Associate, Research and Advocacy

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.

Key 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.

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

Note: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive at Whiteboard Advisors to apply for this role.

Benefits

Whiteboard Advisors offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package as part of our commitment to attracting, developing and retaining top talent, including

• 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

The starting salary range for an associate is $60,000 - $70,000. The range is based on national compensation benchmark data and may vary depending on skills, experience, job-related knowledge, variations in cost of labor, and in some cases, geographic location. The exact job offer will be determined based on several factors such as the candidate’s individual skills, qualifications, and experience relative to the requirements of the role.

The company also reviews and considers internal equity (current employee salary) when hiring new employees to the organization. The range is the expected starting base salary for someone hired into this position with room to grow professionally, including increased earning potential beyond the starting pay range. Beyond a new hire’s base salary, Whiteboard Advisors also offers all full-time employees a comprehensive employee benefit package, as described above.