Strategy Fellow, Strategy Leadership Program

STRATEGY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM: STRATEGY FELLOW  

The College Board Strategy Leadership Program is a full-time, two-year program designed to train the next generation of strategists and leaders in education. Strategy Fellows will develop skill in all aspects of problem-solving, from defining and analyzing problems, to developing and communicating recommendations, in service of advancing innovative and equity-based projects with the potential to improve the lives of students at scale.   

The Strategy Team at the College Board tackles some of the organization’s most interesting and challenging problems, with frequent exposure to the CEO and President. Former members of this team have gone on to leadership roles at mission-driven organizations, like Guild Education and the Gates Foundation, and to high impact roles within the College Board. Others have pursued advanced degrees in business and other fields. As Fellows, you will be prepared for careers in strategy, consulting, research, and special projects – the goal is to provide many of the skills and opportunities a program like an MBA/MPA would provide while working in service of educational equity.   

As examples of the impact you could have, our team created and incubated the BigFuture Scholarships Program, a $25m initiative which guides students through the complicated process of applying to college, as well as Career Kickstart, a new high school program that gives all students the opportunity to earn a tri-credit for in-demand careers (high school credit, college credit, and industry-recognized credentials).  

The Strategy Leadership Program is designed for professionals with ~2 years of post-college professional experience with a keen interest in growing skill in all aspects of problem-solving. Strong applicants will have an outstanding record of academic and leadership accomplishment and have substantial experience working and building relationships in low-income communities.   

Program design:  

• 0-12 months: Resident on Strategy Team, going through formal training program on all aspects of problem-solving while conducting research, analysis, synthesis to support Strategy Team projects  

• 12-24 months: embed on strategy projects within specific College Board team(s) while developing a professional development plan in consultation with Strategy Leadership on pursuits beyond the two-year mark. This may take the form of a permanent role within the College Board or building on the problem-solving skillset in other areas of interest (e.g., graduate school).  

Strategy Fellows are full-time paid employees and are eligible for College Board benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and tuition assistance. The position is 100% remote. Candidates who live near CB offices have the option of being fully remote or hybrid (Tuesday and Wednesday in office).   

ABOUT THE ROLE  

As a Fellow, you will work closely with strategy team members to support projects. You will:  

• Work on all stages of the problem-solving process:  ​Define Problems, Formulate and test hypotheses , Conduct market research (e.g. company profiles, industry overviews), gather information and analyze it quantitatively and qualitatively , Develop and communicate recommendations  

• Support team to present results to senior management and implement recommendations in collaboration with team members across the organization  

• Work with a range of experts in the organization, including researchers, program leaders, and data scientists   

• Projects and initiatives that you could potentially work on, include: 1. GenAI Studio: internal incubator dedicated to responsibly integrating artificial intelligence in the organization and in classrooms; 2. Careers Strategy: incorporate career relevancy into CB programs; 3. Support various divisions with new initiatives and innovations 

The Strategy Team prioritizes coaching and development – you’ll receive significant opportunities for challenge and growth. Your experience includes:  

• Formal training program with session-based practice going through all phases of problem-solving process, management of self, and team/relationship skill development   

• Coaching and mentorship You’ll be coached by team members who have worked for a variety of organizations, including McKinsey, New York University, JP Morgan, Teach For America, Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship, Jobs for the Future, Obama For America, and more. 

• Practical skill development You’ll serve as an analyst to support strategy projects and develop evidence-based recommendations to leadership  

• Exposure to senior leadership with opportunities to learn about different parts of the education sector and College Board Programs and strategy   

• Exposure and networking with staff, including those who share aspects of identity  

ABOUT YOU  

• Minimum of 2 years professional experience post-college

• Outstanding academic performance and demonstrated skill in written communication

• Substantial accomplishments in early professional career and/or in college (e.g. you are someone who proactively solves problems at hand to improve outcomes)  

• Emerging problem-solving skills and interest in problem-solving and strategy, but not necessary to have formal training and development in consulting- or research-style problem-solving      

• Strong commitment to excellence and personal and professional growth  

• Keen interest in addressing systems-level problems and opportunities  

• Resourceful, intellectually curious, empathetic  

• Highly effective at building relationships across lines of difference   

• Substantial experience working and building relationships in low-income communities  

• Authorized to work in the United States

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

College Board offers a competitive benefits and compensation program that attracts top talent looking to make a difference in education. As a self-sustaining non-profit, we believe in compensating employees equitably in relation to each other, their qualifications, their impact, and the relevant market.  

The hiring range for a new employee in this position is $72,000 to $105,000. College Board differentiates salaries by location so where you live will narrow the portion of this range in which you can expect a salary.  

• Your salary will be carefully determined based on your location, relevant experience, the external labor market, and the pay of College Board employees in similar roles. College Board strives to provide our best offer up front based on this criteria.  

• Your salary is only one part of all that College Board offers, including but not limited to:    

• A comprehensive package designed to support the well-being of employees and their families and promote education. Our robust benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, fertility benefits, pet insurance, tuition assistance, retirement benefits, and more 

• Recognition of exceptional performance through annual bonuses, salary growth over time through market increases, and opportunities for merit raises and promotions based on increased scope of responsibility 

• A job that matters, a team that cares, and a place to learn, innovate and thrive 

You can expect to have transparent conversations about benefits and compensation with our recruiters throughout your application process. 

PROCESS 

• Following review of resumes and applications (please note the open-ended question required within this application), candidates will be selected to proceed to an initial recruiter screen. Some questions will be shared in advance of the call. 

• Candidates moving forward will submit a work sample demonstrating their ability to synthesize and present information and engage in a case study that is indicative of the work in this Fellowship. They will have the opportunity to discuss their work with the hiring manager. 

• The final round will include a panel with other members of the Global Strategy and Talent team. This interview will include live scenarios and cases as well as the opportunity to meet current Fellows and learn about their experience in the program. 

• Our intention is to move through these phases, with an aim to have two offers out in November. Fellows should anticipate a January 21, 2025 start date (flexible). 

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