Senior Researcher, Education Systems and Policy

AIR’s Education Systems and Policy program is seeking a Part-Time Senior Researcher to support project teams dedicated to state and local education agencies’ needs for on high-leverage topics in K–12 education. The Senior Researcher will lead and manage projects providing analytic and capacity-building services to state and local education agencies. This role involves designing research studies, conducting policy scans, collecting and analyzing extant data, writing briefs and reports suitable for a policy or practice audience, and presenting findings to education leaders. In this role, the Senior Researcher exercises independent judgment, supports project leadership, and serves as a subject‑matter resource for project teams and clients.

Engagements are typically project-based, part-time, and may vary in duration and hours depending on project needs. This position can be located remote from anywhere in the U.S. but requires availability to participate in meetings across all U.S. time zones.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead the design and execution of rigorous applied research or evidence-driven technical assistance projects and support project leadership across work of increased scope and complexity.
• Assume primary responsibility for writing reports and presentations that describe and interpret evidence for practitioners and policymakers.
• Design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methods to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data, maintaining AIR’s quality standards.
• Translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for client reports, technical memos, and presentations.
• Manage projects or major workstreams of increased scope and complexity, including planning timelines, overseeing deliverables, and managing project-level client relationships.
• Engage with stakeholders and partners through meetings, briefings, and dissemination activities.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive work environment by providing guidance and feedback to team members and supporting high-quality project outcomes.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• PhD in a related subject area (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy, or related field) with 3+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading applied research studies for state or local education agencies.
• Experience working in contract research, evaluation, or consulting environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more PreK–12 topic areas, such as school improvement, accountability, literacy, numeracy, postsecondary readiness, career and technical education, or absenteeism.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with state or local education agencies to identify high-leverage priorities, develop logic models and aligned research questions, and design descriptive, quasi-experimental, or experimental studies.
• Experience conducting field-based data collection using a range of methodologies (e.g., interviews, focus groups, observations, surveys).
• Experience providing coaching or technical assistance to education leaders in state and/or local education agencies.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in at least one statistical or qualitative analysis tool (e.g., R, Stata, Python, NVivo, Dedoose).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and work effectively in a virtual environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, SharePoint).
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals at various levels within education agencies.

Disclosures: This position is open to U.S. citizens only. Upon hire, incumbent will be required to obtain clearance through the National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) system.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at tboone@air.org or call 202.403.5000.

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