Join AIR as a Education Finance Researcher with our Education Systems & Policy (ESP) team and be involved in our longstanding legacy of providing rigorous, impartial evidence-based research and resources on pressing and perennial education issues. The ESP team studies and supports organizations and infrastructure at the local, state, and national levels focusing on the people who operate PK-12 education systems to improve the organization of schooling and advance the organizations within those systems.
We are seeking a candidate with an understanding and practical experience in employing cutting-edge education finance research methodologies. This expertise should be directed towards tackling pivotal policy questions concerning the adequacy, equity, and efficiency of federal, state, and local funding systems. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong passion and aptitude for evolving into a thought leader in the realms of education finance research methods and policy. They will achieve this by actively engaging in collaborative, client-centric projects at AIR and by proactively pursuing their personal research interests through external funding opportunities.
This position has the flexibility to work remote from anywhere in the United States or from any of AIR's U.S. office locations . This does not include U.S. territories.
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 .
The responsibilities for the position include:
- Develop research designs to evaluate federal, state, and local PK-16 education funding policies and estimate the cost of an adequate and equitable education.
- Manage or lead projects and tasks, assuming greater responsibility for project management over time.
- Analyze extant financial and administrative data collected by education institutions (e.g., K12 school districts, state education agencies, community colleges) using state-of-the-field education finance research and statistical methods.
- Collect data from primary sources that describe the types and amounts of resources education organizations have in place, their needs, and extent to which they employ evidence-based resource allocation strategies.
- Prepare written materials (e.g., technical reports, policy briefs) that describe study findings in ways that accessible and impactful to policymakers and other decision makers.
- Present findings to clients, professional associations, and the public.
- Participate in, and where appropriate lead, efforts to prepare research proposals that generate external funding for education finance-related research.
- Supervise and provide mentorship and support to junior staff by sharing approaches to solving concrete problems and providing feedback on their work.
Education, Knowledge, and Experience:
- PhD in in education policy, economics, or related social science field with expertise in the economics of education, education finance, and/or educational policy setting and/or conducting education research or other related fields or Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
- Knowledge or experience analyzing primary and administrative data (and particularly fiscal data) applying state-of-the-field education finance research concepts and empirical methods
- Demonstrated experience collecting and analyzing a wide variety of primary and secondary educational data including fiscal data detailing school and district expenditures
- Expertise in advanced social and behavioral science statistical methods including the use of regression models and rigorous program evaluation design including longitudinal data analysis
Skills:
- Proficiency in a commonly used statistical application (e.g., Stata, R, etc.) and open to learning new statistical tools as required by different projects
- Advanced expertise in using MS Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
- Can collaborate efficiently and communicate effectively in a virtual work environment
Disclosures:
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 $85,000 - $115,000. 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 .
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