Senior Sports Research Athlete Liaison - Raceday Running

Who We Are: 

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

The New Balance Sports Research Team is a multidisciplinary group of innovators pushing the boundaries of human performance through scientific exploration. Our state-of-the-art 17,000 sq. ft. research space—including running tracks, turf & court surfaces, body scanners, an environmental chamber, and high-speed force treadmills—helps answer tomorrow’s footwear and apparel questions.

We are seeking a Senior Running Athlete Liaison who is action-oriented, deeply immersed in competitive running, collaborative, inclusive, and driven to deliver athlete-centered insights. This individual will shape how New Balance partners with athletes from the 100m sprint through the marathon, bringing expertise in racing culture, season planning, and competition regulations. The candidate will serve as the bridge between athletes, coaches, and internal innovation teams to ensure product development and performance testing are authentic, relevant, and future-focused.

Major Accountabilities

·Lead the vision and strategic roadmap for athlete engagement in Race Day running, aligning with research, innovation, and performance priorities.

·Provide authoritative cultural and technical insight on running trends, racing formats, training philosophies, and athlete needs to guide long-term product, testing, and marketing strategies.

·Serve as the primary liaison between athletes, coaches, and internal innovation teams—managing trusted relationships, coordinating product testing and lab visits, and translating athlete insights into actionable recommendations.

·Represent the Sports Research team externally at key meets, conferences, athlete summits, and performance events, strengthening New Balance’s visibility and credibility.

·Influence cross-functional work, guiding best practices for athlete engagement and contributing to execution across fast-paced, complex initiatives.

Requirements for Success

• Relevant academic background in psychology, kinesiology, exercise science, or related field (master’s preferred) with strong analytical skills and experience interpreting performance data.

• 6+ years of leadership experience within competitive running, ideally with prior elite/competitive athlete experience and deep involvement across sprint–marathon environments.

• Established credibility in the elite running ecosystem, including strong networks with coaches, clubs, federations, and extensive understanding of World Athletics rules and standards.

• Expertise in performance testing, athlete services, or product creation, with the ability to translate athlete perspectives into business and innovation insights.

• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills, able to influence senior stakeholders and manage multiple athlete relationships/projects with travel up to 30%.

Sports Research Lab, Brighton MA Only Pay Range: $99,700.00 - $129,000.00 - $158,300.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

Regular Associate Benefits 

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time as