Head of Organizational Research and Discovery

About OptimaNova AI
OptimaNova AI is a Washington, D.C. firm that helps nonprofits, foundations, associations, and public agencies put AI to work. Our purpose: help organizations doing good in the world do more of it. We work people first, then process, then technology, and every client leaves able to run what we build.
Our work starts with people, then process, then technology. We help organizations understand how work actually happens, identify where AI can create meaningful value, and build solutions their teams can confidently operate after we leave.
The Engagement
Every OptimaNova engagement begins with the first two phases of our five-phase methodology: Discover and Diagnose.
Discover is how we understand the organization before prescribing anything. That can include stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys, workflow observation, process mapping, technology audits, document review, and organizational research.
Diagnose is where evidence becomes direction. We synthesize what we learned, identify the underlying organizational and workflow issues, surface opportunities and risks, and give the client a clear, defensible path forward.
You will lead both phases across client engagements and continue strengthening the research methods, instruments, and standards behind them.
This is not a research-support role. You will help determine what OptimaNova recommends clients do next.
What You'll Own
Designing the research and discovery approach for client engagements
Determining the right combination of interviews, focus groups, surveys, workflow observation, audits, and other research methods
Facilitating candid conversations with executives, managers, frontline staff, and other stakeholders
Designing and refining surveys, interview protocols, discussion guides, and research instruments
Analyzing qualitative and quantitative organizational data
Identifying patterns across people, processes, technology, culture, governance, and workflow
Separating symptoms from root causes
Writing clear, evidence-based organizational diagnoses and recommendations
Translating complex research findings into plain language executives and boards can act on
Presenting findings to client leadership and defending conclusions when necessary
Strengthening OptimaNova's Discover and Diagnose methodology over time
What You Bring
Advanced graduate training in organizational research, industrial-organizational psychology, evaluation, organizational development, public health, behavioral science, social science research, or a closely related field
Deep experience with mixed-methods research, including qualitative and quantitative approaches
Demonstrated experience designing and leading organizational assessments, evaluations, research studies, or discovery engagements
Strong qualitative research skills, including interviewing, focus-group facilitation, coding, synthesis, and thematic analysis
Strong quantitative judgment, including survey design, interpretation, and the ability to distinguish meaningful findings from noise
Experience synthesizing multiple forms of evidence into clear findings and actionable recommendations
The ability to facilitate honest conversations across differences in role, seniority, influence, and organizational power
Executive presence and the judgment to tell a leader what the evidence says, warmly and clearly
Excellent writing skills, especially the ability to turn complex findings into concise executive-level narratives
Experience working with nonprofits, foundations, associations, public agencies, or other mission-driven institutions
Curiosity about how AI is changing jobs, workflows, organizational structure, decision-making, and the employee experience
Especially Strong Candidates May Have
Doctoral-level training or equivalent depth in applied organizational research
Experience in management consulting, organizational development, evaluation, workforce research, or transformation consulting
Experience conducting research that directly informed organizational strategy or operational change
Experience presenting findings to executives, boards, funders, or public-sector leaders
Familiarity with AI adoption, workforce transformation, change management, or technology implementation
Experience building repeatable research methodologies, frameworks, or assessment instruments
Engagement Terms
Independent contractor engagement
Remote from anywhere in the United States
Travel required for select client discovery sessions, workshops, and presentations
Manage your own schedule, tools, and research approach within agreed client outcomes and timelines
Engagement volume may vary based on client demand
How to Apply
Apply through Easy Apply and attach your resume.
Record a video of 60 seconds or less answering the question below. Loom, unlisted YouTube, or Google Drive all work. Make sure anyone with the link can view it.
Email the video link to info@optimanova.ai with the subject line: [Research and Discovery] Video | Your Full Name
Your Video Question
Tell us about a time an organization asked you to investigate one problem, but your research revealed that the real problem was something else. What did you discover, how did you know, and how did you communicate it to leadership?
OptimaNova AI welcomes applicants of every background, identity, and ability.

Work arrangement
Yes