Senior Researcher – Digital Learning, K-12 Education

Overview

AIR is seeking a Senior Researcher in K–12 digital and personalized learning to join our Educators and Instruction (E&I) team. This role will be a key member of our team to grow and shape AIR’s applied work nationally, with an emphasis in research and evaluation studies and R&D projects. We seek a creative colleague committed to making a difference in education and who will thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, working as part of a team with evolving needs.

Candidates hired for the position may 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.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead and contribute to research and evaluation studies and research and development projects related to K–12 digital teaching and learning, technology-enabled personalized learning, and/or educational technology programs and interventions.
• Apply methods and approaches for generating and using evidence to improve digital teaching and learning practices and products, including culturally inclusive and equitable approaches.
• Lead project teams and project tasks.
• Design and conduct quantitative and/or qualitative analyses and tasks.
• Supervise and mentor research associates and researchers in projects and other activities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and thought partner for clients, partners, and AIR project teams.
• Lead and contribute to proposals to grow new work with federal, state and local agencies; educational technology providers; education organizations; and foundations.
• Cultivate and maintain external professional relationships and networks with clients and communities served by AIR.
• Write and produce high-quality products and useful resources for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support the implementation and integration of AIR’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and competencies in business activities and services.
• Manage and support quality assurance and risk mitigation in project activities. 

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD with a minimum of 3 years of experience OR a Master’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of experience in the field of K-12 education.
• Track record providing technical leadership or scholarship in research or R&D in digital teaching and learning, personalized learning, and/or educational technology programs and interventions in K –12 education.
• Established networks in the field (federal, state, local, foundation) with a willingness to draw on, cultivate, and expand relationships on behalf of AIR.
• Demonstrated success conceptualizing and writing winning proposals.
• Experience in a research institution, education agency, non-profit, or education technology provider.
• Experience leading projects and initiatives with evidence of outcomes, ideally in high need areas in education. 

 Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct research projects that apply best practices in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
• Demonstrated ability to develop rapport with and lead mission-driven teams with both internal (staff) members and external parties (subcontractor and consultant).
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a project team while prioritizing multiple objectives to meet project deadlines. 

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.

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$118,000 – $145,000