Research Associate, Education Systems & Policy

Join AIR as a  Research Associate and use your research, evaluation, and collaboration skills to help advance our mission of generating evidence and applying data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. In this role, you will contribute to research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects by collecting and analyzing data, synthesizing findings, developing reports and deliverables, supporting business development efforts, and helping project teams manage timelines and priorities.

This position will support a portfolio of evaluation and research projects focused on strengthening outcomes for students, families, and communities through meaningful engagement, community partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration. Much of this work examines how programs and initiatives are implemented, the conditions that support their success, and how evaluation findings can be used to drive continuous improvement. The Research Associate will have the opportunity to work closely with practitioners, policymakers, and community stakeholders, contributing to projects that inform decision-making and help create more effective and equitable systems of support.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s  U.S. office locations . This does not include U.S. territories.

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.

Responsibilities:

Prepare and assist with primary source data collection through interviews, focus groups, and surveys; organize materials; and contribute to content development.

Participate in the collection and review of research and evaluation data.

Assist in the compilation of quantitative datasets and the development of data sharing agreements.

Analyze quantitative and qualitative research data and contribute to the reporting and interpretation of findings.

Assist project teams in compiling and synthesizing information (e.g., conducting literature reviews and policy scans).

Prepare documents, portions of reports, briefs, charts, and graphs that describe and interpret findings of analyses.

Support proposal writing and business development activities.

Support project management tasks, including developing project timelines, coordinating meetings, and tracking project progress.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of experience, or a Master’s degree in the social sciences or related fields.

Experience conducting quantitative and/or qualitative data collection.

Experience using qualitative or quantitative data analysis software programs, including, but not limited to, STATA, R, NVivo, or similar software.

Skills

Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data collection and report writing.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment.

Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Flexibility/adaptability, including an ability to work in dynamic environments and think strategically.

Experience conducting quantitative and/or qualitative data collection.

Experience using qualitative or quantitative data analysis software programs, including, but not limited to, STATA, R, NVivo, or similar software.

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 any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status.  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.org  or call 202.403.5000.

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 atftc.gov/scams.

AIR’s Total Rewards Program , is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. 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.

Anticipated Hourly Rate Range $33 — $40 USD