Research Associate, Employment & Economic Opportunity Program

AIRsEmployment & Economic Opportunity Program is seekingaResearch Associateto improve pathways from education-to-economic opportunity for all by applying operational research and coordination support to mixedmethods research and evaluation studies. Topics of inquiry range from workforce development systems and institutions supporting youth and adult learners career pathways and employment programs across federally state and foundationfunded projects.

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.

Responsibilities:

• Assist project teams in compiling and synthesizing information (e.g. conducting literature reviews and policy scans).
• Prepare and assist with primary source data collection through interviews focus groups and surveys; organize materials; and contribute to content development.
• Participate in the collection and review of research and evaluation data.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative research data and contribute to the reporting and interpretation of findings.
• Prepare documents portions of reports briefs charts and graphs that describe and interpret findings of analyses.
• Support proposal writing and business development activities.
• Support project management tasks including developing project timelines coordinating meetings and tracking project progress.

Qualifications:

Education Knowledge and Experience

• BachelorsDegree and 3 years of experience or Masters Degree in Social Sciences(Public Policy Sociology Economics Education Psychology etc.).
• Familiarity with higher education and/or workforce development systems policies or programs (e.g. postsecondary access and success career and technical education adult education workforce training employment programs).
• Experienceconducting qualitative and/or quantitative data collection includingsurvey design administrative data collection interviews observationsand focus groups.
• Experiencewith qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis software programsincluding STATA R NVIVO or similar software.
• Demonstratedcontent knowledge in workforce development public benefits career and technical education or related topics.
• Prior work on federal or foundationfunded research or evaluation projectsin education or workforce policy.
• Experience conducting site visits or stakeholder engagement with education or workforce organizations.

Skills

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data collection and report writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellentorganization and time management skills.
• Strong writing and communication skills with the ability to synthesize research findings clearly for diverse audiences.
• Proficiencywith the Microsoft Office Suite or the equivalent (word processingspreadsheets presentation software).
• Research and analysis skills using AI enabled tools including applying responsible use principles for tool deployment and assessment of AI generated outputs for accuracy and relevance.

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 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 @ domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address for example is correct and is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received please reach out If you see a job scam or lose money to one report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) . You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams #LI-REMOTE