Job Description

THE OPPORTUNITY: 

This position is within the Imagination Center, part of the Global Consumer Insights Department at Mattel, Inc.

WHAT YOUR IMPACT WILL BE: 

Candidate is responsible for duties including but not limited to the following:  

• CONDUCT QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS. Within a fast-paced environment, under tight deadlines, and subject to the scrutiny of various stakeholders in the toy development process (Design, Marketing, Engineering) candidate must set up and conduct interviews, focus groups, play sessions, usability testing etc. with children and parents; synthesize and report research findings with minimal turn-around time; and, make insightful and actionable recommendations.  
• IDENTIFY RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY. Able to work with research analysts to identify the objectives of tests and to determine the methodology & interventions/activities that will meet the needs of those making the requests for research.  
• PARTICIPANT RECRUITMENT. Using Imagination Center database, child testing researcher must dedicate time to recruiting participants needed for in-house focus groups, other toy tests and in-home research.  
• MAINTAIN AND OVERSEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE IMAGINATION CENTER DATABASE. A critical responsibility that includes managing the PC-based database of respondents, entering and revising respondent contact information, identifying participants for recruitment, and logging/tracking/identifying tests that are conducted.

Qualifications

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: 

• Candidate must have experience working directly with children in a school, clinical, research or similar environment. Candidate should have 1-2 years direct experience interacting with children and guiding discussions and/or play in formal settings.  
• Candidate must be familiar with qualitative research (focus groups, one on one interviews, etc.) and/or ethnographic research (with children & parents preferred).
• Candidate must display excellent interpersonal skills and patience in dealing with demands from various departments. While communication skills with children and parents are important, so is the ability to deal with and stand up to demands from: research, marketing, design, engineering, advertising, etc.  
• Candidate must be able to synthesize information and offer observations and recommendations.
• Candidate must have the ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, adapt to shifting priorities, and be very detail oriented.  
• Candidate must exhibit excellent communication & customer service skills, including: excellent phone & email communication, report-writing skills and social media posting experience.  
• Candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree preferred. Candidates with degrees in: education, child development, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), psychology, counseling, social work (LCSW) etc. are encouraged to apply.  
• Candidates who have experience with children & technology, including: UX Testing with apps, websites, and connected toys are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates who have experience, or a passion for, photography, videography and, editing are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• Candidates who have knowledge of or practical experience with human centered design/design thinking are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK HERE:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• WE COLLABORATE: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• WE INNOVATE: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• WE EXECUTE: We are a performance driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best in class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

WHO WE ARE:

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO and MEGA, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers. Mattel is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers including minorities, females, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those of all sexual orientations and gender identities.