Overview American Volkssport Association is looking for a senior UX researcher to support a focused discovery and strategy project for an upcoming mobile product release. This is a short-term contract role for someone who is comfortable working independently, collaborating closely with stakeholders, and turning research into clear, actionable insights. The end goal is to understand user needs within a specific persona so those needs can be built into a native mobile application. This is not a production research role or academic study. The goal is to help shape direction, reduce risk, and inform product decisions through thoughtful, well-executed research. About AVA The American Volkssport Association (AVA) is a national nonprofit that has supported non-competitive walking, hiking, and outdoor fitness events in the United States for decades. AVA works with a large network of local clubs and volunteers to make organized physical activity accessible, social, and sustainable for people of all ages. Project Information This research project will inform future product and experience decisions for a mobile product. The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based insights that AVA leadership can use to prioritize initiatives and improve the overall product experience. Project Scope You will lead and execute a defined research effort that may include: Research planning and method selection Exploratory user research Interviews and synthesis Insight development and opportunity framing Clear documentation and presentation of findings You will have direct access to stakeholders and decision makers. We value clarity, judgment, and pragmatism. Project timing The project is expected to begin in March or April of this year, and last an expected 8-10 weeks Engagement Details Contract role Remote Duration approximately 4 to 8 weeks depending on approach Budget range $11,000 to $13,000 total, depending on scope confirmation and experience • you will note the job posting states the compensation as an hourly range, but this is merely to facilitate discussion on appropriate ranges within our fixed budget (capped at $13,000) Team information: you will be working with one senior project manager. Your team will be reporting directly to the CEO and CTO, with weekly checkins on status, findings, risks, etc. Research Approach This project is primarily qualitative in nature. The research will focus on deep, exploratory understanding through methods such as moderated interviews and synthesis-driven analysis. While light quantitative inputs may be used to support findings if appropriate, the core emphasis is on qualitative insight, sense-making, and decision support rather than large-scale statistical validation. Project deliverables We have put together the following as desired deliverables, and are open to input on the efficacy of these deliverables from the selected contractor given the project goals: Research plan outlining objectives, arenaflex audiences, and methods Wireframe iterations and final wireframes for core, relevant flows only (e.g. those used for the core features in the app we will be testing) Recruitment guidance and support for participant outreach to 20 participants Moderated qualitative interviews (20) (remote and potentially in person, depending on candidate location) Synthesis of findings into clear themes, insights, and patterns Development of 1–3 core user personas as part of synthesis Product or experience thesis informed by research Evidence-backed recommendations to inform AVA leadership decisions What We Are Looking For Ideal candidate will be located in San Antonio, Austin, or Houston, Texas Note: This is not an in person role, but being nearby to visit offices, meet with the project team and stakeholders in person, and meet with research participants in person is of serious value to the project team 5+ years of UX research experience, and UX project leadership Experience conducting research for activity or fitness products with users primarily aged 40 to 80 Experience collaborating closely with a diverse group stakeholders Strong background in discovery and early-stage research Experience working on contract or project-based engagements Ability to work independently with minimal oversight Clear communicator who can present insights to non-research audiences Comfortable working with ambiguity and shaping the research approach Experience with Figma or Adobe Creative Suite (or similar), and prototyping tools Nice to Have Experience working with non profit organizations, startups or small teams Agency or consultancy background Experience translating research into product or strategy recommendations Mobile product UI design experience (Android, iOS) How to Apply As a part of your application, please share: A short note on relevant background, experience, and approach to discovery research Examples of relevant work or case studies Project portfolio (website preferred) Availability over the months of March thru end of May Interview Process The interview process will be structured as follows: First interview with the senior project manager focused on experience, project fit, and approach to discovery research. This conversation will include a short situational exercise related to the project. Final interview with the AVA CEO and CTO focused on alignment, communication style, and confidence in leading the research independently. We aim to keep the process efficient and respectful of candidates’ time. Apply tot his job