Remote Director, Research Advisory for Higher Ed

EAB; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

PTO 20+ days annually

401(k) with company match

Wellness programs and employee support

Job summary

EAB is seeking a Director of Research Advisory Services to advise higher education leaders. You will collaborate with boards, presidents, and senior teams to transform strategy, fundraising and campus operations using data-driven insights, storytelling, and tailored research output.

Expect 40–50% travel and a market-aware starting salary with bonus opportunities. You will spend ~80% in market activity, with base compensation ranging broadly by location and experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 6-8+ years of post-graduate professional experience in education or advisory roles.
• Experience working with client executives at colleges, universities, districts, or schools, or as a consultant.
• Superior verbal, written, facilitation, and presentation skills; ability to tell a compelling narrative with data.

Responsibilities

• Terrain Mastery: build expertise across research terrains and deliver dynamic strategy and donor engagement guidance.
• Content Delivery: diagnose problems with partners, guide decisions, and deliver EAB’s perspective via meetings and on campus presentations.
• Strategy facilitation: present new ideas and advocate adoption; educate committees and staff to build consensus.
• Partner collaboration: translate terrain insights into actionable recommendations for advancement teams and leaders.
• Collaboration and impact: support sales in new partner development and ensure high-impact client interactions.

Skills

Executive interaction

Verbal & written communication

Data visualization

Presentation skills

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

EAB is seeking a Director of Research Advisory Services to advise higher education leaders. You will collaborate with boards, presidents, and senior teams to transform strategy, fundraising and campus operations using data-driven insights, storytelling, and tailored research output.

Expect 40–50% travel and a market-aware starting salary with bonus opportunities. You will spend ~80% in market activity, with base compensation ranging broadly by location and experience.