AIR is seeking a Senior Researcher to join our Youth, Family & Community Development (YFCD) Program Area within AIR’s Human Services Division.
The Senior Researcher will contribute to YFCD work in two primary areas:
Advancing Justice. AIR’s work in justice systems is committed to transformative change that dismantles structural disparities. Our work spans the justice continuum—from prevention to intervention and reentry—and embeds community-based, restorative, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive approaches. We aim to address root causes of harm and trauma and promote safety, dignity, and thriving.Youth Development. AIR’s work in youth development focuses on policies, programs, and initiatives that are designed to support youth development, including with families and in communities. This diverse body of work includes projects and pursuits related to out-of-school time, youth voice and leadership, and informal learning.In support of this work, the selected candidate will apply a strengths-based, equity-focused perspective to work aimed at building evidence on equitable pathways to thriving for youth, adults, families, and communities.
This position has the flexibilty to 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.
ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities for the position include:
Manage day-to-day project operations in principal investigator, project director, and/or task lead roles.Provide intellectual leadership on study and evaluation design and implementation to ensure projects meet client needs and contribute to the field.Manage collaborative project teams preparing timelines, coordinating staff on task assignments, and overseeing products to ensure they are completed on time, on budget, and with quality.Lead business pursuit efforts and build field relationships in area of expertise. Use content knowledge and experience to design and execute relevant and responsive projects for the field.Develop study designs, including appropriate research questions and aligned methods and analytic plans.Lead and contribute to research proposals for federal, state, foundation, and other clients.Develop and implement creative solutions to practical challenges in applied research and measurement.Lead the collection and analyses of dataOversee the design and planning of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection instruments including interview protocols, focus group protocols, and surveys.Oversee field-based data collection activities including interviews, structured observations, focus groups, and document review.Lead and/or oversee data analyses of survey, interview, observation, and/or extant data using the appropriate analysis tools.Communicate study progress and findingsWrite reports, including briefs, charts, and graphs that describe and interpret findings of analyses for clients.Clearly communicate with clients and represent AIR in a professional manner.Communicate effectively, orally or in writing, with clients, site-based staff, and other stakeholders.Maintain positive and collaborative relationshipsManage client and stakeholder relationships in ways that are respectful and demonstrate knowledge of the field and policy landscape.Contribute substantively, thoughtfully, and creatively to project teams.Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence and sensitivity in all interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and project participants. QualificationsEducation, Knowledge, and Experience:
PhD in related subject area (e.g., Child/Youth/Human Development, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Education Policy, Public Policy, other social science related fields), or related field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experienceExperience at contract research and/or evaluation organization(s)Expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative methodologiesExperience building and maintaining client and partner relationshipsExperience with leading business pursuit (e.g., grant and proposal writingExperience managing project and/or task teams on research and evaluation projectsSkills:
Ability to take big ideas and develop work plans and timelinesEffective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment with individuals at all levels and from diverse background
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 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 $118,000-$145,000. 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:
AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to recruitment@air.org.
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.
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.