Associate, Strategy and Operations Consulting

Human Capital Education•Washington, DC

1d•$90,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Human Capital Education (HCE) enables colleges and universities to grow with purpose by providing the systems, expertise, data, and strategy needed to attract, enroll, and support students more effectively and efficiently. HCE works across undergraduate, graduate, online, and adult programs, helping institutions translate strategy into actionable insights that deliver sustainable results. In January 2026, Human Capital Education acquired Kennedy & Company Education Strategies, bringing together complementary organizations with a shared commitment to helping institutions navigate change, strengthen performance, and achieve long-term sustainability. Together, HCE and Kennedy & Company now serve more than 300 colleges and universities nationwide, offering integrated strategic enablement services that span research, enrollment management, financial analysis, institutional strategy, and technology implementation. The Strategy and Operations practice of K&Co-HCE is looking for experienced candidates in providing consulting services specifically for not-for-profit colleges and universities. Ideal candidates will have strong analysis and communication skills and a passion for social sector work. We offer competitive pay and benefits and an immersive start-up company feel. Our Associates should expect exciting responsibilities almost immediately, such as creating client-facing work and actively engaging in project management and delivery, as well as taking on key roles in the sales process and practice development.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree and five years of full-time professional work experience, or Master's degree and three years of full-time professional work experience
Degree, certificate, and/or minor earned in business, economics, finance, accounting, analytics, statistics, or a related field
Full-time professional work experience in consulting, higher education administration, banking, corporate finance, or other analytical field, at least three of which are focused in higher education
Intermediate knowledge of statistical modeling using SPSS, survey research using Qualtrics, and/or accounting, budgeting, and FP&A
Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
Ability to collect, validate, analyze, and derive large amounts of data from diverse sources
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Exceptional attention to detail
Strong aptitude, ability, motivation and interest in de-constructing complex problems into logical, addressable pieces of research and analysis and performing strategic assessments and work process redesign
Ability to work as a team as well as independently when needed
Sense of curiosity and self-motivation to learn and grow
US work authorization without restriction indefinitely is required for our positions.

Nice To Haves

Presentation, interviewing, and facilitation skills that have been refined through client-facing experience

Responsibilities

Analyzing primary and secondary quantitative and qualitative data from higher education clients and external sources to fulfill project goals
Developing and refining statistical models, descriptive analysis, financial models, and reports for review by Kennedy & Company leadership
Preparing graphics and developing and refining presentations for client deliverables
Assisting in project management by communicating with client stakeholders to ensure effective delivery and execution of project work
Actively contributing and often leading internal and external (client) meetings
Maintaining respectful and productive working relationships with clients and responding to basic client inquiries and needs
Working to continually broaden industry and practice knowledge and keep updated on relevant news articles and trends in the higher education market
Developing and maintaining respectful, productive, and enjoyable working relationships with the Kennedy & Company team
Assisting the team with new business development efforts including RFP searches, proposal writing, client outreach, and participation in sales pitches