PlayOn is looking for a highly analytical and strategic Director, Research & Analytics to lead the audience research and development strategies for the company’s National Ad Sales division. This candidate will play a key role in developing our cross-platform audience story and associated marketing materials, conceptualizing and guiding research initiatives, developing comprehensive audience analysis reports, and more. Reporting to the VP, Client Strategy, the ideal candidate will possess a strong media-driven research background with experience applying qualitative and quantitative analysis toward a constantly evolving marketplace narrative for MaxPreps and the broader PlayOn portfolio of brands including GoFan and NFHS Network.
The Outcomes You’ll Deliver
· Research & Innovation – Derive impactful audience data and insights to be used for client-facing sales/marketing materials, brand pitches and marketplace engagement
· Partnership Strategy – Participate in the development of MaxPreps’ GTM informed by research, analytics, and creative storytelling
· Strategic Planning – Develop and implement ongoing research initiatives that align with PlayOn’s business objectives and market position
· Project Management – Oversee multiple end-to-end research projects to ensure timely completion and delivery against key business objectives
· Cross-Functional Thought Leadership – Partner with key stakeholders across PlayOn to influence company’s audience strategy
In this role, you can expect to
Partner cross-functionally to develop proactive audience positioning insights that fuel brand partnership opportunities and support multichannel content / editorial initiatives
Provide ongoing management and development of media kit and marketing materials / templates / decks through consistent audience monitoring and incorporation of key insights derived by data platforms within PlayOn’s technology stack
Influence pre- and post-sale workflows tied to the delivery of valuable, competitive marketplace insights for client presentations and campaign reports
Conduct ongoing cross-platform (web, app, social) analyses tied to brand ethos, audience storytelling, and supporting marketing materials
Spearhead thought leadership initiatives that yield white papers that position PlayOn as a leader in the HS sports space
Manage key vendor relationships including Comscore, ListenFirst
To thrive in this role, you have
Bachelor's Degree and 4-6+ years research and/or data-driven client strategy experience
Demonstrated track record of leveraging audience insights derived from Comscore, Google Analytics, ListenFirst and/or similar platforms to build brand positioning narratives
Experience collaborating with teams and/or managing projects with strong performance and results with a passion to collaborate with team members
Ability to thrive in multiple environments and effectively work with others to achieve broader business outcomes
Organized, strategic thinker who’s able to take concepts to reality for internal teams, media agencies and brand partners
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Interest in and enthusiasm for high school and broader sports marketplace
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Keynote and Pitch.com
Understanding of the digital landscape including Display, Video, Audio, Social, Branded Content, Events, Data/Targeting, Ad Measurement, and more
How You Play
Ownership over Participation- You take responsibility for achieving holistic outcomes, prioritize key objectives, and adapt quickly when situations require a different approach. You follow through even against the toughest challenges.
Team over Stars- You are a bridge builder, establishing processes and relationships with teams outside your own. You work to rally around common goals, find win-win solutions, compromise when necessary, and help others succeed.
Growth over Comfort- You are driven by a desire to grow and actively seek opportunities to expand your comfort zone, skills, and confidence. You embrace new challenges with curiosity, accepting discomfort and failure as opportunities to learn.
Fairness over Popularity- You approach decisions with a scientist’s mindset, challenging your assumptions and remaining objective. You consider long-term impact rather than relying on short-term gains, proactively seek others’ perspectives, and manage emotions in decision-making.
Company Overview
PlayOn is a dynamic growth-stage company dedicated to championing the spirit of play in the high school space. Backed by KKR, our family of brands—including GoFan, NFHS Network, and MaxPreps—empowers schools with innovative solutions and exceptional service. Our fan engagement platform is the only one that offers event ticketing, streaming, fundraising, concessions, merchandise sales, and website management in one place. We save administrators time so they can focus on what truly matters: supporting the students, staff, and fans who bring their programs to life.
Trusted by thousands of schools across the country, we're here to help create more instant replays, hold-your-breath moments, last-minute comebacks, and games you want to watch over and over again.
When being there means everything, we make sure you never miss a moment.
Why you’ll love working at PlayOn
Product, potential, and people. We’re a leader in the high school event space, constantly evolving our product to meet the needs of administrators. We focus on solving real challenges, learning quickly, and creating impactful solutions.
This is a growth-stage company, meaning your contributions have real impact. You’ll have opportunities to grow your skills, tackle meaningful problems, and make a difference in the lives of schools and the students and fans they serve.
Our culture is built on accountability, collaboration, growth, and fairness. We don’t just show up—we show up for each other. Everyone wears the same jersey, and we play hard, make the extra pass, and cheer one another on. Losses teach us, challenges motivate us, and persistence drives us forward. We value integrity over shortcuts, choosing to do what’s right even when it’s hard. Together, we strive to be better every day—because we know that’s how we win as a team.
The Benefits We Offer
Multiple medical insurance plans to choose from
Dental, vision life and disability insurance
Employee Emergency Fund
Company equity (stock options)
Open PTO policy
401K plan with company match
Hybrid/flexible work environment
Note: Must be a full-time employee to participate in the company’s employee health benefit plan. Part-time employees and interns are not eligible to participate.
