Senior Researcher, Education Systems & Policy (Part-Time)

Company: American Institutes for Research
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

AIR’s Education Systems and Policy program is seeking a Part-Time Senior Researcher to support project teams dedicated to meeting clients’ needs for strengthening accountability systems and supports for underperforming districts and schools in K–12 education. The Researcher will lead and manage projects providing analytic and capacity-building services to state and local education agencies, with a special emphasis on designing, implementing, and evaluating accountability policies and statewide systems of support. This role involves conducting policy scans, interviewing policymakers, developing case studies, analyzing extant data, writing briefs and reports suitable for a policy audience, and presenting findings to state and district administrators. In this role, the Senior Researcher exercises independent judgment, supports project leadership, and serves as a subject?matter resource for project teams and clients. Engagements are typically project-based, part-time, and may vary in duration and hours depending on project needs. This position can be located remote from anywhere in the U.S. but requires availability to participate in meetings across all U.S. time zones. 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: The responsibilities for the position include: Lead the design and execution of rigorous policy analysis projects and support project leadership across work of increased scope and complexity. Provide high-level expertise on evidence-based strategies related to accountability (school designations, measures, state ESSA plans, waivers, local supports). Assume primary responsibility for writing reports and presentations that describe and interpret findings for clients, partners, and stakeholders, with a focus on accountability and school improvement. Design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methods to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data, maintaining AIR’s quality standards. Translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for client reports, technical memos, and presentations. Manage projects or major workstreams of increased scope and complexity, including planning timelines, overseeing deliverables, and managing project-level client relationships. Engage with stakeholders and partners through meetings, briefings, and dissemination activities. Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive work environment by providing guidance and feedback to team members and supporting high-quality project outcomes. Qualifications: Education, Knowledge, and Experience PhD in related subject area (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Public Policy, or related field) with 3 years of relevant experience or Master’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience . Experience managing project and/or task teams on research and evaluation projects . Experience working on research or evaluation projects for federal, state, or local agencies or other public or nonprofit entities . Understanding of federal accountability requirements and relationship to state accountability systems, rationale for specific indicators and measures, accountability reporting and data use at the local level, and supports for identified schools(s) . Expertise in school improvement research, continuous improvement frameworks, effective school-level practices, and prior experience conducting related evaluations or research . Strong understanding of state extant and policy data sources; experience collecting and analyzing state policies . Demonstrated experience with research design, data analysis, and reporting . Experience with data collection activities from the field using a variety of methodologies and data collection techniques such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and/or survey research . Skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in at least one statistical or qualitative analysis tool (e.g., R, Stata, Python, NVivo, Dedoose). Excellent communication skills, with an ability to convey complex information, and collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment. Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment. Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams, SharePoint). Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data analysis and report writing. Excellent organizational 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. 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 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 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.orgor 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 torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.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 $60 - $80 USD

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