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EAB (Education Advisory Board)

Senior Director, Administrative Strategy & Systems Design

EAB (Education Advisory Board), Olympia, Washington, United States

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Senior Director, Administrative Strategy & Systems Design

Location: Washington, D.C.

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

Overview 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.

Primary Responsibilities

Research Leadership : Act as the intellectual leader of research initiatives in the administrative effectiveness terrain, setting and executing research agendas that address real‑world strategic and operational problems. Provide practical advice and implementation support to CBOs, COOs, and other university cabinets.

Terrain Expertise : Maintain mastery over key issue areas such as cost containment, revenue growth, efficiency, IT and facilities strategy, automation, talent management, space management, and environmental sustainability. Serve as a trusted subject‑matter expert and build networks with client leaders.

Product Strategy : Partner with Research, Marketing, Sales, and Account Management to create commercial and service strategies that drive partner outcomes and revenue growth. Identify opportunities to innovate and expand the product line.

Team & Talent Management : Manage research project teams (2‑4 staff), coach staff, ensure projects meet quality standards, and lead your own research and product initiatives.

Terrain Expertise & Collaboration Work closely with related terrains (Dynamic Strategy, Academic Innovation, IT Strategic Advisory Services) to align perspectives, share best practices, and elevate insights. Monitor news, trends, and innovations to keep the terrain cutting‑edge and expand it based on market feedback.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic record.

8‑10+ years of post‑Bachelor’s work experience.

Deep understanding of the education industry and the strategic role of CBOs/COOs.

Superior verbal, written, facilitation, and presentation skills.

Ability to create compelling narratives through written deliverables, data visualization, graphics, and slides.

Excellent relationship‑building and collaboration skills.

Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Experience with at least three of the following:

Administration and business management

Facilities and operations management

IT and data strategy

Management or strategy consulting

Product strategy, market positioning, or brand management

People/team management

Education (2‑year or 4‑year)

Primary and secondary research

Ideal Qualifications

Advanced degree or equivalent experience (MBA, MPP, JD, PhD, or similar).

Background in quantitative data analyses, especially with national data sources like IPEDS.

Experience working with client executives in higher education or as a consultant/advisor.

Experience piloting and deploying internal AI support tools.

Ability to distill market and terrain insights for executive audiences.

Experience producing written content and deliverables for executive‑level audiences.

Commitment to continual learning and fostering a welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging.

Compensation Anticipated starting salary range: $108,000 – $148,000 per year, with potential discretionary bonus or incentive compensation and variable component based on performance.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans (dependents and domestic partners eligible).

20+ days PTO annually plus 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 company matching.

Health savings account, health and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts, and pre‑tax commuter plans.

Employee assistance program with counseling services.

Wellness programs, gym discounts, and health‑related incentives.

Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance.

Paid parental leave with phased return to work.

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 employee discount program.

Access to employee resource groups, merit‑based advancement, and professional growth opportunities.

Work Arrangements The role can be based in Washington, D.C., and is open to remote candidates across the continental U.S. Occasionally, travel of 15‑30% may be required for client engagements.

Visa Sponsorship Not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time; U.S. work authorization that does not require employment‑based sponsorship is required.

Equal Opportunity Statement At EAB, we believe that to fulfill our mission to “make education smarter and our communities stronger” we need team members who bring a diversity of perspectives to the table and commit to fostering a workplace where each member is valued, respected, and heard. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, nondisqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other lawful basis.

Application Prompt If you’re unsure whether to apply, please do! At EAB, we welcome new perspectives and encourage you to submit an application if this role excites you.

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