Associate Director, Research Growth Strategy

About EAB

EAB partners with over 2,800 institutions to accelerate progress through data‑driven insights and best‑in‑class solutions. From kindergarten to career, EAB transforms enrollment, student success, institutional strategy, data analytics, and advancement. Our mission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger.

Associate Director, Research Growth Strategy

The Research Growth Strategy (RGS) team expands contract value of existing products and launches new products and services. In this role, you focus on products and services and commercial enablement for EAB’s domestic higher‑ed institutions. You may manage an analyst.

This position may be based in Washington, D.C., or open to remote employment within the continental United States. Occasional travel (10–15%) to office, team in‑days and partner campuses is required.

• Co‑lead Research product strategy and innovation, creating market‑responsive products and signature services with domestic higher‑ed colleagues.
• Test potential new products and services with prospects and partners.
• Support the go‑to‑market process for new products and services.
• Liaise with internal Research teams to gain content knowledge.
• Train and communicate to product teams to encourage innovation at the initial development stage.
• Manage and coach junior‑level researcher staff, developing critical skills, providing actionable feedback and managing workloads.

• Create decks and supporting deliverables for new products and services.
• Develop 1‑pagers and slides used by Partner Development, Account Management and Partner Success to communicate Research offerings clearly and compellingly.
• Provide one‑off collateral support for Partner Development or other colleagues.

• Navigate a highly matrixed organization.
• Innovate and test new products based on evidence and partner priorities.
• Move quickly while setting guardrails on processes.
• Create visually engaging partner‑facing decks and collateral that are informative, clear and persuasive.
• Excel in writing clear, compelling language.
• Lead project plans, manage upward and downward, and iterate on projects to improve outcomes.
• Independent, driven, eager to work with and learn from a passionate team.
• Open‑minded with an innovative mindset.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of professional experience, or 4+ years of professional experience and an advanced degree, or bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of experience with at least 2 years in EAB Research.
• Proven analytic skills; translate market findings into commercial strategy and product innovations.
• Proven ability to create visually compelling and well‑written external deliverables.
• Proven ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and external partners.
• Proven ability to manage staff and lead teams to deliver high‑quality projects on time.
• Exceptional project management, prioritization and delegation skills, especially in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience working with education executives at colleges, universities, K‑12 schools, districts or as a consultant/advisor to education partners.
• Ability to travel 10–15%.

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Management or strategy consulting experience.
• Proven ability to work successfully in a matrixed organization.
• Solution‑focused problem‑solving and creative thinking.
• Experience with new product or business development.
• Consultative client‑facing experience.
• Commitment to continuous learning and a dynamic, inclusive culture aligned with EAB’s mission and values.

The anticipated starting salary range is $70,500–$95,000 per year. Salary varies by experience, skills and location. The role is eligible for discretionary bonus or incentive compensation.

• Medical, dental, vision and dependent plans.
• 20+ days PTO annually plus paid holidays.
• Day‑time leave for community service and fitness activities.
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match.
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts.
• Comprehensive wellness programs and employee assistance.
• Paid parental leave and fertility coverage.
• Pet health insurance.
• Life, AD&D and disability insurance.
• Financial wellness resources.
• Employee resource groups and professional growth opportunities.

EAB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. We consider only U.S. work authorization that does not require employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future.