AIR is seeking a Senior Researcher for our Education Systems & Policy program area who will provide project leadership for several major contract and grant research projects. In this role, the Senior Researcher is responsible for conceptualizing the vision for this work; providing support for project teams in developing and carrying out the work; and following sound project management practices to ensure the timely completion of all deliverables within budget, and with high research quality standards that meet client requirements. This Senior Researcher will help AIR's Education Systems & Policy program area bridge education research into effective outcomes for policy and practice.

This position is ideal for someone who has experience in education settings especially working with or in districts.

The Senior Researcher position can be remote or located out of any of AIR's U.S. office locations.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Serve as principal investigator and/or project director for education systems projects; manage or lead projects or tasks, including associated teams and budgets
• Working with clients thoughtfully and strategically to ensure projects improve outcomes for students, teachers, and schools
• Apply appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative techniques to collect and analyze data
• Prepare technical reports and journal articles and present findings to clients and the public
• Mentor junior research analysts, sharing approaches to solving concrete problems, and providing feedback on the work of others
• Clearly communicate with clients, site-based staff, and other stakeholders orally and in writing and represent AIR in a professional manner
• Write research proposals for federal, state, foundation, and other clients
• Maintain excellent relationships, serve as the primary client contact, and actively pursue business development through client relationships, partnership development, and by staying abreast of the direction of the field
• Reviewing grant and/or contract proposals
• Serve as a staff manager

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD in education, psychology, sociology, or other related field with 5-7 years of relevant work experience
• Expertise, experience, and interest in bridging research and practice and/or knowledge use
• Experience managing research and evaluation projects of small and large scope for external clients
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication, with the ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings
• Experience effectively leading and mentoring diverse teams of researchers working on research-focused projects and/or tasks within large/complex projects, including managing for work excellence, timeliness, and on-budget execution
• Experience leading grant and/or contract proposals
• Experience creating and monitoring budgets for small and large scale projects
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience working with foundation partners is preferred but not required

Preferred

Relevant expertise, experience, and interest in research on one or more of the following topic areas:

• School and District Improvement
• Civic Education
• Research Practice Partnerships

Disclosures:

AIR requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a legally required exemption from AIR, as a condition of employment. AIR will ask candidates to verify their vaccination status only after a conditional offer of employment is made. Applicants should not provide information about their vaccination status or need for exemption prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment from AIR

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 rigorous reference and background checks.

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