Associate, Research and Advocacy

Whiteboard Advisors•Washington, DC

9d•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

Whiteboard Advisors is a mission-driven research, communications, and strategy firm that supports organizations working to advance educational opportunity and economic mobility. Our clients include some of the respected and highest-impact companies, non-profit organizations, and social impact investors working at the intersection of education and workforce policy and practice. We are looking for an experienced and entrepreneurial professional to join our team as an Associate who will play a critical role in supporting our research and advocacy practice. As client engagement leaders within the organization, Associates typically support a portfolio of 5-7 clients by providing excellent project management, research, writing and analysis support, and intuitive client service. You will draft and edit a range of written deliverables (i.e. research reports, white papers, legislative summaries, press releases, blogs) and take responsibility for ensuring that they meet the W/A standard of excellence. You will collaborate with our communications and PR team to support client objectives and drive impact. You'll have significant exposure to client leaders and experts – and opportunities for advancement – as you work side-by-side with senior executives to identify client needs and respond effectively. Successful candidates will be comfortable with our firm's multi-dimensional approach, which draws upon advocacy, research, and communications. Responsibilities will expand based upon each individual’s growth and development. In this role, you’ll report directly to an experienced senior manager at the firm who will prioritize your growth and seek opportunities to support your professional development and career advancement.

Requirements

Ranging from 1-5 years of professional experience.
Experience managing projects and engagements; strong project management skills with ability to successfully manage multiple tasks at once.
An understanding of, and enthusiasm for learning more about, education policy and national issues.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience managing basic scheduling and administrative tasks.
Willingness to learn new skills (e.g., data analysis or survey development tools) and develop subject matter expertise.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with education, workforce development, or social impact strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute client engagements based upon strategies co-created with senior executives.
Support research and advocacy team, as well as collaborating with and supporting on communications and PR activities for clients.
Manage regular client touchpoints and meetings by creating and updating agendas and client-facing materials, establishing clear next steps and ensuring follow-up notes are submitted to clients in a timely manner.
Analyze publicly available data sets and create client-facing materials (e.g., decks, briefing documents).
Approach work with a learning mindset and be open to giving and receiving candid feedback.
Bring a critical eye to work and strive to develop and deliver final products that exceed expectations.
Operate with wisdom, accuracy and speed in a fast-paced working environment.

Benefits

401(k) retirement plan with generous employer match
Paid health, dental and vision insurance benefits for employees (100% paid premium for employees and 50% premium subsidization for dependents)
Company-paid basic term life insurance equal to two times your annual salary
Company-paid long term disability insurance
Flexible vacation plan
Extensive paid time off including 20+ firmwide holidays per year
Monthly phone/data reimbursement
Pre-tax employee payroll contributions for commuter transit benefits
Monthly health and wellness stipend
Professional Association and Licensing Fees reimbursement with manager approval