Senior Specialist, Research – Philanthropic Initiatives & Engagement

National Student Clearinghouse

Senior strategic advisor advancing research, philanthropy, and thought leadership for a nonprofit education-data provider. Supporting executive strategy, communications, partnerships, and cross-functional initiatives.

Posted 8/25/2026full-timeHerndon • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $98,880 - $130,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and project management within mission-driven environments. Proficient in translating complex data and research into compelling narratives and executive-level presentations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic PlanningStakeholder EngagementExecutive SupportProject ManagementStrategic Communications

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic PlanningData AnalysisExecutive-Level PresentationsBriefing Materials DevelopmentThought Leadership Content Creation

Soft Skills

Exceptional Written CommunicationVerbal CommunicationProblem-SolvingCollaborationSound Judgment

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit EnvironmentPhilanthropyMission-DrivenExternal EngagementCross-Functional Coordination

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the Vice President, Philanthropy Strategy & Research
Synthesize insights from research, philanthropy, product, policy, and organizational activities
Manage special projects and strategic initiatives on behalf of the Vice President
Coordinate stakeholders and facilitate progress toward desired outcomes
Represent and advance the Vice President's priorities across cross-functional teams
Translate complex research, data, and organizational priorities into narratives, presentations, briefing materials, and executive communications
Identify emerging trends and key topics supporting the Clearinghouse's trusted data and thought leadership position
Develop messaging, engagement approaches, and thought leadership strategies with organizational leaders
Support strategic engagement opportunities with philanthropic, educational, governmental, and mission-aligned partners
Prepare executive briefings and strategic recommendations for high-impact meetings and external engagements
Plan and execute Research Community Advisory Board activities, including agendas, meeting materials, insights, and recommendations
Drive cross-functional coordination of strategic initiatives and align priorities, messaging, timelines, and deliverables
Establish processes, tools, and operating rhythms supporting visibility, accountability, communication, and execution
Monitor strategic priorities, commitments, and deliverables through implementation
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in communications, business, marketing, or a related field
A combination of education and experience, including military service, will also be considered
6 years of direct and relevant experience supporting strategic initiatives within a mission-driven or nonprofit environment
Experience with strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, executive support, influencing without formal authority, and leading cross-functional efforts
Knowledge of strategic communications, thought leadership, and external engagement practices
Ability to translate complex research, data, policy, and organizational insights into clear, compelling, audience-appropriate messaging
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Experience developing executive-level presentations, briefing materials, speeches, reports, and thought leadership content
Strong analytical, synthesis, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills
Ability to serve as a trusted strategic advisor to leadership
Strong project management and organizational skills
Effective stakeholder management and collaboration skills
Ability to develop positioning and messaging strategies for external engagement opportunities
Sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and resourcefulness
Must live within a commutable distance to Herndon, VA or in one of the Clearinghouse's approved States for hiring purposes
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
Must be at least 18 years old

Benefits

Comp & perks

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 of $300 for employees and $600 for employees enrolled with a spouse and/or dependents
Voluntary supplemental Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
Infertility coverage
401(k) matching contribution program
Pre-tax, Roth, and eligible catch-up contributions
Paid vacation, sick, and personal time
At least 15 paid holidays per year
Up to 3 weeks of paid parental leave during a 12-month period
Up to 5 days of paid military leave per calendar year
Option to use up to 32 hours of accrued sick time as personal time annually
Reimbursement for basic wholesale company and roadside assistance memberships (e.g., Costco and AAA)
Vacation buyback on portions of unused accrued vacation, subject to tenure and qualifications
Employee Education Assistance Program
Enterprise-wide LinkedIn Learning subscription
Up to eight free mental health therapy sessions for employees and family members
Well-being reward benefits
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) service credit eligibility