ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Higher Education Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Home | NBBJ

Higher Education Market Leader

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

The NBBJ Higher Education Market Leader is an industry-facing expert whois motivated to nurture relationshipsand pursue new opportunities that elevate collegiate learning, research and campus life ...

NBBJ

Higher Education Market Leader

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

The NBBJ Higher Education Market Leader is an industry-facing expert who is motivated to nurture relationships and pursue new opportunities that elevate collegiate learning, research and campus life ...

NBBJ

Higher Education Market Leader

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

The NBBJ Higher Education Market Leader is an industry-facing expert whois motivated to nurture relationshipsand pursue new opportunities that elevate collegiate learning, research and campus life ...

DLR Group

Higher Education Client Leader

Columbus, OH · On-site

About Higher Education at DLR Group DLR Group's Higher Education practice fully embraces our ... Through our ongoing Evolution of Campus research, we translate insights from institutions, students ...

NBBJ

Higher Education Market Leader

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

The NBBJ Higher Education Market Leader is an industry-facing expert who is motivated to nurture relationships and pursue new opportunities that elevate collegiate learning, research and campus life ...

Urban Institute

This position will be expected to support ongoing work, contribute to business development to further build Urban's higher education and workforce research portfolio, and over time, to serve as ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHigher Education Research Jobs

Higher Education Research information

See salary details

$5

$42

$91

How much do higher education research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for higher education research in the United States is $42.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.13 and $42.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in higher education research?

To thrive in Higher Education Research, you need strong analytical skills, expertise in research methodologies, and usually an advanced degree such as a master's or PhD in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Stata), academic databases, and research compliance protocols is typically required. Critical thinking, written communication, and collaboration are vital soft skills that help researchers design studies, publish findings, and work effectively in academic teams. These abilities are crucial for producing rigorous research, contributing to institutional knowledge, and informing policy or educational practices.

What is higher education research?

Higher education research is the academic study and analysis of post-secondary education systems, institutions, policies, practices, and outcomes. Researchers in this field examine topics such as teaching methods, student success, institutional effectiveness, access and equity, and the impact of higher education on society. Their work often informs educational policy, institutional decision-making, and efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of higher education. Higher education researchers may work in universities, research organizations, government agencies, or think tanks.

What is the difference between Higher Education Research vs Academic Research Coordinator?

AspectHigher Education ResearchAcademic Research Coordinator
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Education, Social Sciences, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Research, or related areas
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, education policy organizationsResearch institutes, universities, academic departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in higher education institutions and education-focused organizationsAcademic institutions, research centers, educational nonprofits
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in higher education researchClarifying responsibilities of research coordinators in academia

Higher Education Research involves conducting studies on educational systems, policies, and student outcomes within universities and colleges. Academic Research Coordinators support research projects, manage logistics, and assist in data collection within academic settings. While both roles focus on education-related research, Higher Education Researchers typically lead studies, whereas Academic Research Coordinators facilitate research activities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in higher education research, and how can they be navigated?

Professionals in higher education research often encounter challenges such as managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, securing research funding, and balancing independent work with collaborative initiatives. Navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication with faculty and administrative staff, and the ability to adapt to evolving institutional priorities. Building a supportive professional network and staying current with best practices in data collection and analysis can also help researchers overcome obstacles and advance their careers in this field.
More about Higher Education Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Higher Education Research jobs? Cities with the most Higher Education Research job openings:
What states have the most Higher Education Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Higher Education Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Higher Education Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Higher Education Research jobs are:
Higher Education Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Higher Education Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,799 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Research Analyst - Higher Education

