Senior Process Optimization Specialist

AIR is seeking a strategic and action-oriented Senior Process Optimization Specialist to champion design efforts and operational excellence initiatives that support enterprise-wide process optimization. Reporting to the Director of Process Optimization this role will apply human-centered and design thinking efforts to reimagine workflows improve operational efficiency and enhance user experience across the organization. The role also plays a critical role in leading change management efforts to ensure successful adoption and sustainability of new processes and solutions.

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

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. Mission-focused and evidence-driven AIR applies rigorous research and technical expertise to close gaps in opportunity and access improving lives across communities and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and Execute Optimization Strategy: As a key member of the process optimization team shape and design strategies that drive process optimization efforts that align with organizational goals and translate into actionable outcomes.
• Identify and Prioritize Opportunities: Use data stakeholder input and service design tools to identify high-impact areas for optimization.
• Lead Design Thinking Sprints: Use human-centered design thinking methods to uncover user needs generate insights and guide cross-functional teams in co-creating solutions that improve user experience and operational outcomes.
• Lead Prototyping and User Testing Initiatives: Build high-fidelity prototypes to visualize and refine process optimization strategies. Facilitate user testing sessions to validate solutions gather feedback and ensure alignment with user needs and organizational goals.
• Drive Change Management: Develop and implement change management strategies to support adoption of new processes including stakeholder engagement communications training and feedback loops.
• Measure and Communicate Impact: Track design outcomes and communicate value to stakeholders and leadership.

Qualifications

Education Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelors Degree and 9 years of experience; Masters Degree and 7 years of experience; Doctoral Degree and 3 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational improvement design thinking and change management initiatives in complex organizations.
• Background in research technical assistance or mission-driven organizations.
• Track record of translating abstract concepts into tangible tools and processes.

Skills:

• Expertise in design thinking service design or human-centered design.
• Strong facilitation storytelling and communication skills.
• Proven change and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of other common process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean Agile).
• Proficiency with design and project management tools such as Miro Figma Airtable or similar.
• Familiarity with behavioral insights and their application in process design and change management.

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.

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