Strategy Associate Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

At Evolv, we're helping redefine how public spaces approach safety. Trusted by schools, hospitals, entertainment venues, sports stadiums, and other organizations across the country, our technology is helping communities create safer environments while preserving the welcoming experiences people expect.

As a Growth Strategy Associate, you'll help advance the responsible adoption of modern safety technology by building relationships with associations, public-sector organizations, researchers, and other influential stakeholders. You'll operate at the intersection of public safety, stakeholder engagement, and strategic growth-helping shape conversations, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen Evolv's position as a trusted leader in the future of public safety.

This role is ideal for a relationship-oriented professional who thrives in complex environments, communicates with credibility and diplomacy, and is energized by work that creates meaningful impact for people and communities.

Within the first 30 days, you will: 

• Develop a deep understanding of Evolv's mission, customers, and impact across key markets including education, healthcare, entertainment, and public venues.
• Build familiarity with the stakeholder landscape influencing safety technology adoption, including associations, research organizations, public-sector entities, and community leaders.
• Establish relationships with internal partners across Growth, Marketing, Sales, Product, Legal, and Customer Success.
• Begin evaluating opportunities to strengthen Evolv's presence and credibility within priority stakeholder communities.
  

Within90 days, you will: 

• Develop a stakeholder engagement strategy focused on the organizations, associations, and influencers that shape safety conversations across priority sectors.
• Build relationships with key external stakeholders and identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, thought leadership, and industry engagement.
• Help develop evidence-based messaging and supporting materials that communicate Evolv's impact and value to diverse audiences.
• Partner with internal teams to identify emerging trends, stakeholder needs, and opportunities to support responsible adoption of modern safety technology. 
  

Within your first year, you will:

• Establish Evolv as a trusted and engaged participant within key public safety, education, healthcare, and security communities.
• Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with priority associations, research institutions, public-sector organizations, and industry influencers.
• Help create opportunities for Evolv to contribute to important conversations through partnerships, conferences, research initiatives, and thought leadership efforts.
• Support the development of evidence-based proof points that strengthen customer confidence and accelerate adoption across key markets.
• Identify and advance strategic initiatives and partnerships that contribute to Evolv's long-term growth and market leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

• Build trusted relationships with associations, public-sector organizations, academic institutions, research partners, and other influential stakeholders that shape conversations around safety and security.
• Develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen Evolv's visibility, credibility, and influence across priority markets.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that support awareness, adoption, and validation of Evolv's solutions.
• Represent Evolv in external forums, industry events, conferences, working groups, and stakeholder discussions as appropriate.

Public Affairs & Ecosystem Development

• Help advance the responsible adoption of modern safety technology by identifying opportunities to engage key stakeholders, thought leaders, and organizations.
• Monitor emerging public policy, funding, industry, and stakeholder trends and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Support the development of public-facing initiatives, thought leadership efforts, and engagement strategies that reinforce Evolv's position as a trusted leader in public safety.
• Partner closely with Legal and Compliance to ensure external engagement activities align with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Evidence Development & Market Insight

• Work cross-functionally with Growth, Marketing, Sales, Product, and Customer Success teams to gather customer insights and develop evidence-based proof points that demonstrate Evolv's impact.
• Support relationships with research organizations and third-party partners to advance independent validation, studies, and other initiatives that strengthen market confidence.
• Help identify and communicate customer outcomes related to safety, operational efficiency, visitor experience, and other key measures of success.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

• Identify emerging opportunities across education, healthcare, public venues, and other markets that could accelerate adoption and support long-term growth.
• Partner with internal leaders to evaluate new initiatives, stakeholder relationships, and ecosystem opportunities that strengthen Evolv's market position.
• Contribute to strategic projects that help expand awareness, credibility, and adoption of Evolv's solutions.

The Growth Strategy Associate will report directly to Evolv's Chief Growth Officer and work closely with senior leaders across Growth, Marketing, Sales, Product, Legal, and Customer Success.

