Academic Strategy & Strategic Advisory Director

EAB (Education Advisory Board); Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

20+ days PTO annually

401(k) retirement plan

Life insurance and disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Job summary

EAB seeks a Director, Research and Strategic Advisory Services to lead strategic research projects for higher education clients. You will design studies, synthesize findings for campus leaders, and deliver executive-ready insights through reports, webinars, and workshops.

This role can be based in Washington DC or Richmond, VA, or fully remote in the continental US, with up to 10% travel. The role supports provosts and academic deans, focusing on program portfolio management, curricular

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with excellent academic record.
• 6–8+ years of post‑Bachelor’s work experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Experience with management or strategy consulting or university/education strategic planning.
• Experience conducting long‑term strategy research and primary/secondary research.
• Higher education knowledge and expertise.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead strategic research projects from conception to completion.
• Provide intellectual leadership and analytical direction across research stages.
• Synthesize complex ideas into actionable insights for executive audiences.
• Communicate ideas using persuasive writing, storytelling, and graphics.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct market sizing, testing calls, and product design analysis for research and product enhancements.
• Collaborate with project leads and delivery teams for scalable execution.
• Coach junior researchers and manage workloads.
• Deliver initial services and presentations to executive clients.

Skills

Communication

Professional judgment

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree (MBA, MPP, JD, PhD, or similar)

Job description

EAB seeks a Director, Research and Strategic Advisory Services to lead strategic research projects for higher education clients. You will design studies, synthesize findings for campus leaders, and deliver executive-ready insights through reports, webinars, and workshops.

This role can be based in Washington DC or Richmond, VA, or fully remote in the continental US, with up to 10% travel. The role supports provosts and academic deans, focusing on program portfolio management, curricular