About Nike

Nike, Inc. stands as the global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories, inspiring athletes worldwide with its iconic slogan, 'Just Do It.' Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike drives innovation across sport, culture, and technology, serving consumers through its powerhouse brands: Nike, Jordan, and Converse. With a commitment to pushing boundaries, Nike invests in cutting-edge research and design to redefine performance and style. The Athlete Future Lab represents Nike's boldest step yet, harnessing radical imagination to explore the evolving edges of sport and athlete experiences.

Role Overview

As Senior Principal in the Athlete Future Lab, you'll spearhead initiatives that anticipate the future of sport. Reporting to the VP, this role demands a visionary leader skilled in strategic foresight, ethnographic research, and product innovation. Based at Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, you'll collaborate across Innovation, Design, and Product teams, influencing Nike, Jordan, and Converse brands. If you thrive in ambiguity, possess a passion for athletes* (*anyone with a body), and excel at translating bold ideas into business realities, this is your opportunity to shape Nike's next era.

Key Responsibilities

Your core duties will drive Nike's forward-thinking agenda:

• Lead strategic foresight projects identifying short- and long-term opportunities from emerging trends.
• Conduct primary and secondary research, including ethnographic methods, to uncover athlete insights.
• Synthesize complex data into human-centered narratives that inspire action.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to convert visions into tangible product and innovation roadmaps.
• Present findings to senior executives, galvanizing support for ambitious initiatives.
• Mentor creatives, manage external partners, and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.

Daily Impact

Expect to juggle multiple projects, navigate organizational complexity, and take calculated risks to pioneer new territories in sport and culture.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks proven leaders with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Strategy, Research, Foresight, or equivalent experience/training.
• 10+ years in design, human-centered research, strategic foresight, or product innovation.
• Deep curiosity for investigating futures, conducting ethnographic research, and galvanizing teams.
• Expertise in articulating product/business opportunities and driving them to execution.
• Strong communication skills for diverse audiences, from creatives to C-suite.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, bias for action, and ability to manage ambiguity under pressure.
• Experience mentoring teams, leading partners, and building cross-functional networks.

Preferred Traits

A passion for Athlete*, Sport*, and Culture; laser-focused efficiency; positive adaptability; and interpersonal resourcefulness.

Benefits & Perks

Nike offers an unmatched compensation package for top talent:

• Highly competitive base salary estimated at $250,000–$350,000, plus bonuses and equity.
• World-class health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs.
• Generous 401(k) matching and employee stock purchase plans.
• Exclusive product discounts across Nike family brands.
• On-site fitness centers, fitness reimbursements, and flexible work options.
• Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, and family expansion support.

Career Growth

At Nike, growth is limitless. As a Senior Principal, you'll gain visibility with VP-level leadership, expand your external network of thought leaders, and influence company-wide strategy. Nike's culture emphasizes mentorship, with ample opportunities for skill-building in foresight, innovation, and leadership. Advance to executive roles in Innovation or Design, or pivot across Nike's global portfolio.

Why Join Us

Be part of a newly formed team at the forefront of Nike's evolution. Work with big thinkers who blend creativity, research, and business acumen to redefine sport. Enjoy Beaverton's vibrant outdoor lifestyle, proximity to Portland's cultural scene, and Nike's state-of-the-art campus. This role isn't just a job—it's a platform to leave a lasting legacy on a trillion-dollar industry.

Role FAQs

What is the Athlete Future Lab?

A pioneering team exploring sport's future through foresight, research, and innovation across Nike brands.

Is remote work possible?

This role is based in Beaverton, OR, with potential hybrid flexibility per Nike policy.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated $250,000–$350,000 USD annually, based on senior principal benchmarks in tech/retail innovation.

Do I need a design background?

Design, strategy, research, or foresight experience is key; combinations accepted.

How does Nike support professional development?

Through mentorship, training, conferences, and internal mobility programs.