Education Research Associate

The Education Alliance, a nationally recognized K-12 and higher education advisory and strategic consulting firm, invites nominations and applications for the position of Education Research Associate.

The Education Alliance advises educational institutions, governing boards, foundations, and public-interest partners on matters of strategy, governance, academic planning, institutional transformation, and mission-aligned growth. The Alliance is especially well known for its work in strategic planning, academic and campus master planning, mergers and affiliations, organizational restructuring, new program development, market positioning, licensure and accreditation, and the design of innovative institutional partnerships.

Our clients include public and private colleges and universities, community and technical colleges, secondary schools, higher education systems, educational foundations, and international organizations. Members of the Alliance are published authors, commentators, and thought leaders whose work has appeared in Johns Hopkins University Press; and in The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Wall Street Journal, and the Boston Business Journal. 

The Education Research Associate will work closely with the President & C.E.O. and senior leadership in support of client engagements, strategic initiatives, research projects, and executive-level communications. This is an exceptional opportunity for an early-career professional or graduate-level candidate seeking substantive experience at the intersection of education, policy, governance, strategy, law, and institutional change.

The successful candidate will be a strong writer, disciplined researcher, careful listener, and highly organized project support professional who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment. The role requires intellectual agility, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple assignments with professionalism and precision.

This is a full-time, five-days-per-week, onsite position.

The Alliance seeks a candidate who:

• Writes clearly, analytically, and professionally for educated and executive audiences
• Can synthesize complex information into concise, practical, and well-organized deliverables
• Demonstrates strong administrative discipline and follow-through
• Brings both qualitative and quantitative research experience
• Is intellectually curious about education reform, higher education strategy, governance, accreditation, public policy, workforce development, and institutional innovation
• Can balance competing priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy, responsiveness, and discretion
• Is comfortable learning and working with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, in support of research, operations, and educational innovation

A bachelor’s degree is required; graduate study or a graduate degree is preferred. This position is especially well suited for a master’s or doctoral student, or for an individual interested in a career in K-12 and higher education administration, public policy, consulting, institutional research, strategy, or education law and leadership.

• Provide direct administrative and project support to the President & C.E.O.
• Assist with scheduling, coordination, office support functions, and other operational assignments as needed
• Travel to client meetings, take detailed meeting notes, and prepare follow-up correspondence, summaries, and transmittal memoranda
• Help prepare briefing materials, promotional packages, and supporting documents for meetings, events, and initiatives
• Support the planning and execution of convenings, roundtables, symposiums, and related events involving leaders from education, higher learning, government, and philanthropy
• Maintain organized research files and background materials on emerging issues in education and higher education
• Interact professionally with clients, colleagues, and external partners in both formal and informal settings

• Conduct internet, database, and field research on educational, demographic, economic, labor market, and best practice trends
• Support benchmarking studies, environmental scans, feasibility assessments, strategic reviews, and related client-facing analyses
• Analyze research findings and help develop practical recommendations, strategic options, and next-step frameworks
• Draft, edit, and format reports, memoranda, briefing papers, presentations, and related supporting materials
• Provide research and editorial support for Alliance publications, opinion editorials, public commentary, and thought leadership pieces

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Alliance’s mission and client work.

Consideration for candidacy requires submission of the following:

• Current vitae or résumé
• Letter of application addressing the candidate’s interest in the position and relevant background credentials and job readiness
• Names of two references who can speak to the candidate’s qualifications and fit for the role

Application materials should be sent by e-mail only to Dr. James E. Samels at samelslaw@yahoo.com. 

This position will remain open until filled. 

A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle are required.