EAB
Senior Director, Administrative Strategy & Systems Design
EAB, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Join to apply for the
Senior Director, Administrative Strategy & Systems Design
role at
EAB
The post was shared 4 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.
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 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.
We also serve not only our partner institutions but our employees—ensuring they love their jobs and are invested in our communities. We’re recognized for this dedication by recent awards.
The Role In Brief Senior Director, Research and Strategic Advisory Services
Focus Area: Administrative Strategy & Systems Design. Senior Directors in our Strategic Advisory Services team (within the Research Discovery & Design division) oversee research studies for the terrain of Administrative Effectiveness. The Senior Director will manage a team of researchers, set and execute a compelling research, event, and service agenda for university Chief Business Officers (CBOs) and Chief Operations Officers (COOs), crafting practical deliverables and experiences that provide actionable advice and help partners translate research into clear decisions and results on their campuses. This role also involves contributing to cross‑silo projects and collaborating with other EAB departments.
Administrative Effectiveness team focuses on cost management, revenue generation, efficiency and effectiveness, and related research topics.
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.
Operate as a strategic advisor, not just a researcher, combining analytical rigor with 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.
Shape EAB’s thought leadership, 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.
Location: Washington D.C. (remote candidates in the continental U.S. also acceptable). Occasional travel (up to 15‑30%) may be required.
Primary Responsibilities Research Leadership:
Intellectually lead research initiatives in administrative effectiveness, ensuring EAB has a clear point of view on challenges, providing practical advice and implementation support to CBOs, COOs, and broader university cabinets. Set and execute research agendas that balance client needs with business priorities and terrain capacity.
Terrain Expertise:
Maintain mastery over primary issue areas, serve as a trusted subject‑matter expert, and build relationships with CBOs and COOs at client universities.
Product Strategy:
Collaborate with Research leadership and cross‑functional teams to set and execute 6‑to‑12‑month terrain roadmaps, developing commercial and service strategies to drive partner outcomes and revenue growth.
Team and Talent Management:
Manage research project teams (2‑4 staff), coaching and developing staff, ensuring projects are completed on time and to quality standards.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, with an excellent academic record.
8‑10+ years of post‑Bachelor’s work experience.
In‑depth understanding of the education industry and the specific role of CBOs and 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
2‑year or 4‑year education
Long‑term or primary and secondary research
Ideal Qualifications
Advanced degree or equivalent experience demonstrating strategic, analytical, and business problem‑solving capability (MBA, MPP, JD, Ph.D., or similar).
Background in quantitative data analyses, especially using national data sources like IPEDS.
Experience working with client executives at college/university or as a consultant or advisor.
Experience piloting and deploying internal AI support tools.
Demonstrated ability to distill market and terrain insights, drawing on client interactions.
Experience producing written content and deliverables for an executive‑level audience (blogs, briefings, presentations).
Commitment to embracing a continual learning environment and contributing to a dynamic, welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging in support of EAB’s mission.
Compensation The anticipated starting salary (base) range for this role is $108,000 – $148,000 per year. Actual salary varies based on experience, skills, and location. This hire will also be eligible for discretionary bonus or incentive compensation.
Benefits Consistent with our belief that our employees are our most valuable resource, EAB offers a competitive and inclusive benefits package that includes:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible.
20+ days of PTO annually, plus paid firm and floating holidays.
Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours/month).
401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.
Health savings account, HCFSA, and pre‑tax commuter plans.
Employee assistance program with counseling services.
Wellness programs including gym discounts, incentives, and access to health apps.
Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance.
Paid parental leave with phased return.
Milk shipping service for nursing employees during business travel.
Discounted pet health insurance coverage.
Company‑provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Financial wellness resources and employee discount program.
Access to employee resource groups and dynamic professional growth opportunities.
Benefits kick in day one. Learn more at eab.com/careers/benefits.
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Consulting
Industries
Education Administration Programs
Information Services
IT Services and IT Consulting
This opening is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time; EAB considers candidates who possess U.S. work authorization that does not require employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future.
At EAB, we believe that to fulfill our mission of making education smarter and our communities stronger, we need team members who bring diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering a workplace where each team member is valued, respected, and heard.