McAllister and Quinn

Washington, DC • On-site

$59K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About McAllister & Quinn
McAllister & Quinn is a federal and foundation grants consulting and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. We offer our 200+ clients a unique blend of comprehensive grant consulting, strategic advising, and government relations services. In the higher education practice, McAllister & Quinn offers federal grant, external funding, strategic intelligence and capacity building consulting to small and mid-sized institutions of higher education. Our goal is to work collaboratively with clients to create and implement an annual strategy focused on increasing and diversifying external funding. McAllister & Quinn has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in competitive grant funding for scholarships and student support, academic programs, research, and equipment.
We are committed to securing funds for our clients that are transformational for the organizations who are awarded them, the people who work at these organizations every day, and the communities that surround them. The social impact of our work drives us daily to succeed in securing funding for our clients and is a major component of why we do what we do. We know that our success leads to better outcomes, changed lives, and a more equitable society for generations to come.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Analyst will report directly to a Manager and to the Higher Education Practice Chief of Staff. The Research Analyst will be assigned to directly support three to five Directors and Managing Directors within the Higher Education practice and will work with team members across the firm's other core practice areas. Specific responsibilities include:
  • Assist Directors and Managing Directors with client and project management, maintaining organized and accurate records using internal filing systems and data management tools
  • Identify external funding opportunities that align with clients' needs. This includes:
  • Research and monitor suitable federal, state and foundation grant opportunities
  • Liaise with Program Officers at federal and state agencies and foundations
  • Provide accurately written materials summarizing opportunities of interest
  • Complete analyses of successful awardee characteristics to inform clients' competitiveness
  • Research an institution's funding priorities, academic programs, and strategic plans to identify funding opportunities
  • Participate in client meetings, as requested, to understand priorities and interest areas for prospecting
  • Generate and deliver high-quality, detailed, and accurate work products / client deliverables in a fast-paced environment with fixed deadlines, such as:
  • Client federal, state and foundation grants strategy (grant opportunity matrix) for clients
  • Comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analyses for individual grant competitions
  • Concisely summarize relevant information for staff and client briefings
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively with Managing Directors, Directors, and Vice Presidents at the firm to share information and learn from others
  • Work effectively and contribute to a positive team environment and culture among the team of research analysts to support practice-wide needs
  • Conduct substantive issue/topic area research related to trends, interests, and priorities of higher education institutions, federal agency and foundation grant programs and solicitations, understanding impact of federal budgets and appropriations
  • Obtain and retain working knowledge of the most client-relevant federal grant programs across agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Department of Education, National Endowment for the Humanities, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Justice, and others
  • Emphasize and focus on a proactive solutions-focused mentality, positivity, confident presentation of opportunities, and overall thoroughness with all client support and internal projects
  • Assist in the planning and implementation of McAllister & Quinn workshops, training webinars, and capacity building services
  • Attend and participate in an annual Research Analyst retreat and other professional development offerings

Requirements
Requirements and Preferred Qualifications
  • Minimum of four-year bachelor's degree
  • Excellent writing, organizational, and inter-personal communication skills
  • Superior attention to detail across all levels of work
  • Ability to synthesize and accurately summarize lengthy and often complex materials
  • Strong communication skills via phone, and in person interactions with clients, colleagues
  • Strong ability to juggle multiple projects and tasks at one time, prioritize effectively to on-time completion
  • Positive attitude, proactive, and self-motivated to learn new information and skills
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems when they arise and to work independently
  • Adept at utilizing and deploying AI-driven solutions to optimize efficiency and accelerate results
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft suite programs, OneDrive and Adobe
  • Superior candidates will have some familiarity with external funding opportunities (federal, state or foundations)

Compensation and Benefits
  • Normal work hours are 8:30 am through 5:30 pm Monday through Friday; three or more days a week in the Washington, DC office required
  • Competitive 401(k), healthcare, dental, life insurance, long-term disability and employee-directed vision, dependent care FSA, Healthcare HSA/FSA, and transit benefits
  • Salary consideration will be commensurate with experience, range for position is $59,000 - $62,000 annual base salary and bonus eligibility.
  • Flexible and generous vacation and leave policy

At McAllister & Quinn, we're challenging the status. When we connect different perspectives, we open ourselves to new possibilities, inspire innovation, and allow us to achieve the full potential of our people. We're building an employee experience & engagement that includes appreciation, belonging, growth, and purpose for everyone in our team.
Application Instructions
Please submit a cover letter and resume along with your application through our careers page: https://jm-aq.com/careers/ . The cover letter should speak to how your education and/or work experiences integrate with the role and why you are the best fit for the position.
Salary Description
$59,000 - 62,000

Apply