This is a highly collaborative and visible role with the opportunity to engage directly with influential external stakeholders, including associations, public-sector organizations, research partners, and industry leaders. The successful candidate will be trusted to represent Evolv externally, help shape stakeholder engagement strategies, and contribute to initiatives that support the company's long-term growth and impact.

We are looking for someone who is energized by building relationships, influencing outcomes, and operating with a high degree of ownership in an evolving and mission-driven environment.

Our preference is for our Growth Strategy Associate to be based near Evolv's headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts; however, we are open to exceptional candidates located in strategic cities in the United States.

This is a relationship-oriented and externally facing role that requires regular engagement with customers, associations, research partners, industry events, and federal and state stakeholders. Travel will vary throughout the year based on business priorities and external engagement opportunities, so candidates should be comfortable traveling as needed and reside within reasonable access to a major airport.

This role operates within a sensitive and externally visible area of the business. The successful candidate will be expected to exercise strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism when engaging with external stakeholders and handling confidential information.

Public-facing materials, external engagement plans, and stakeholder communications should be developed in partnership with the appropriate internal teams and approved through established company processes. Interactions with government officials, public-sector entities, and other external stakeholders must align with Evolv's policies related to political neutrality, business courtesies, anti-corruption, and compliance.

The base salary range for this full-time position is$102,000- $166,000.In addition to base salary, this role offers a competitive target bonus, equity, and a comprehensive benefits package. This range reflects our commitment to pay transparency and equity, in alignment with applicable state laws. Our compensation ranges aredeterminedbased on factors such as role, level, location, market benchmarks, and internal equity. The posted rangerepresentsthe good-faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this role across U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be based on the candidate's skills, experience, education, and geographic location. 

In accordance withstate and local pay transparencylaws-including those in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, andothers-wedisclosesalary ranges in all job postings and provideadditionalinformation upon request. 

During the hiring process, your recruiter will share: 

• The specific salary range for your preferred location 

• A general overview of our benefits and equity offerings 

• Insights into how compensation decisions are made, including factors that influence starting pay 

We are committed to fair pay practices, and we regularly review our compensation programs to ensure they are competitive,equitable, and aligned with our values. 

Requirements

Must-Have:

• 3+ years of experience in public affairs, external affairs, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, community engagement, public-sector relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success building trusted relationships with external stakeholders, such as associations, public-sector organizations, nonprofits, academic institutions, research partners, or community groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop clear messaging, briefing materials, stakeholder communications, and executive-ready updates.
• Experience navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments that require diplomacy, sound judgment, and the ability to influence without formal authority.
• Ability to translate stakeholder insights, market dynamics, and emerging trends into actionable recommendations and engagement strategies.
• High integrity, discretion, and professionalism when operating in sensitive or externally visible environments.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in public safety, education, healthcare, violence prevention, emergency management, resilience, government, or other mission-driven sectors.
• Experience working with industry associations, standards organizations, research institutions, advocacy groups, or public-sector partners.
• Familiarity with public policy, funding environments, regulatory considerations, or public-sector decision-making.
• Experience supporting thought leadership, coalition-building, strategic partnerships, or public-facing initiatives.
• Comfort operating in a fast-moving, high-growth environment where priorities may evolve and the path forward is not always fully defined.

Benefits

At Evolv, we're on a mission to help make public spaces safer through innovative security technology. So, we're looking for future teammates who embody our values, people who: 

• Do the right thing, always; 

• Put people first' 

• Own it; 

• Win together; and continue to 

• Be bold, stay curious.  
   

• Equity as part of your total compensation package 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• Health Savings Account (HSA) 

• A 401(k) plan (and 2% company match) 

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)- take the time you need to recharge, with manager approval and business needs in mind 

• Quarterly stipend for perks and benefits that matter most to you 

• Tuition reimbursement to support your ongoing learning and development 

• Subscription to Calm 

Evolv Technology ("Evolv") is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace, and all employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law in the locations where we operate. Evolv will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. 

Evolv is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of the job application process, please connect with us at. 
Evolv participates in E-verify for all employees after the completion of Form I-9.