Associate Director, Research and Strategic Advisory Services

Associate Director, Research and Strategic Advisory Services (Administrative Effectiveness) Join to apply for the Associate Director, Research and Strategic Advisory Services (Administrative Effectiveness) role at EAB. About EAB At EAB, our mission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger. We work with more than 2,800 institutions to drive transformative change through data‐driven insights and best‑in‑class capabilities. From kindergarten to college to career, EAB partners with leaders and practitioners to accelerate progress and drive results across enrollment, student success, institutional strategy, data analytics, and advancement. We tailor our portfolio of research, technology, and marketing and enrollment solutions to meet the unique needs of each partnership. The Role in Brief Associate Directors on our Strategic Advisory Services team help develop research agendas and design projects that address major strategic, management, and operational issues facing education today. They conduct in‑depth interviews with campus executives, perform data and root‑cause analyses, and identify market‑leading strategies and best practices. As a member of the team, you will innovate and produce syndicated research and high‑value services for partner organizations, including on‑site workshops, web‑conferences, and publications, and advise them on strategy and best‑practice implementation. This role is positioned within our Administrative Effectiveness pillar and focuses on research topics such as cost management, revenue generation, financial planning, space optimization, organizational transformation, and workforce development. Primary Responsibilities Design and lead strategic research projects from conception to completion, ranging from 2 to 4 months for smaller projects to approximately 9 months for the largest, most complex projects. Provide intellectual leadership and analytical direction throughout all stages of the research process, including primary and secondary research, hypothesis generation and testing, rigorous analysis, design and execution of implementation resources, and final presentation of ideas. Synthesize complex ideas into actionable insights for our member institutions. Use persuasive writing, storytelling, and graphics to communicate ideas and information. Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Conduct market‑sizing, testing calls, and product‑design analysis for new research and product enhancements. Collaborate with project leads, subject matter experts, and project teams to ensure new deliverables are designed for scalable execution and interactive partner engagement. Manage and coach junior‑level research staff by developing critical skills, providing actionable feedback, and managing workloads. Deliver initial services and presentations to executive‑level clients and leadership teams. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic record and 5+ years of post‑graduate, professional experience; or 4+ years of post‑graduate professional experience plus an advanced degree; or bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of post‑graduate experience, including 2+ years in EAB Research. Willingness to travel 10% of the time. Experience with at least two of the following: management or strategy consulting; university/education strategic planning; conducting long‑term research (≥3 months); conducting primary and secondary research; higher education experience. Ideal Qualifications Experience with administrative effectiveness functions such as finance, IT, facilities, or operations. Advanced degree or equivalent experience demonstrating strategic, analytical, and business problem‑solving capability (MA, MPP, PhD, JD, or similar preferred). Majors and/or advanced degrees in economics, political science, data analytics, statistics, or other quantitative fields preferred. Experience working independently and autonomously in ambiguous, fast‑changing contexts. Proven ability to communicate effectively with senior executives in both oral and written formats. Experience with solution‑focused problem solving and creative thinking. Experience working with clients in a consultative role. Experience experimenting and piloting AI solutions for internal and external use. Demonstrated project‑management experience and timely delivery. Commitment to a continual learning environment and a culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging. Location and Travel This role is based in Washington, D.C., and is also open to candidates in Richmond, VA or remote employment in the continental U.S. The position may require occasional travel (up to approximately 10%) for presenting research findings and facilitating strategy sessions. Compensation The anticipated starting salary (base) range for this role is $70,500 – $95,000 per year. Actual salary varies by experience, skills, and location. The hire will additionally be eligible for discretionary bonus or incentive compensation. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible. 20+ days of PTO annually, plus paid firm holidays and floating holidays. Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours per month). 401(k) retirement savings plan with annual discretionary company matching contribution. Health savings account, HSA, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care, and pre‑tax commuter plans. Employee assistance program with counseling services. Wellness programs including gym discounts, incentives, and access to meditation and relaxation apps. Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance. Paid parental leave with phase‑back to work program for birthing and non‑birthing parents. Access to milk shipping service for nursing employees during business travel. Discounted pet health insurance for dog and cat family members. Company‑provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance. Financial wellness resources and a robust employee discount program. Employee resource groups, merit‑based advancement, and dynamic professional growth opportunities. Equal Opportunity At EAB, we believe that to fulfill our mission we need team members who bring diverse perspectives. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business need and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr