26-2245: User Research Lead - Annapolis, MD

Navitas • Annapolis, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Since our inception back in 2006, Navitas has grown to be an industry leader in the digital transformation space, and we’ve served as trusted advisors supporting our client base within the commercial, federal, and state and local markets. At our very core, we’re a group of problem solvers providing our award-winning technology solutions to drive digital acceleration for our customers! With proven solutions, award-winning technologies, and a team of expert problem solvers, Navitas has consistently empowered customers to use technology as a competitive advantage and deliver cutting-edge transformative solutions. Navitas is seeking a User Research Lead and execute foundational qualitative user research across three participating agencies to inform service transformation efforts under the Navitas program. This role ensures research is inclusive, methodologically rigorous, and aligned with the “Build with, not for” mandate—bringing underserved and historically excluded populations into the design process in meaningful ways.

Requirements

• 5+ years conducting qualitative user research in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrated experience with inclusive research design and recruiting diverse or underserved participant populations.
• Proven ability to synthesize qualitative data into clear archetypes, journey maps, and opportunity areas.
• Experience coaching or training non‑researchers in interviewing, observation, and empathy‑building techniques.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate research into compelling narratives for technical and non‑technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Research experience in government, public sector, or healthcare settings.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct multi‑agency user research, including a minimum of 9 in‑depth interviews across 3+ distinct user groups.
• Develop research materials, including interview guides, recruitment screeners, consent language, and protocols tailored to diverse populations.
• Lead inclusive recruitment, ensuring representation of underserved, hard‑to‑reach, and culturally diverse communities.
• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights, including: User archetypes, Journey maps, Pain points, needs, and opportunity areas
• Facilitate cross‑agency learning, training staff on qualitative research methods, interviewing skills, and empathy‑building practices.
• Champion human‑centered design principles, ensuring research insights directly inform service design and policy decisions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including service designers, policy analysts, and program leads, to translate insights into next steps.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees