Principal Researcher, Education Systems

Join AIR as a Principal Researcher with AIR’s Education Systems team and be involved in our longstanding legacy of providing rigorous, impartial evidence-based research and resources on pressing and perennial education issues. Our Education Systems 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.  Our Education Systems team is driven by our mission to make the world a better, more equitable place through education.

Principal Researchers provide leadership, mentorship, and technical advice in support of AIR research and evaluation projects to ensure research integrity, appropriate design and application of research methodologies and analysis techniques, development of accurate conclusions, clear reporting, applicability to problems of practice, and client satisfaction. Important aspects of the role include the leadership and development of research grant and evaluation proposals, directing research projects, contributing to the strategic direction of AIR’s workforce research practice, and mentoring and developing AIR research staff.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our 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 conceptual frameworks that address research and evaluation topics.
• Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of research projects, including methods, procedures and reporting.
• Serve as Project Director and/or Principal Investigator, directing or helping to direct and manage large, complex research projects or a series of smaller projects.
• Lead the review, analyses, and syntheses of data and information using appropriate practices and techniques and ensure that projects are designed around client needs with sound methodology.
• Serve as an expert in the field and disseminate findings through publication of papers, progress and technical reports, and presentation at seminars and research conferences.
• Lead proposal efforts, maintain excellent business development relationships, and serve as the primary client contact for research and evaluation projects.
• Curate external relationships and visibility by engaging thought leaders, innovators, and implementation partners across the education policy arena.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD with a minimum of 7 years of related experience or MA with  a minimum of 11 years of related experience in economics, sociology, education, psychology, or related field, with a strong background in econometrics, statistics, and research design
• Experience and expertise in issues related to researcher-practitioner partnerships, education policy, social emotional learning, educator workforce policy and postsecondary transition and demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to real-world policy and programmatic decision-making
• Thought leader with sophisticated understanding of the policy landscape and evidence gaps in K-12 education policy, as demonstrated through publications/presentations, award of contracts and grants, and overall body of work
• Proven track record of winning competitive contracts/grants from various funding organizations (e.g., Federal, state, and local government; foundations)
• Demonstrated success in leading field-based research projects
• Demonstrated experience in leading projects utilizing behavioral economics, rapid-cycle evaluations, or other cutting-edge methodologies
• Six years project leadership and development experience, including proposal writing, project management, staff supervision and report writing

 Skills:

• Collaborative leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills at a senior level
• Proven ability to develop research staff capacity in research design and methods, project management, client relationships, research publication and business development
• Commitment to AIR’s Mission and the application of research findings for the benefit of stakeholders
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work efficiently in a virtual work environment

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 $150,000 - $175,000. 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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