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EDUCAUSE, the leading nonprofit association for technology and data professionals in higher education, seeks a creative and business-minded leader to serve in a fully remote role as the new Vice President of Research.

 The Vice President of Research (“VP”) is responsible and accountable, directly and through staff, for the successful delivery and execution of the organization’s research and for the products, publications, and services created through EDUCAUSE research. The VP is also responsible for financial, staff, and performance management; strategic planning; continuous improvement; and ongoing sustainable growth and strategic transformation of EDUCAUSE research, benchmarking, analytics portfolio and related services, programs, products, and capabilities.  The VP of Research reports directly to EDUCAUSE President and CEO John O’Brien and is part of an executive team that includes four fellow vice presidents. The VP of Research manages a team of six research professionals, comprising a senior director and five staff. The VP of Research also manages a team focused on product and portfolio management, comprising a director and four staff. 

About EDUCAUSE 

EDUCAUSE is made up of more than 100,000 individuals at 2,100 member organizations, including higher education institutions, companies that serve the higher education technology market, and other related associations and organizations from around the world. As a community, EDUCAUSE tackles a broad spectrum of challenges related to the adoption and application of technology and data in higher education. From enterprise systems to strategic leadership, pedagogical innovation to cybersecurity and risk management, and numerous other vital facets of the educational ecosystem, EDUCAUSE helps its members advance. EDUCAUSE believes technology and data can have a profound impact for institutions, enhancing accessibility, improving the student experience, and ultimately helping transform the educational landscape. 

Qualifications 

Required:

• Strong research experience, including leading projects and teams demonstrating a track record of high-impact publications and successful research outcomes.
• Ten years of combined experience leading services and programs related to higher education, information technology, research, and/or adjacent areas.
• At least five years of successful leadership or executive experience in an association, foundation, or non-profit organization.
• At least three years of sound fiscal and team management, planning, and program evaluation
• Demonstrated track record of speaking and writing compellingly about issues and opportunities relevant to the EDUCAUSE community.
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and trends facing higher education.
• Master's degree or PhD in a related field. 

Preferred: 

• Nationally recognized voice in research, higher education program delivery, or related area.
• Experience in product or sustainable service development and lifecycle revenue and expense planning.
• In-depth knowledge of higher education.
• A strong background in social science research methodology and models.
• Understanding and/or experience working in/with non-profit membership associations.
• CAE certification. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in program development, research, and analysis with previous experience overseeing volunteer programs, information technology, or research.
• Skilled in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning.
• Excellent strategic planner and equally accomplished at execution.
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team.
• Ability to lead and inspire a diverse, geographically distributed team of senior professionals to work independently to achieve the highest quality deliverables, to innovate and grow, and to stay on time, on task, and on budget.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the association’s mission.
• Flexible and able to multitask; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems.
• Strong business analytics and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent communication skills and writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work productively and collaborate effectively within an organization with a fully distributed staff in many locations spanning all US time zones. 
• Ability to develop and sustain collaborative relationships, forge partnerships, and build consensus within a diverse community of practice.
• Experience managing a successful distributed workforce.  

Remote Work & Travel Expectations 

• To be available and responsive during scheduled working hours either in the employee's time zone or EDUCAUSE core working hours or core working hours to be determined with the President & CEO.
• Any time off or change in working hours must be pre-arranged according to department guidelines and consistent with the rules applicable to employment (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, leave of absence).
• Must be willing and able to travel as frequently as needed (generally 2 times each month) for internal work meetings, representing EDUCAUSE externally, and speaking engagements. 

Please click here for the full position announcement.

To Apply 

EDUCAUSE has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, and KD Sweaney, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Inquiries and nominations should be sent to kd.sweaney@opuspartners.net; applications should be submitted via the Application Portal. Required application materials include a resume and cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the role. The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality.    

The salary range for this position will be $180,000-$210,000 annually. The position is remote. 

EEO Statement 

EDUCAUSE is committed to an inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. EDUCAUSE provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

EDUCAUSE recognizes that the unique backgrounds, talents, skills, and contributions of every individual improve and enhance the quality of the association. Creating an environment of inclusion is an EDUCAUSE organizational goal, which includes, but is not limited to:

• Treating everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness
• Providing insights and input as a work contributor Listening to and acknowledging others' contributions
• Contributing to an open and welcoming environment across demographic categories and physical locations
• Meeting others at their point of need to advance organizational achievement
• For supervisors, ensuring everyone's input is heard and considered