AIR’s Equity Initiative is seeking a Program Director to provide intellectual and technical leadership for the Education Evidence and Demonstration Hub and help expand the Equity Initiative’s impact in providing rigorous, evidence-based research and technical assistance on pressing and perennial education issues, with deep appreciation for the challenges faced by communities marginalized or segregated by place or race. The ideal candidate will identify and cultivate relationships with external partners to create opportunities for collaboration and advance AIR’s Mission.
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.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities for the position include:
Build internal and external strategic partnershipsConceptualize and implement programmatic agendasLead process improvement of program reviews and prepare reports for executive leadershipOversee budget preparation and expense management activities for programsDevelop and refine requests for proposalsManage and monitor grants and prepare funding reportsCultivate new thought and funding partnersIdentify and engage with potential granteesProvide guidance and maintain frequent communications with program partnersRepresent company brand in industry conferences, meetings and workshopsAnalyze and troubleshoot program challengesDevelop best practices to improve overall program performancePlan and execute program activities in timely and accurate mannerDesign meeting agendas, organize and lead meetings, moderate expert panels and distribute meeting minutesDefine and refine programmatic agendas, particularly in the education fieldAdvance innovative ways to collect, analyze, and showcase research tools and findings across intersectional areas and synthesize traditional research content for diverse groups of stakeholdersEstablish partnerships between researchers and community members, including travel to research sitesProvide intellectual leadership for the conceptualization and design of education studiesConduct program reviews and prepare reports for managementCoordinate with technical staff or external vendor to design and develop Evidence Hub websiteSupport Equity Initiative team members and communications partners in promoting Evidence Hub website engagementDemonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in interactions with colleagues, external audiences, and study participants, and promote AIR’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in all research and business activities QualificationsEducation, Knowledge, and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 12 yrs of experience or Master's Degree with a minimum of 11 yrs of experience or Ph.D. with a minimum of 7 years of experience
Expertise and experience leading equity-focused work and at least 2 years’ experience in philanthropy, funding or leadership roles.Professional network and established relationships with other high-impact leaders in education or related fields.Experience working with partners at the local, state, and federal levels.Expertise in quantitative methods, particularly those related to meta-analysis, randomized control trials, and quasi-experimental designs.Experience as principal investigator and/or project director for research and evaluation projects; managing or leading projects or tasks, including associated teams and budgets.Preferred But Not Required Qualifications:
Experience in philanthropy/funding rolesWhat Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Reviewer Certification, Group Design Standards.Experience conducting systematic reviews.Familiarity with research in other areas that intersect with the Equity Initiative portfolio, including workforce development, health, and public safety.Experience mentoring junior staff, sharing approaches to solving concrete problems, and providing feedback on the work of others.Experience developing conceptual frameworks and research designs using a variety of research methods, including rigorous experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive studies as well as mixed methods approaches and technical assistance projects.Skills:
Keen ability to synthesize findings and communicate and use lessons to improve grant funding programs and the broader field.Strong interpersonal skills to work in a fluid, team environment that is evolving programmatic work and partnerships.Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects and teams, strong project management and staff supervision skills.Strong communication skills, including presenting to and facilitating various-sized groups with a broad spectrum of perspectives and entry points.Ability to work well independently and as a member of a project team while prioritizing multiple objectives to meet project deadlines.Ability to collaborate effectively in a in a virtual/dispersed work environment.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.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of 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.
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 - $220,000. 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.
Please note, each section of the application is required in order for you to be considered for this opportunity. If you do not complete the required screening questions, or if you close your browser before completing each section of the application, your application will not be submitted for this position.American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
American Institutes for Research’s commitment to Diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations and work environment. Diversity is valued and Inclusion is reflected in all efforts to recruit, develop, and engage the diverse staff needed to accomplish our mission.
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.org or call 202.403.5000. Options Submit an interest applicationApplyShareRefer this job to a friendRefer Sorry the Share function is not working properly at this moment. Please refresh the page and try again later. Share on your newsfeed Please note, each section of the application is required in order for you to be considered for this opportunity. If you do not complete the required screening questions, or if you close your browser before completing each section of the application, your application will not be submitted for this position. American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. American Institutes for Research’s commitment to Diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations and work environment. Diversity is valued and Inclusion is reflected in all efforts to recruit, develop, and engage the diverse staff needed to accomplish our mission. 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.org or call 202.403.5000.