Senior Specialist, Research & Philanthropic Initiatives & Engagement

The Senior Specialist, Research & Philanthropic Initiatives and Engagement serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to the Vice President, Philanthropy Strategy & Research, supporting the advancement of the National Student Clearinghouse's research and philanthropic initiatives, and organizational thought leadership priorities.

What You Will Do

This role helps translate organizational strategy into action by synthesizing insights across research, product, philanthropy, and external trends to inform executive decision-making, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The role requires a strong analytical, synthesis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify patterns, connect insights across diverse domains, assess complex internal and external dynamics, develop solutions to emerging challenges, and articulate implications for organizational strategy and priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in communications, business, marketing, or any related field.
• 6 years of direct and relevant experience supporting strategic initiatives within a mission-driven or nonprofit environment.
• Knowledge of strategic communications, thought leadership, and external engagement practices within mission-driven, research-focused, or nonprofit organizations.
• Ability to translate complex research, data, policy, and organizational insights into clear, compelling, audience-appropriate messaging for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing executive-level presentations, briefing materials, speeches, reports, and thought leadership content for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, synthesis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify patterns, connect insights across diverse domains, assess complex internal and external dynamics, develop solutions to emerging challenges, and articulate implications for organizational strategy and priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted strategic advisor to leadership, anticipating needs, framing key issues, influencing outcomes, and supporting decision-making without formal authority.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, develop operational plans, ensure execution, and maintain exceptional attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to build relationships, engage cross-functional teams, foster alignment, and support cohesive organizational narratives and priorities.
• Ability to develop positioning and messaging strategies for external engagement opportunities, ensuring consistency with organizational goals, research insights, and strategic priorities.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and resourcefulness, including the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure while handling sensitive or high-visibility matters.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance benefits
• Health care, dependent care, and limited purpose flexible spending accounts
• Health savings account with annual employer contributions
• Voluntary supplemental health plans for Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Infertility coverage
• 401k matching contribution program
• Paid leave program consisting of vacation, sick, and personal time
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Paid military leave
• Employee education assistance program
• LinkedIn Learning subscription
• Mental health with up to eight free therapy sessions
• Well-being reward benefits
• Service credit towards the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF)