Research Associate

About EAB

At EAB, our mission is to make education smarter and our communities stronger. We work with more than 2,800 institutions to drive transformative change through data-driven insights and best-in-class capabilities. From kindergarten to college to career, EAB partners with leaders and practitioners to accelerate progress and drive results across enrollment, student success, institutional strategy, data analytics, and advancement. We work with each partner differently, tailoring our portfolio of research, technology, and marketing and enrollment solutions to meet the unique needs of every leadership team, as well as the students and employees they serve.

At EAB, we serve not only our partner institutions but each other—that's why we are always working to make sure our employees love their jobs and are invested in their communities. See how we've been recognized for this dedication to our employees by checking out our recent awards.

For more information, visit our Careers page.  

EAB is the leading global provider of research and advice to higher education and K-12 institutions, working with more than 2,500 colleges, universities, and school districts in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. EAB’s research programs offer strategic guidance at scale: we help education executives make progress on their most pressing issues. We support executives at client organizations to educate stakeholders, make research-informed decisions, and speed implementation of industry best practices.

We are looking for a motivated and intellectually curious individual to join the EAB Research team. At EAB, Research Associates work on one of three short-term research teams:

• Our K-12 Team responds to client inquiries and investigates specific client questions on issues facing public and independent schools. Sample inquiries include topics like increasing equity in accelerated math pathways, full-day pre-K programs, and district program evaluation.  

• Our Market Insights & Audits Team creates data-driven deliverables that advise clients on college and university strategy and actions. One series of reports enables clients to assess job market trends, align curriculum with employer and student demand, and identify opportunities for program development and revitalization. This team also audits client’s websites, strategic plans, and prospective student experience to elevate content and improve user experience. 

• Our Higher Ed Team uses EAB’s 10+ years of research to best answer client inquiries. This team also creates data and insights driven deliverables to help clients make decisions and expedite key initiatives. Common projects include quick-turnaround primary and secondary research to support topics like international student services and equity in college admissions.

All teams’ work involves a balance of quick turnaround and longer (e.g., six week) research assignments, requiring a mix of qualitative and quantitative research as well as application of existing EAB research to individual client questions. Team placement is determined by business need at time of hire. This role is based in Washington, D.C., and we have embraced a hybrid work model with Associates coming into the office once per week.

• →Manage multiple processes and projects simultaneously, delivering excellent service and results on time
• →Produce high volume of high-quality deliverables that highlight research-driven insights and are error-free and consistent with EAB’s style and point of view
• →Investigate specific client inquiries using EAB and secondary research sources
• →Participate in team meetings and meetings with other EAB staff to best answer client questions, connect clients to EAB experts, and drive impact at client institutions

Occasional travel, approximately 1-4 times per year, is required for this role. Travel may include attending conferences and conducting research directly on client institutions’ campuses.

• Bachelor’s Degree, with an excellent academic record
• Minimum of 3 months of work or internship experience
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication
• Experience with at least two of the following:
  • Conducting primary and secondary research
  • Writing in-depth reports in a professional setting
  • Managing multiple projects with various deadlines
  • Researching business issues

• Demonstrated interest in higher education or K-12 education, as shown through coursework, research, or professional experience
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with senior executives, in both oral and written formats
• Experience with solution-focused problem solving
• Experience managing time and meeting deadlines across multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously
• Proven ability to take initiative on projects
• Commitment to embracing a continual learning environment and contributing to a dynamic and welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging in support of EAB’s mission, values, and aspiration.

If you’ve reached this section of the job description and are unsure of whether to apply, please do! At EAB, we welcome new perspectives and learn from each other’s unique experiences. We would encourage you to submit an application if this is a role you would be passionate about doing every day.