Principal Researcher, Education Systems & Policy

Overview:

AIR’s Human Service Division is seeking a Principal Researcher for the Education Systems & Policy program area to lead research or technical assistance projects and to serve as the deputy director of Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Southwest.

Important aspects of the role include the leadership and development of grant or contract proposals, directing research or technical assistance projects, contributing to the strategic direction of AIR’s education systems and policy research or technical assistance practice, and mentoring and developing AIR research staff. In addition, in the role of deputy director of REL Southwest, the individual will work closely with the director to oversee a portfolio of research, technical assistance, and engagement products funded by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education. These projects—which span a range of preK–postsecondary education topics—are conducted in collaborative research partnerships and focus on supporting education leaders to generate and apply evidence to improve outcomes for students historically underserved by opportunity.

The preferred candidate would be based in one of the five REL Southwest states (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Texas) and may work remotely or from AIR’s office in Austin, Texas. 

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

• Collaborating with the REL Southwest leadership team to design and carry out a scope of work that meets partner and funder goals.
• Managing teams carrying out projects, including monitoring timelines and timeliness of deliverable, surfacing problems, and supporting teams with solutions.
• Mentoring staff to support growth in their ability to design and lead applied research or technical assistance projects.
• Overseeing the quality and technical rigor of deliverables and products.
• Representing the project to internal and external audiences.
• Leading proposal efforts and maintaining excellent business development relationships.
• Overseeing the planning, design, and implementation of research or technical assistance projects.
• Serving as an expert in the field and disseminating findings through publication of papers, progress and technical reports, and conference presentations.
• Curating external relationships and visibility by engaging thought leaders, innovators, and implementation partners across preK–postsecondary education.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD in sociology, psychology, economics, education, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years managing and conducting research, evaluation, technical assistance, or related work; or Master’s Degree in sociology, psychology, economics, education, or a related field with a minimum of 11 years of related experience.
• National reputation for research and evaluation expertise as evidenced through publication, presentations, and service to the education research and practice community.
• Experience overseeing research studies that use a range of methodologies including implementation and evaluation studies that answer high-leverage questions for policymakers and educators; or experience developing and overseeing technical assistance projects that use best practices for adult learning.
• Experience developing partnerships with leaders in education research, policy, and practice.
• Track record of winning competitive contracts or grants from funders (e.g., federal, state, and local government; foundations).
• Experience overseeing federal contracts.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing.
• Proven ability to develop staff capacity in research or technical assistance design and methods; project management; client and partner relationships; and business development.
• Commitment to AIR’s mission to conduct and apply the best behavioral and social science research and evaluation towards improving people's lives, with a special emphasis on the disadvantaged.
• Certified in the WWC Procedures and Standards Version 5.0 (group design) or be certified within 6 months of starting the position. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.

Disclosures:

This position is open to U.S. citizens only. Upon hire, incumbent will be required to obtain clearance through the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

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’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $160,000 - $180,000. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

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If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams.

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