VP of Market Research and New Markets

Everspring is a leading provider of education technology and service solutions. Our advanced technology, proven marketing approach, research-based instructional design services, and robust faculty support deliver outstanding outcomes for our university partners, powering their success online. 

We offer a range of full-service turnkey solutions and unbundled offerings, as well as a set of innovative standalone products. We deliver industry-leading outcomes in market research and program design; marketing and lead generation; recruitment and enrollment services; student support and retention services; academics and instructional design; and technology infrastructure and analytics. Our proprietary methodologies yield uniquely tailored solutions that drive tangible value for our university partners, their faculty, and their students. Based in Chicago, Everspring serves a growing number of colleges and universities.

About the team

As part of this team, the VP of Market Research and New Markets owns academic market research and intelligence, monitors competitive and strategic developments in the University Services market, and assesses new markets for potential product and service expansion and entry.  This role will work cross-functionally with Marketing, B2B Marketing, University Partnerships, Learning Design, and Finance to deliver insights driving growth in Everspring-supported programs and new program and service wins.  Further, this role will provide market intelligence, evaluate education product and service markets for prospective opportunity, and work with the B2B, Marketing, and Technology teams to craft Everspring’s future offerings and market entry strategies.  This position is a dynamic opportunity for someone who wants to build and shape the products, services, and deals that drive outstanding outcomes for Everspring’s partners and customers.

This role reports to Everspring’s CFO & Head of Analytics and is located in Chicago, offering a hybrid work environment with a minimum of 3 days required in the office every week and additional days as business needs arise.

Responsibilities

• Own the research agenda:
  •  Own primary/secondary research, market sizing, pricing, and academic product (program) attribute design for new and existing offerings
  • Communicate market & customer insights cross-functionally to drive product, marketing and sales team efforts          
• Develop a thorough understanding of the market, including industry trends, market problems, key influencers, and competitive activities
• Build always-on scans of competitors (firms and products), pricing, modalities, and partnerships; anticipate moves and inform counter-strategy
• Translate program and portfolio strategy research into business cases with enrollment and revenue projections
• Produce executive- and provost-ready narratives with clear calls to action, risks, and enrollment impact
• Partner with Marketing, B2B, and University Partnerships teams, to drive enrollment at existing programs and new partnership growth.
• Own the insights tech stack and vendor ecosystem (e.g., Lightcast, IPEDS, NSC, survey panels etc); negotiate and govern usage
• Coach and set standards for analysis, storytelling, and decision quality, evangelizing market data across organization

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, preference for majors demonstrating strong analytical and reasoning skills.  MBA preferred
• 10–15+ years in market research/insights, strategy, or product marketing, experience in edtech/higher ed strongly preferred.
• Fluency with education datasets and labor market datasets (Lightcast, IPEDS, NSC, BLS/OES, College Scorecard etc. ) and standard BI and presentation workflows
• Able to evaluate academic program product offerings and portfolios, develop program-and portfolio-level growth insights, and deliver market entry insights with limited oversight
  •  Track record turning research into program and portfolio decisions (launch/retire/expand) with measurable results
• Executive presence; can simplify complexity, challenge assumptions, and drive alignment across departments
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast paced and dynamic work environment

About Everspring 

Everspring is a leading provider of education technology and service solutions. Our advanced technology, proven marketing approach, research-based instructional design services, and robust faculty support deliver outstanding outcomes for our university partners, powering their success online. Everspring offers a range of full-service turnkey solutions, as well as standalone single service offerings, and innovative self-service products that enable universities to establish and maintain themselves as leaders in the digital delivery of education.  

Based in Chicago, Everspring serves a growing number of colleges and universities. Built In Chicago has named us one of the "Best Places to Work" in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025. We were also certified as a Great Place To Work® in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Compensation offered at Everspring will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Position Location: Illinois

The base salary hiring range for this position is: $175k to $200k.

We offer benefits that include hybrid work arrangement, paid parental leave,  medical, dental and vision insurance, FSA, HSA, employer-paid short-term and optional long-term disability, 401k with an employer match vested immediately, a generous PTO plan that accrues with tenure, professional development, tuition reimbursement program, discounted onsite gym, optional pet insurance and more!

EEO Note: 

Everspring is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Everspring makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.