Associate Director, Research Advisory Services

Associate Director, Research Advisory Services

We are seeking an Associate Director or Director level advisory professional to provide consultative support and expert guidance to higher‑education clients. This role will focus on strategy, decision‑making, and operational improvement for senior academic and business leaders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Build and maintain deep expertise across research terrains, focusing on areas critical to institutional leadership such as policy change, AI, enrollment technology, student success, financial sustainability, and advancement strategy.
• Leverage EAB insights, best practices, tools, and data to help partners make informed decisions and implement solutions.
• Deliver advice through phone consultations, virtual meetings, peer conferences, and on‑campus presentations, ensuring insights are accessible, actionable, and clearly communicated.
• Diagnose partner challenges, challenge assumptions, and guide decisions, including drafting evidence‑based narratives through data visualization, graphics, and slide decks.
• Act as an external expert to build consensus, educate committees and staff, and advocate for adoption of recommendations.
• Support customer success initiatives by collaborating with the customer success team to execute scalable, high‑impact partner delivery models and assist in new partner development.
• Generate original research content (blog posts, social media posts, briefings, presentations) and contribute to ongoing research processes, sharing market insights with colleagues.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic record and 5+ years of post‑graduate professional experience; OR 4+ years post‑graduate experience and an advanced degree.
• Experience working with client executives at colleges, universities, districts, schools, or as a consultant/advisor.
• Superior verbal, written, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to create compelling narratives through data visualization, graphics, and slide decks.
• Strong relationship‑building skills and ability to engage and challenge senior‑level executives.

Ideal Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Deep understanding of the higher‑education industry and the roles of senior institutional leadership in strategy and decision‑making.
• Demonstrated skill in distilling market and terrain insights from client interactions.
• Proven track record of producing written content and deliverables for executive‑level audiences (blogs, social media, reports, briefings).
• Commitment to continual learning and contributing to a culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging.

Compensation

Starting salary range: $70,500 – $95,000 per year (actual salary varies with experience, skills, and location). Additional discretionary bonus or incentive compensation may also apply.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans (dependents and domestic partners eligible).
• 20+ days of paid time off annually, plus paid firm and floating holidays.
• Daytime leave policy for community service and flextime for fitness activities (up to 10 hours per month).
• 401(k) retirement plan with annual discretionary company matching contribution.
• Health savings account, health spending account, dependent care flexible spending account, and pre‑tax commuter plans.
• Employee assistance program with counseling services for employees and immediate family.
• Wellness programs including gym discounts, health incentives, and access to leading sleep and meditation app.
• Fertility treatment coverage, adoption or surrogacy assistance.
• Paid parental leave with phase‑back to work program for birthing and non‑birthing parents.
• Millet shipping service for nursing employees during business travel.
• Discounted pet health insurance for dogs and cats.
• Company‑provided life, personal accident & disability, and disability insurance.
• Financial wellness resources and employee discount program.
• Access to employee resource groups, merit‑based advancement, and professional growth opportunities.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must possess U.S. work authorization that does not require employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer

At EAB, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We 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 appropriate law.

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