VP Research

ActiveFence is seeking a visionary and results-oriented VP, Research to define and execute the strategic direction for our research operations. This executive-level role demands a leader with a proven track record of establishing new operational frameworks, cultivating strategic client relationships, and driving significant cross-organizational initiatives. You'll be instrumental in shaping our long-term research capabilities and ensuring operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and champion the strategic vision and long-term roadmap for ActiveFence's research operations, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives.
• Lead executive-level client relationships and strategic account management, serving as a primary point of contact for key clients and ensuring their satisfaction and long-term partnership.
• Oversee comprehensive budget planning and resource allocation across research operations to optimize efficiency and impact.
• Drive cross-organizational partnerships and business development initiatives to expand our research capabilities and market reach.
• Define the organizational structure and reporting hierarchies for research operations, fostering a high-performing and collaborative environment.
• Lead executive decision-making on major operational and strategic changes, guiding the team through complex challenges and opportunities.
• Represent ActiveFence in executive forums and industry conferences, enhancing our reputation and thought leadership within the cybersecurity landscape.
• Conduct senior stakeholder management and executive communications, ensuring transparent and effective communication across all levels.
• Define escalation procedures and expertly handle critical client escalations, demonstrating strong problem-solving and diplomatic skills.

Must-Have:

• Extensive executive leadership experience (minimum 7+ years) in a senior operational or research management role, with a focus on defining strategy and building high-performing organizations.
• Demonstrated success in establishing new departments, divisions, or significant operational units from the ground up within a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to manage and grow complex, strategic client relationships at the executive level.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget planning, resource allocation, and optimizing operational costs.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with a track record of effectively engaging C-level executives and external stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, research methodologies, and operational best practices.

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience in a rapidly scaling technology company or a similar growth-oriented environment.
• Background in technical sales or business development at an executive level within the cybersecurity industry.
• Proven experience in a role requiring significant public speaking or representation at industry events.

ActiveFence is the leading tool stack for Trust & Safety teams, worldwide. By relying on ActiveFence’s end-to-end solution, Trust & Safety teams – of all sizes – can keep users safe from the widest spectrum of online harms, unwanted content, and malicious behavior, including child safety, disinformation, fraud, hate speech, terror, nudity, and more. 

Using cutting-edge AI and a team of world-class subject-matter experts to continuously collect, analyze, and contextualize data, ActiveFence ensures that in an ever-changing world, customers are always two steps ahead of bad actors. As a result, Trust & Safety teams can be proactive and provide maximum protection to users across a multitude of abuse areas, in 70+ languages. 

Backed by leading Silicon Valley investors such as CRV and Norwest, ActiveFence has raised $100M to date; employs 300 people worldwide, and has contributed to the online safety of billions of users across the globe.