Senior Specialist, Research & Philanthropic Initiatives & Engagement

Careers At National Student Clearinghouse

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

By joining the National Student Clearinghouse, you can be sure that the work you do now will help shape the future of education and the workforce in the U.S. As the trusted source for higher education data since 1993, the Clearinghouse is the leading provider of transcript and data exchange services, automated enrollment and degree verifications, learner insights and research, and compliance solutions for schools, businesses, and learners nationwide.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Clearinghouse works with nearly 3,600 postsecondary institutions to meet their compliance needs and with thousands of high schools and districts to provide continuing collegiate enrollment, progression, and completion statistics about their alumni. In addition, the Research Center publications inform policymakers and business leaders about student educational pathways. Using our unique combination of data, analytics, and software to drive our mission, security and privacy is paramount.

Join us as we continue to invest in our talent and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data on behalf of all learners.

The Senior Specialist, Research & Philanthropic Initiatives and Engagement serves as a strategic advisor
and trusted partner to the Vice President, Philanthropy Strategy & Research, supporting the
advancement of the National Student Clearinghouse's research and philanthropic initiatives, and organizational thought leadership priorities.

This role helps translate organizational strategy into action by synthesizing insights across research,
product, philanthropy, and external trends to inform executive decision-making, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Working closely with the Vice President and cross-functional leaders, the Senior Specialist develops executive communications, thought leadership content, and engagement strategies that elevate the Clearinghouse's mission, data, and impact across the education and workforce ecosystem.

As a senior individual contributor, the position operates with a high degree of influence, driving alignment,
accountability, and execution across complex initiatives. The role serves as an extension of the Vice President by anticipating needs, connecting priorities across teams, managing strategic projects, and ensuring the organization's external presence and engagement activities are aligned with enterprise objectives.

Currently, this is a remote-first position, and this position may be required to periodically work on-site at our office and the frequency would depend on the department/division's requirements. Therefore, candidates must either reside within a reasonable distance to commute to our office or be willing to travel to our office in Herndon, when required.

• Demonstrate the Clearinghouse's core competencies:
  Customer Focus, Optimizes Work Processes, Collaborates, Communicates Effectively, and Be Open and Authentic.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the Vice President, Philanthropy Strategy & Research, helping assess opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and advance departmental and organizational objectives.
• Synthesize insights from research, philanthropy, product, policy, and organizational activities to inform executive decision-making, thought leadership priorities, and external engagement strategies.
• Manage special projects and strategic initiatives on behalf of the Vice President, coordinating stakeholders and facilitating progress toward desired outcomes.
• Represent and advance the Vice President's priorities across cross-functional teams, fostering alignment, collaboration, and accountability.
• Translate complex research, data, and organizational priorities into clear, compelling narratives, presentations, briefing materials, and other executive-level communications.
• Partner with the Vice President to identify emerging trends and key topics that strengthen the National Student Clearinghouse's position as a trusted source of data, insights, and thought leadership.
• Partnering with leaders across the organization to develop messaging, engagement approaches, and thought leadership strategies that reflect department priorities and perspectives.
• Support the development and advancement of strategic engagement opportunities with philanthropic, educational, governmental, and other mission-aligned partners.
• Prepare executive…