To that end, EAB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need, and do not discriminate on basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Director, Administrative Strategy & Systems Design
role at
EAB
The post was shared 4 days ago. Be among the first 25 applicants.
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 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.
We also serve not only our partner institutions but our employees—ensuring they love their jobs and are invested in our communities. We’re recognized for this dedication by recent awards.
The Role In Brief Senior Director, Research and Strategic Advisory Services
Focus Area: Administrative Strategy & Systems Design. Senior Directors in our Strategic Advisory Services team (within the Research Discovery & Design division) oversee research studies for the terrain of Administrative Effectiveness. The Senior Director will manage a team of researchers, set and execute a compelling research, event, and service agenda for university Chief Business Officers (CBOs) and Chief Operations Officers (COOs), crafting practical deliverables and experiences that provide actionable advice and help partners translate research into clear decisions and results on their campuses. This role also involves contributing to cross‑silo projects and collaborating with other EAB departments.
Administrative Effectiveness team focuses on cost management, revenue generation, efficiency and effectiveness, and related research topics.
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.
Operate as a strategic advisor, not just a researcher, combining analytical rigor with 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.
Shape EAB’s thought leadership, 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.
Location: Washington D.C. (remote candidates in the continental U.S. also acceptable). Occasional travel (up to 15‑30%) may be required.
Primary Responsibilities Research Leadership:
Intellectually lead research initiatives in administrative effectiveness, ensuring EAB has a clear point of view on challenges, providing practical advice and implementation support to CBOs, COOs, and broader university cabinets. Set and execute research agendas that balance client needs with business priorities and terrain capacity.
Terrain Expertise:
Maintain mastery over primary issue areas, serve as a trusted subject‑matter expert, and build relationships with CBOs and COOs at client universities.
Product Strategy:
Collaborate with Research leadership and cross‑functional teams to set and execute 6‑to‑12‑month terrain roadmaps, developing commercial and service strategies to drive partner outcomes and revenue growth.
Team and Talent Management:
Manage research project teams (2‑4 staff), coaching and developing staff, ensuring projects are completed on time and to quality standards.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, with an excellent academic record.
8‑10+ years of post‑Bachelor’s work experience.
In‑depth understanding of the education industry and the specific role of CBOs and 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
2‑year or 4‑year education
Long‑term or primary and secondary research
Ideal Qualifications
Advanced degree or equivalent experience demonstrating strategic, analytical, and business problem‑solving capability (MBA, MPP, JD, Ph.D., or similar).
Background in quantitative data analyses, especially using national data sources like IPEDS.
Experience working with client executives at college/university or as a consultant or advisor.
Experience piloting and deploying internal AI support tools.
Demonstrated ability to distill market and terrain insights, drawing on client interactions.
Experience producing written content and deliverables for an executive‑level audience (blogs, briefings, presentations).
Commitment to embracing a continual learning environment and contributing to a dynamic, welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging in support of EAB’s mission.
Compensation The anticipated starting salary (base) range for this role is $108,000 – $148,000 per year. Actual salary varies based on experience, skills, and location. This hire will also be eligible for discretionary bonus or incentive compensation.
Benefits Consistent with our belief that our employees are our most valuable resource, EAB offers a competitive and inclusive benefits package that includes:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners eligible.
20+ days of PTO annually, plus paid firm and floating holidays.
Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours/month).
401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.
Health savings account, HCFSA, and pre‑tax commuter plans.
Employee assistance program with counseling services.
Wellness programs including gym discounts, incentives, and access to health apps.
Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance.
Paid parental leave with phased return.
Milk shipping service for nursing employees during business travel.
Discounted pet health insurance coverage.
Company‑provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Financial wellness resources and employee discount program.
Access to employee resource groups and dynamic professional growth opportunities.
Benefits kick in day one. Learn more at eab.com/careers/benefits.
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Consulting
Industries
Education Administration Programs
Information Services
IT Services and IT Consulting
This opening is not eligible for visa sponsorship at this time; EAB considers candidates who possess U.S. work authorization that does not require employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future.
At EAB, we believe that to fulfill our mission of making education smarter and our communities stronger, we need team members who bring diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering a workplace where each team member is valued, respected, and heard.
To that end, EAB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need, and do not discriminate on basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
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