Director, Research Operations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Provide operational leadership across the Research team for the entire function.

• Oversee and manage the research portfolio, which includes tracking progress, handling communications, coordinating publications, managing data, vendors, budgets, reporting, and utilizing transparency tools.

• Develop prioritization mechanisms and advise the Vice President and Executive Directors on prioritization decisions.

• Enhance accountability, clarify roles, set timing expectations, and ensure ownership of execution within the research portfolio.

• Organize workstreams, process and analyze data, synthesize literature, and convert information into actionable insights and recommendations.

• Manage internal communications and oversee publication and dissemination processes.

• Keep track of external research publications, synthesize evidence, and evaluate the strategic relevance for stakeholders at the College Board.

• Maintain a dynamic, accessible, and actionable repository of both internal and external research evidence.

• Collaborate with College Board programs and the Engagement and Reach team to ensure that decision-makers utilize the evidence.

• Own and enhance the operating functions, processes, tools, and workflows of the Research team.

• Create a sustainable operating model that can scale with future team expansion, including documentation and training initiatives.

• Manage common data resources, data licensing processes, vendor relationships, and budget oversight.

• Build partnerships with Executive Directors to support cross-functional initiatives.

• Report directly to the Vice President of Research and collaborate with Executive Directors.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in research operations leadership, organizational enablement, or similar roles in complex, technical, or analytics-driven settings.

• Proven experience working closely with senior executives.

• A bachelor’s degree is required.

• Experience collaborating with research teams or in research-related environments.

• A solid understanding of how research is designed, implemented, and communicated for maximum impact.

• Capability to design and implement scalable operating models, processes, and systems.

• Experience managing multiple products or portfolios concurrently in matrixed organizations.

• Strong skills in stakeholder management.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.

• Comfort in navigating ambiguity and a high level of intellectual curiosity.

• Familiarity with educational research topics spanning K12 and postsecondary education.

• Willingness to travel approximately four times per year.

• A passion for broadening educational and career opportunities through mission-driven work.

• Curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging technologies, a readiness to embrace AI-driven solutions, and the capability to independently learn new digital tools.

• Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal.

• A commitment to personal growth and a learner’s mindset.

• A strong drive for impact and excellence, including data-informed decision-making.

• A collaborative and empathetic approach to teamwork.

• Authorization to work in the United States.

🏝️ Benefits

• Fully remote or hybrid work options available for candidates residing near College Board offices.

• A comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

• Salaries adjusted based on location.

• A meaningful career with a supportive team environment.

• Opportunities to experiment with and adopt AI-driven solutions and new digital tools.

• Approximately four business travel trips each year.