Senior Researcher, Education Systems & Policy (Part-Time)

AIR'sEducation Systems and Policyprogram is seekingaPart-TimeSeniorResearcherto support project teams dedicated to meeting clients' needs for strengthening accountability systems and supports for underperforming districts and schools in K-12 education. The Researcher will lead and manage projects providing analytic and capacity-building services to state and local education agencies, with a special emphasis on designing, implementing, and evaluating accountability policies and statewide systems of support. This role involves conducting policy scans, interviewing policymakers, developing case studies, analyzing extant data, writing briefs and reports suitable for a policy audience, and presenting findings to state and district administrators. In this role, the Senior Researcher exercises independent judgment, supports project leadership, and serves as a subjectmatter 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.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead the design and execution of rigorous policy analysis projects and support project leadership across work of increased scope and complexity.
• Provide high-level expertise on evidence-based strategies related to accountability (school designations, measures, state ESSA plans, waivers, local supports).
• Assume primary responsibility for writing reports and presentations that describe and interpret findings for clients, partners, and stakeholders, with a focus on accountability and school improvement.
• 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.

Disclosures: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.

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 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 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.orgor call 202.403.5000.

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