Associate, Research Discovery & Design

EAB•Washington, DC

24d•Hybrid

About The Position

EAB’s Research programs provide strategic guidance to education executives, helping them educate stakeholders, make research-informed decisions, and implement industry best practices. The Applied Insights team is seeking a motivated, intellectually curious Research Associate. Associates focus on either K-12 or higher education. In K-12, they respond to district leadership and heads of school, investigating questions about issues facing public and independent schools. In higher education, they answer client inquiries across academic and business units. Across both focus areas, associates use research skills, data analysis, AI tools, and EAB expertise to provide research-backed guidance on institutional strategy and action. The role requires interpreting evidence, identifying its implications for each client’s circumstances, and helping clients make better-informed decisions—not simply compiling information. Assignments range from quick-turnaround projects, such as one week, to longer projects, such as six weeks, and involve qualitative and quantitative research as well as applying existing EAB research to client questions. The position is based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid work model requiring associates to work from the office at least once per week. Occasional travel, approximately one to four times per year, is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic record.
At least three 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; or researching business issues.
Willingness and ability to travel one to four times per year.
Commitment to continual learning and contributing to a dynamic, welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging in support of EAB’s mission, values, and aspiration.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated interest in higher education or K-12 education through coursework, research, or professional experience.
Ability to communicate effectively with senior executives, both orally and in writing.
Experience with solution-focused problem solving.
Experience managing time and meeting deadlines across multiple priorities.
Experience using AI tools to improve the quality or efficiency of research, analysis, or written work, including the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated information and determine when independent research or judgment is required.
Ability to work autonomously.
Ability to take initiative on projects.
Commitment to continual learning and contributing to a dynamic, welcoming culture of fairness, authenticity, and belonging in support of EAB’s mission, values, and aspiration.

Responsibilities

Manage multiple processes and projects simultaneously, delivering excellent service and results on time.
Produce a high volume of accurate, high-quality research deliverables that synthesize evidence into clear conclusions, implications, and recommendations consistent with EAB’s point of view and tailored to clients’ circumstances.
Use provided tools appropriately, including Asana, Lightcast Analyst, ChatGPT, and proprietary analytical programs; critically evaluate AI-enabled tool outputs, validate evidence, and apply independent judgment to final conclusions.
Investigate specific client inquiries using EAB and secondary research sources, and conduct primary research interviews.
Participate in team meetings and meetings with other EAB staff to answer client questions, connect clients to EAB experts, and drive impact at client institutions.
Travel approximately one to four times per year, which may include attending conferences and conducting research on client campuses.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans; dependents and domestic partners are eligible.
More than 20 days of PTO annually, in addition to paid firm and floating holidays.
Daytime leave for community service and flextime for fitness activities, up to 10 hours per month each.
401(k) retirement savings plan with an annual discretionary company matching contribution.
Health savings account, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, and pre-tax commuter plans.
Employee assistance program with counseling services and resources available to employees and their immediate family.
Wellness programs, including gym discounts, healthy-living incentives, and family access to an app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation.
Fertility treatment coverage and adoption or surrogacy assistance.
Paid parental leave with a phase-back-to-work program for birthing and non-birthing parents.
Access to a milk shipping service for nursing employees during business travel.
Discounted pet health insurance coverage for dogs and cats.
Company-provided life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Financial wellness resources and membership in an employee discount program.
Access to employee resource groups, merit-based advancement, and professional growth opportunities.