational support required at each step.

  • Think Scalability & Efficiency: For any proposed solutions, consider how they can scale with the team and improve overall efficiency.

  • AI Integration: Be ready to discuss how AI tools could be leveraged to enhance the operational aspects of research (e.g., automating summaries, improving participant matching, generating initial documentation).

  • Communication is Key: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as you'll need to explain your strategies and solutions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Application & Portfolio Review Process" section provides a structured approach to preparing for interviews and presenting a portfolio, tailored to the specific demands of a Research Operations role, including the emphasis on process, tools, and AI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Research Repository Platforms: Experience with or ability to learn platforms for organizing and sharing research insights (e.g., EnjoyHQ, Dovetail, Canny, or custom solutions).

  • Participant Recruitment & Scheduling Tools: Familiarity with tools like User Interviews, Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, or similar for managing participant outreach and session booking.

  • Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools such as JIRA, Asana, Trello, or Notion for tracking research projects, tasks, and timelines.

  • Collaboration Suites: Experience with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) or Microsoft 365 for documentation, communication, and presentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Looker, Tableau, or Power BI for understanding usage data and reporting on operational metrics.

  • Survey Platforms: Experience with Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms for participant screening and feedback.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems: While not a primary focus, understanding how research operations integrates with CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial.

  • Automation Tools: Experience with tools for automating workflows and tasks, potentially including AI-powered assistants or scripting.

  • Integration Platforms: Awareness of how different tools connect to create seamless operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the likely technology stack for a Research Operations Coordinator, drawing from the "nice to have" skills and general industry standards. It emphasizes tools for repository management, participant coordination, project tracking, and data analysis, with a nod to AI-driven productivity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Operational Excellence: A commitment to precision, efficiency, and high-quality execution in all operational tasks related to research.

  • Customer-Centricity: A deep understanding that operational processes serve the needs of both internal researchers and external research participants, ensuring a positive experience for all.

  • Proactive Problem-Solving: A mindset that anticipates challenges and seeks out opportunities for process improvement and innovation.

  • Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing data and metrics to inform operational decisions, track performance, and demonstrate the value of research operations.

  • Collaboration & Ownership: A willingness to work closely with diverse teams, take initiative, and be accountable for the success of operational initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Actively seeking opportunities to partner with Product, Design, Data, and Marketing teams to ensure research operations are aligned with broader organizational goals.

  • Feedback-Rich Environment: Embracing constructive feedback from researchers and stakeholders to continuously refine processes and improve support.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of shared learning by documenting best practices, sharing insights from operational improvements, and mentoring colleagues.

  • Efficiency Experimentation: Openness to exploring and testing new tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance research operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" section translates the company's stated values and the operational nature of the role into specific behavioral expectations and collaboration styles relevant to a Research Operations Coordinator.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Multiple Demands: Juggling the diverse operational needs of multiple research projects and stakeholders simultaneously, requiring exceptional prioritization and time management skills.

  • Evolving Tooling Landscape: Keeping pace with the rapidly changing landscape of research operations tools and technologies, and making informed decisions about adoption.

  • Scaling Operations: Developing and implementing processes that can scale effectively as the research team and the company grow, without sacrificing quality.

  • Driving Insight Adoption: Developing strategies and operational mechanisms to ensure research insights are not only documented but actively discovered and utilized by relevant teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized ResOps Training: Access to industry-specific training, workshops, and certifications focused on research operations best practices and tooling.

  • AI in Operations Exploration: Opportunities to deeply explore and implement AI solutions for research operations, becoming a subject matter expert in this emerging field.

  • Mentorship from Leadership: Guidance from experienced Research Managers and Design leaders on strategic operational planning and stakeholder management.

  • Cross-functional Project Leadership: Taking the lead on projects that involve significant collaboration across departments, building broader business acumen and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges & Growth Opportunities" section anticipates potential hurdles in the role and frames them as opportunities for professional development, aligning with the company's emphasis on a growth mindset.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you improved an operational process for a research or product team. What was the problem, your solution, and the outcome?" (Focus on process mapping, problem identification, and quantifiable results.)

  • "How would you approach building and maintaining a centralized research repository for a growing UX research team?" (Discuss documentation standards, tagging strategies, accessibility, and tooling.)

  • "Imagine our research team is expanding rapidly. What are the key operational challenges you anticipate, and how would you proactively address them?" (Think scalability, onboarding, tooling standardization, and budget management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about HoneyBook's mission and its AI-powered platform?" (Research the company's value proposition for service-based businesses.)

  • "How do you see AI tools enhancing the role of Research Operations?" (Be ready to discuss specific applications and your experience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the "before" state (the challenge), your "during" (your actions and process), and the "after" state (the impact and outcome).

  • Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your operational initiatives. This could include improvements in efficiency, cost savings, researcher satisfaction, or insight discoverability.

  • Showcase Your Process: Explain the methodologies you used to design, implement, or improve processes. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and operational rigor.

  • Highlight Collaboration: Point out instances where you successfully partnered with researchers, designers, or other stakeholders to achieve operational goals.

  • Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges faced, and alternative approaches you might have considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for interview preparation, including example questions tailored to a Research Operations role and strategic tips for presenting a portfolio, emphasizing the importance of process, impact, and collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Research Operations Coordinator position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your most relevant operational experience, focusing on skills in research coordination, process improvement, repository management, and tool proficiency.

  • Achievement-Oriented Resume: Clearly articulate your accomplishments using action verbs and quantifiable results where possible, emphasizing your impact on research efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to manage research operations, streamline processes, and manage research tools. Be ready to walk through your portfolio and explain your contributions and the impact of your work.

  • Research HoneyBook: Understand HoneyBook's mission, product, target audience, and company values. Prepare to discuss how your operational approach aligns with their customer-centric and AI-driven culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates should be strong operators with experience supporting research or similar teams in coordination or project management capacities, comfortable managing research tools and demonstrating high organizational skills. Essential qualities include a strong sense of ownership, proactive problem-solving, proven collaboration skills with cross-functional partners and external vendors, and experience adopting AI tools to support productivity.