Senior Director, Research and Strategic Advisory Services (Administrative Effectiveness)

Senior Director, Research And Strategic Advisory Services

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 work with each partner differently, tailoring our portfolio of research, technology, and marketing and enrollment solutions to meet the unique needs of every leadership team, as well as the students and employees they serve. At EAB, we serve not only our partner institutions but each otherthat's why we are always working to make sure our employees love their jobs and are invested in their communities. See how we've been recognized for this dedication to our employees by checking out our recent awards.

The Role In Brief : Senior Director, Research And Strategic Advisory Services

Focus Area : Administrative Effectiveness

Senior Directors on our Strategic Advisory Services team (within the Research Discovery & Design division) oversee research studies for a specific terrain : Administrative Effectiveness. The Senior Director will manage a team of researchers to set and execute a compelling research, event, and service agenda for university Chief Business Officers (CBOs) and Chief Operations Officers (COOs). You will craft practical deliverables (e.g., self-audits, toolkits, executive briefings) and experiences (e.g., executive presentations, interactive workshops) that provide actionable advice and help partners translate that research into clear decisions and results on their campuses. You will work closely with Research leadership and other terrain teams, contributing to cross-silo projects like EAB's annual State of the Sector presentation. You will also work with other departments in EAB, including Research Commercial, Strategy, and Delivery teams. This Administrative Effectiveness team primarily works on research topics related to cost management, revenue generation, and efficiency and effectiveness. Recent research topics in this terrain have included financial planning, university space optimization, organizational transformation, and workforce development. A successful candidate for this position will :

• Bring exceptional judgment and professionalism, with the ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly and confidently in executive conversations
• Be energized by intellectual challenge and motivated by results, showing initiative, adaptability, and follow-through in fast-moving settings
• Bring the mindset of a strategic advisor, not just a researcher, combining analytical rigor with a deep understanding of institutional strategy, governance, and market dynamics
• Possess a business- and product-oriented mindset, contributing to EAB's product strategy and identifying opportunities to strengthen our market position
• Be eager to shape EAB's thought leadership, getting smart on a wide variety of topics quickly, developing distinct points of view on key issues in business affairs, and contributing to strategic and intellectual debates with peers and senior leaders
• Have experience beyond academic research and publications to include consulting, client-responsive projects, or advisory work that translates insights into strategy and action

This role can be based in Washington D.C. and is also open to remote candidates in the continental U.S. The position may require occasional travel (up to approximately 15-30%) for presenting research findings to our partners as well as facilitating strategy sessions.

Primary Responsibilities :

Basic Qualifications :

Ideal Qualifications :

If you've reached this section of the job description and are unsure of whether to apply, please do! At EAB, we welcome new perspectives and learn from each other's unique experiences. We would encourage you to submit an application if this is a role you would be passionate about doing every day.

Compensation : The anticipated starting salary (base) range for this role is $108,000 - $148,000 per year. Actual salary varies due to factors that may include but not be limited to relevant experience, skills, and location. At EAB, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the starting salary range for their role. This hire will additionally be eligible for discretionary bonus or incentive compensation. Variable compensation may depend on various factors, such as individual and organizational performance.

Benefits : Consistent with our belief that our employees are our most valuable resource, EAB offers a competitive and inclusive benefits package. Our benefits currently include :

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible

20+ days of PTO annually, in addition to paid firm and floating holidays

Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours per month each)

401(k) retirement savings plan with annual discretionary company matching contribution

Health savings account, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account, and pre-tax commuter plans

Employee assistance program with counseling services and