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Principal Thought Leader - AI & Innovation

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At Qualtrics, we create software the world’s best brands use to deliver exceptional frontline experiences, build high-performing teams, and design products people love. But we are more than a platform—we are the creators and stewards of the Experience Management category serving over 18K clients globally. Building a category takes grit, determination, and a disdain for convention—but most of all it requires close-knit, high-functioning teams with an unwavering dedication to serving our customers.

When you join one of our teams, you’ll be part of a nimble group that’s empowered to set aggressive goals and move fast to achieve them. Strategic risks are encouraged and complex problems are solved together, by passing the mic and iterating until the best solution comes to light. You won’t have to look to find growth opportunities—ready or not, they’ll find you. From retail to government to healthcare, we’re on a mission to bring humanity, connection, and empathy back to business. Join over 5,000 people across the globe who think that’s work worth doing.

Principal Thought Leader - AI & Innovation

Why We Have This Role

We are looking for an innovative strategist to influence the strategic direction of Qualtrics’ go-to-market strategies and partner with teams across the Qualtrics value chain to execute on the strategies. As we continue to innovate and integrate AI into Edge offerings, we are looking to bring a thought leader and innovation partner.

How You’ll Find Success

You will know you are doing an extraordinary job when you:

Achieve quarterly and annual Edge subscription revenue targets
Consistently develop pipeline in partnership with Marketing
Generate leading industry thought leadership
Develop reusable industry-focused assets for internal go-to-market teams to leverage in customer engagements
Build excitement internally and externally on Edge offerings

How You’ll Grow

As a founding member of a new team within Edge, there is tremendous potential to grow within the center of excellence function.
Ability to own strategic initiatives with executive exposure/ sponsorship that have massive departmental and organizational impact
Be the thought partner and stay current by exploring new research opportunities and advancements in analytics and research methodologies
Support product innovation by turning client signal into solution/ product development requirements

Things You’ll Do

Building brand/solution awareness to drive pipeline: This includes providing guidance on product positioning and messaging, contributing to thought leadership content, addressing barriers to growth, developing sales assets, and engaging with enablement leaders.
Partnering on strategic deals and recruiting marquee clients: This involves working with sales teams on key deals, engaging with existing customers to act as advocates, and supporting service delivery teams.
Guiding product development for future solutions: This includes translating customer needs into product ideas, vetting potential partners, and improving existing solutions based on feedback.

What We’re Looking For On Your Resume

12+ years of experience in client delivery and strategic consulting, ideally with SaaS/MARTech knowledge.
Strong understanding of industry trends and ability to articulate them clearly.
Expertise in the research domain, including Experience Management (XM) programs and data analysis.
Outstanding executive presence and communication skills for C-level engagement.
Effective storytelling skills focused on strategic business objectives.
Skilled at driving cross-functional collaboration.
Willingness to travel (25-50%).
Preferred experience in design thinking and strategy.
Deep knowledge of AI including applications, competitive landscape, and current market trends.
Preferred previous experience operating in a commercial environment supporting enterprise sales and marketing teams
Experience at a hyper-growth startup is welcome.
Relevant undergraduate degree; graduate degree preferred.

What You Should Know About This Team

Qualtrics Edge provides always-on intelligence to power breakthrough decisions and uncover overnight opportunities. Offerings like connected intelligence, simulated audiences and market activity predictions are a few of the Qualtrics Edge offerings. We exist to connect the dots between what consumers think and how they act, so we can predict what they might do next. Our industry-leading research expertise, run on a world-class experience platform, enhanced with unique data, leads to faster, richer and more reliable outcomes.

Our Team’s Favorite Perks and Benefits

Wellness Reimbursement for $300 per quarter for wellness activities including gym memberships, spa massages, workout equipment, meditation apps, and much more.
$1800 yearly Experience bonus to be used for an “Experience” of your choosing
Amazing QGroup Communities; MOSAIQ, Green Team, Qualtrics Pride, Q&Able, Qualtrics Salute, and Women’s Leadership Development, which exist as places for support, allyship, and advocacy

The Qualtrics Hybrid Work Model: Our hybrid work model is elegantly simple: we all gather in the office three days a week; Mondays and Thursdays, plus one day selected by your organizational leader. These purposeful in-person days in thoughtfully designed offices help us do our best work and harness the power of collaboration and innovation. For the rest of the week, work where you want, owning the integration of work and life.

Qualtrics is an equal opportunity employer meaning that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants in the United States of America have rights under Federal Employment Laws:Family & Medical Leave Act,Equal Opportunity Employment,Employee Polygraph Protection Act

Qualtrics is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Qualtrics will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please let your Qualtrics contact/recruiter know.

Not finding a role that’s the right fit for now? Qualtrics Insiders is the one-stop shop for all things Qualtrics Life. Sign up for exclusive access to content created with you in mind and get the scoop on what we have going on at Qualtrics - upcoming events, behind the scenes stories from the team, interview tips, hot jobs, and more. No spam - we promise! You'll hear from us two times a month max with fresh, totally tailored info - so be sure to stay connected as you explore your best role and company fit.

For full-time positions, this pay range is for base per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, education, skills, and experience. A sign-on bonus and restricted stock units may be included in an employment offer, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and other benefits, based on eligibility criteria.

Illinois Annual Pay Transparency Range

$146,500—$325,500 USD

Average salary estimate

$236000 / YEARLY (est.)

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$146500K

$325500K

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What You Should Know About Principal Thought Leader - AI & Innovation, Qualtrics

Join Qualtrics as a Principal Thought Leader - AI & Innovation and be at the forefront of shaping our go-to-market strategies! In this role based in Chicago, Illinois, you will work with a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional frontline experiences for some of the world's top brands. As we integrate AI into our Edge offerings, your innovative ideas will greatly influence both internal and external strategies. Your primary focus will be achieving subscription revenue targets while generating valuable thought leadership that positions Qualtrics as a market leader. Working closely with marketing, sales, and product teams, you’ll collaborate to create industry-focused assets and enhance product development based on client feedback. With over 12 years of experience in strategic consulting, particularly within the SaaS/MARTech landscape, you should possess a deep understanding of AI applications and trends. The role demands outstanding communication skills and a knack for storytelling to effectively engage executive stakeholders. At Qualtrics, you’ll enjoy opportunities for growth and collaboration while embracing the company's mission of restoring humanity and empathy to business. If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and make a significant impact, your journey begins here!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Thought Leader - AI & Innovation Role at Qualtrics

What are the main responsibilities of a Principal Thought Leader - AI & Innovation at Qualtrics?

As a Principal Thought Leader - AI & Innovation at Qualtrics, your key responsibilities include strategizing go-to-market initiatives, driving subscription revenue, generating industry thought leadership, and developing reusable assets for internal teams. Your role will also involve collaborating with various departments to enhance product offerings based on customer insights, thereby significantly impacting the company’s growth and innovation.