Job details
Job type full-time
Full job description
About eab
At eab, our mission is to make education smarter and our communities strongerWe harness the collective power of more than 2,100 schools, colleges, and universities to uncover and apply proven practices and transformative insightsAnd since complex problems require multifaceted solutions, we work with each school differently to apply these insights through a customized blend of research, technology, and servicesFrom kindergarten to college and beyond, eab partners with education leaders, practitioners, and staff to accelerate progress and drive results across three key areas: enrollment management, student success, and institutional operations and strategy.
At eab, we serve not only our partner institutions but each other—that`s why we are always working to make sure our employees love their jobs and are invested in their communitySee how we`ve been recognized for this dedication to our employees by checking out our recent awards.
For more information, visit our careers page.
The role in brief:
Senior strategic leader, advancement
The senior strategic leader (sl) works with external partners and internal teams to shape our partners’ direct marketing strategies for advancement initiatives and serves as the decision maker for the project teamThe strategic leader has the primary responsibility for meeting partners and delivering strategies and programs that achieve client goalsAdditionally, the sl is responsible for upsells and renewals, targeted appropriately to the partner given partner’s goals, resources and timelineAs the primary partner contact, the position monitors and maintains the partner relationshipThe senior strategic leader is critical to ensuring the achievement of company objectives and the long-term growth and success of the firm.
This position is based in richmond, va; however, as eab embraces a hybrid-work environment in the future, exceptional candidates who may be based remotely are also encouraged to apply.
Primary responsibilities:
Develop an understanding of client goals and keep abreast of changes in the partner’s situationCommunicate these goals and changes to the project teamLead the team that translates institutional goals and brand identity into achievable direct response programs, working within eab’s array of services.
Lead and/or support testing and refinement of critical strategic and creative elements within the client’s program(s).
Work with managing director, advancement marketing services to define appropriate, cost-effective cross-sell and up-sell targets within client bookLead clients to understanding of cross-sell and up-sell options and actively champion those likely to improve the client situation.
Support corporate process improvements, including escalated project timelines, etc.
Serve as a professional example in behavior and attitude to project teams and support team members in professional growth.
Collaborate with internal departments to seek new information and define new solutions that will improve client success.
Seek opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning relative to team or client success.
Lead discussions and develop innovative plans to overcome obstacles for project teams and clientsWork collaboratively with others within the partner development division to identify and share new solutions that lead clients to positive outcomes.
Lead meetings and conference calls with clients and project teams and involve project teams in client meetings.
Initiate project start-up and problem-solving meetings to ensure team understanding and enthusiasm to successfully execute client programs.
Oversee strategic direction on creative contentIn partnership with client-facing team, review all creative materials from both a direct response and client-appropriate standpoint.
Provide strategic direction for all list and targeting, working with both marketing strategy and fundraising strategy data analysts.
Conduct annual project reporting and planning for clients.
Develop and discuss proposals and written presentations with clients.
Document client and team feedback as it occurs and provide written positive feedback to team members as appropriate, working to consistently resolve team issues in a positive way.
Manage and mentor senior account managers assigned within team to help position them – if applicable – for the next career opportunity (ideally, moving to the sl role).
Manage and mentor account managers assigned within team to help position them – if applicable – for the next career opportunity (ideally, moving to the sam role).
Travel expectation (in person):
15-20% (when eab travel safely resumes - maximizing activities at national meetings and conferences as well as campus visits where applicable)
Basic qualifications:
Bachelor`s degree in a related field
5-7+ years’ experience in a consultative, strategic, leadership position managing relationships with key decision makers.
Experience aligning strategic insights and solutions to client goals
Ability to convey/present to clients and colleagues eab’s commitment to forward-leaning, innovative strategies that successfully achieve their desired outcomes
Demonstrated relationship-building, collaboration/teamwork orientation and ability to influence for win-win outcomes in diverse environments
Willingness to travel up to 20%
Ideal qualifications:
Graduate degree
Fundraising direct response marketing, higher education experience and/or account management experience is strongly preferred
Ability to approach situations in an entrepreneurial way and find opportunity for improvement/change
Ability to work independently and in a team environment to plan, organize, set and achieve priorities
Resilience and comfort with ambiguity; ability to be flexible and adaptable in a changing environment
Passion for both client success and tackling new and emerging opportunities
Proficient with pc, internet and microsoft office products
At eab, we believe that to fulfill our mission to “make education smarter and our communities stronger” we need team members who bring a diversity of perspectives to the table and a workplace where each team member is valued, respected, and heard.
To that end, eab is an equal opportunity employer, and we make employment decisions on the basis of qualifications, merit and business needWe do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
