Research & Thought Leadership Lead

AirOps•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

AirOps is seeking a marketing leader to build upon its existing research foundation and establish the brand as a trusted source for data-driven industry insights. The role involves transforming millions of daily data points and search queries into high-quality content and research that keeps marketers ahead of industry trends. This position blends thought leadership, research, and brand strategy, requiring an individual who can conduct analysis and discern valuable content for publication. The role offers high visibility and impact, with the opportunity to shape the brand and tell impactful stories in collaboration with the executive team.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in thought leadership, content marketing, research, or equivalent.
Experience producing research reports, insights surveys, and data-driven storytelling.
Proficiency in analyzing deep datasets and extracting insights.
Experience with Claude Code and ability to quickly learn to field expert surveys and query data directly.
Proven experience running cross-channel marketing campaigns (paid, organic, in-person).
Ability to enable customer-facing teams to utilize data in their conversations.
Strong point of view on brand building and shaping brand identity.
Experience with corporate and founder social media presence.
High agency and hands-on approach, comfortable with both strategy and execution.
Ability to break down silos and foster collaboration across marketing, sales, and customer teams.

Nice To Haves

A love for a blank slate and championing new programs.
Obsession with quality and storytelling, ensuring contributions add value to the conversation.
Keen awareness of industry developments, market shifts, and opinions.
Ability to spot industry shifts before others.
Enjoyment of working across different teams and rallying them behind initiatives.

Responsibilities

Set the tone, direction, and strategy for the research and thought leadership program in direct collaboration with the CEO and CMO.
Identify relevant data and audience interests to uncover compelling stories and determine which data sets to analyze.
Conduct independent research, including fielding expert surveys and querying first-party product and usage data, to develop unique points of view from raw findings.
Develop cross-channel campaigns and brand awareness initiatives based on research insights and thought leadership content, working across product, events, design, product marketing, paid, and organic teams.
Partner with product and sales leaders to align research plans with the product roadmap and target buyer personas, supporting product launches and market entries.
Own the brand's voice, tone, and cadence for research-focused social media content and distribution.
Act as the arbiter of the quality bar for all published work, ensuring high-quality output without appearing rushed.