Research Assistant, Education Systems (Waltham, Ma)

Overview
Join AIR as a Research Assistant with AIR’s Education Systems team and be involved in our longstanding legacy of providing rigorous, impartial evidence-based research and resources on pressing and perennial education issues. Our Education Systems team studies and supports organizations and infrastructure at the local, state, and national levels focusing on the people who operate PK-12 education systems to improve the organization of schooling and advance the organizations within those systems.
The Research Assistants will contribute to school-level progress monitoring visits in schools across Massachusetts, including conducting classroom observations, interviews, and focus groups; analyzing qualitative and quantitative data; and writing reports shared with schools, districts, and the state.
Our Education Systems team is driven by our mission to make the world a better, more equitable place through education.
These positions will primarily be located out of AIR’s Waltham, MA office and have the option to telework two days a week.
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:

• Travel to local K-12 schools across Massachusetts to conduct classroom observations, interviews, and focus groups
• Develop spreadsheets and data bases to support project activities
• Support communication with school and district leaders
• Assist staff in the review, identification and development of scholarly information describing research findings
• Provide new business and proposal development support by engaging in such tasks as researching funding opportunities, conducting literature reviews, writing proposal sections, etc.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative research data and contribute to the reporting and interpretation of findings

Qualifications
Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Experience with and/or knowledge of data collection and analysis methodologies and techniques, such as survey design, and conducting structured interviews, observations, and focus groups
• Experience with or inclination to learn and use software programs such as NVivo, R or Stata to analyze data - a plus but not required
• Bachelor's degree in education or social science related fields such as psychology, sociology, public policy, or other social science related fields

Skills

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite or the equivalent (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software)
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing
• Effective communicator
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Comfortable working independently and as a member of a team with individual at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent organization and time management skills

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 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 $50,000. 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.