Field Research & Market Development Coordinator

Description

About us:

At Orthodontic Experts, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient care and setting the standard for orthodontic excellence. With 32 locations across the greater Chicagoland area, Wisconsin, and Indiana, and continued growth ahead, we are focused on transforming smiles and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

We are looking for team members who are passionate about high-quality care and align with our Core Values:

• Accountability
• Continuous Improvement
• Inclusion
• Integrity
• Respect
• Teamwork
• Transparency

If you are seeking an opportunity to grow your career in a purpose-driven, patient-centered organization, we encourage you to apply.

Description:

The Field Research & Market Development Coordinator provides essential on-the-ground insights that support market evaluation, site selection, and partnership development. This role works closely with the Market Research & Analytics Specialist to validate data, gather real-world observations, and identify opportunities within communities, referral networks, and competitive landscapes. 

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being out in the field, exploring new areas, building relationships, and contributing directly to strategic growth decisions. This role requires being in the field at least three days per week to evaluate both new and existing markets identified through market analysis. Be available to travel as needed, including extended or multi-day trips, based on project timelines and market evaluation requirements. 

Duties consist of but not limited to:

Field Research & Market Validation 

• Spend three days per week in the field conducting market visits, neighborhood assessments, and real-world validation of analytical findings. 
• Travel to and evaluate both new and existing locations and markets identified by the Market Research & Analytics Specialist once analysis is complete. 
• Assess local demand by observing community dynamics, business activity, patient flow, and competitive presence. 
• Document field observations and submit structured reports for integration into analytical models. 

Referral & Partnership Scouting 

• Conduct the first push of dental office visits to introduce the organization, build rapport, and gather early insights on referral potential. 
• Identify whether there is a need for an orthodontic or pediatric dental clinic in the area by speaking with dentists, understanding patient volume, and evaluating referral patterns. 
• Establish initial relationships with dentists, specialists, and community partners before transitioning ongoing relationship management to the Referral Marketing Coordinator. 
• Provide leadership with field-validated insights on where referral relationships can be built or expanded. 

Patient Management System & Data Insights 

• Work within the patient management system to gather referral-source information, identify top referring providers, and understand referral trends. 
• Pull and analyze heat maps showing where current patients originate to support market validation for both new and existing locations. 
• Use system data to identify gaps, opportunities, and areas where referral relationships or community presence can be strengthened. 
• Collaborate with the Market Research & Analytics Specialist to ensure system-derived insights align with field findings and market analysis. 

Insurance & State Program Research 

• Initiate research and involve credentialing team on state insurance programs to determine: 
• What orthodontic services are covered 
• Reimbursement levels or fee schedules 
• Eligibility requirements 
• Which insurance plans are commonly accepted in that state 
• Identify gaps or opportunities based on insurance coverage and local payer mix. 
• Provide leadership with insurance-related insights that impact market viability and referral strategy. 

Competitive Landscape Monitoring 

• Visit competitor locations to assess visibility, accessibility, service offerings, and patient flow. 
• Track competitor openings, closures, ownership transitions, renovations, and other notable changes across Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and additional states as expansion continues. 
• Maintain awareness of local market activity, community developments, and business trends that may impact demand. 

Practice Acquisition & Broker Relations 

• Monitor current and prospective markets for orthodontic, pediatric dental, and general dental practices that are for sale. 
• Maintain regular communication with practice brokers, transition consultants, and industry contacts to stay informed of acquisition opportunities before and as they come to market. 
• Gather preliminary information on practices for sale — including location, patient base, services offered, and general practice condition — and relay findings to leadership for evaluation. 
• Coordinate with the Market Research & Analytics Specialist to assess how potential acquisitions align with market analysis and expansion strategy. 
• Assist in organizing supporting materials for acquisition opportunities that leadership chooses to pursue. 

Database Maintenance & Updates 

• Maintain and update the multi-state competitor database, ensuring all field-collected information is accurate, current, and properly categorized. 
• Enter new competitor data, update existing records, and flag changes that may impact market strategy. 
• Collaborate with the Market Research & Analytics Specialist to ensure the database aligns with analytical frameworks and supports leadership decision-making. 

Real Estate & Location Suitability Insights 

• Evaluate potential real estate opportunities by assessing traffic patterns, accessibility, nearby businesses, signage visibility, and neighborhood fit. 
• Provide leadership with field-based feedback that complements demographic and analytical assessments. 

Collaboration & Data Integration 

• Work closely with the Market Research & Analytics Specialist to ensure all field-collected and system-derived data is accurately captured, organized, and integrated into market assessments. 
• Follow established data submission standards, templates, and workflows to maintain consistency across markets. 
• Communicate discrepancies between field findings and analytical assumptions to support deeper investigation. 

Outreach & Market Development Support 

• Assist with organizing information for potential partnerships or acquisitions, including gathering local context and preparing supporting materials. 
• Build familiarity with local referral networks, community organizations, and business ecosystems to support long-term market development. 

Tracking & Documentation 

• Maintain updated lists of referral sources, community partners, and relevant contacts. 
• Provide timely updates to leadership and the analytics team regarding field-driven insights. 

Requirements

• GED or equivalent education required.
• 1–3 years of experience in field research, community outreach, business development, real estate, or a related role. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Comfortable traveling, exploring new areas, and working independently in the field. 
• Ability to observe, document, and communicate findings clearly and objectively. 
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with analytical and leadership teams. 
• Valid driver’s license. 

Working Hours/ Location:

• Base Location: 1700 W Higgins Rd Des Plaines, IL 60018;
• Position has a 90% travel requirement
• Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Benefits (for our full-time employees):

• Company vehicle with gas card and toll expenses covered
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health Savings Account
• Dependent Care Account
• 401(k) and matching
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Identity Theft Protection
• MetLife MetLaw Legal Insurance
• Transit Reimbursement - Commuter Account
• Free and discounted Orthodontic Treatment (After 1 year of employment)