Senior Researcher, School And District Leadership

Join AIR as a Senior Researcher in educational leadership with AIR's Educators and Instruction (E&I) team of researchers and practitioners as we work to achieve solutions to complex policy and practice problems. Our team identifies and supports effective approaches to help educators thrive and improve outcomes for all students and learners. We are driven by our mission to generate and use rigorous evidence that contributes to a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s E&I program area is seeking a Senior Researcher with expertise in educational leadership in U.S. K-12 education. The Senior Researcher will have experience and expertise in the areas of school or district leadership; teacher leadership; leadership practices; educator mentoring and induction; and/or improving working conditions and retention for educators. The Senior Researcher will lead and contribute to research, evaluation, and technical assistance projects and business development activities, including a focus on building and expanding opportunities and eminence for AIR in areas of educational leadership.

• Lead and contribute to proposals including in response to requests or for grant competitions from federal agencies, state and local agencies, foundations, education organizations, and other funders and clients.
• Provide methodological expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, particularly for studying program implementation, outcomes, and improvement.
• Serve as internal and external subject matter expert and thought partner in areas of educational leadership, including emphases in equity and evidence-based practices and programs.
• Effectively communicate with clients, AIR staff, and other audiences and represent AIR in a professional manner.
• Contribute substantively, thoughtfully, and creatively to the conceptualization and design of education studies.
• Work with diverse education clients and partners thoughtfully and strategically to develop useful evidence and support, improved outcomes for education leaders, teachers, and students.
• Promote AIR’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in all research and business activities
• Manage and lead projects and tasks, including associated teams and budgets.
• Maintain excellent external relationships, serve as a primary client contact, and actively pursue business development through professional relationships, partnership development, and by staying abreast of the direction of the field.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and journal articles and present findings to clients and the public in ways that are clear, concise, thoughtful, and contribute substantively to the field.
• Mentor and provide direction and guidance to researchers, research associates, and other team members.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a social science, education, or other related field or Master's degree with a minimum of 7 years of research experience
• Experience working or collaborating with funders in research activities
• Experience managing and leading research-focused projects and tasks including managing for quality, timeliness, and on-budget execution
• Expertise in research design/methods and experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting quantitative and/or qualitative data
• Experience working in K-12 education settings
• Experience effectively leading and mentoring diverse teams of researchers
• Experience producing reports, products, and other content for education and research audiences
• Experience working with educators and partners, in disadvantaged schools and communities
• Subject matter experience and interests in research focused on K-12 school and district leadership development, effectiveness, or related areas
• Expertise and interest in bridging research and practice and/or knowledge use
• Track record of contributing to successful proposal and business development efforts, including experience leading grant and/or contract proposals

Skills:

• Ability to produce concise, high-level summaries and briefings accessible to broad audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
• Passion for bringing rigorous evidence to bear on education policy, practice, and decision-making
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity in interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and study participants
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a project team while prioritizing multiple objectives to meet project deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing

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 $118,000 - $140,000. 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.