Managing Director, CALDER

AIR is currently seeking a Managing Director to lead itsCenter for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER). The Managing Director will join AIRs Learning Supports team and contribute to our longstanding legacy of providing rigorous impartial evidence-based research and resources that inform policy decisions on pressing and perennial education issues. As Director of CALDER the Managing Director will continue to build CALDERs influence as a trusted voice in important K-12 policy debates. This includes: building and sustaining partnerships with policymakers and national experts to generate and disseminate evidence on topics of timely importance; setting and overseeing standards for methodological excellence; and communicating with the media and other external parties about the latest evidence that addresses urgent challenges in the field. The role will help expand AIRs impact in applying the most rigorous methods to generate evidence that improves K-12 education policy and practice.

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.

Established in 1946 with headquarters in Arlington Virginia 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-drive solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. CALDER amplifies AIRs impact by working directly with policymakers to generate objective evidence-based insights. With data-sharing agreements in over 10 states CALDER leverages statewide longitudinal data systems to develop systematic quantitative evidence that informs policymakers in making decisions that impact student learning and success.

• Set and oversee the strategic direction of CALDER as a leading voice in using data to drive K12 education policy decisions
• Lead efforts to develop new business including grant proposals and relationship-building with funders
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with clients and potential clients who serve as policymakers at the national and state levels
• Build eminence for the work of CALDER and AIR by maintaining visibility of the work in the media
• Design and carry out large research projects including managing large teams to carry out those projects
• Mentor and provide feedback to staff to support growth in their ability to design and lead research projects
• Oversee the quality and technical rigor of deliverables and products
• Represent portfolio of work to internal and external audiences
• Collaborate with other AIR and LS leaders to ensure consistency in quality of work identify and pursue cross-disciplinary opportunities and expand organizational impact

Education Knowledge and Experience

• PhD in in economics education sociology psychology or a relevant field with a minimum of 15 years managing and conducting research evaluations and related work
• National reputation for research and evaluation expertise in education policy as evidenced through publications presentations and service to the larger community
• Frequent consultant and commentator in the media about education policy and evidence
• Demonstrated knowledge of K-12 education policy
• Experience overseeing research studies that use a range of methodologies including those that answer high leverage questions for policy makers and educators.
• Strong partnerships with and extensive networks of leaders in education research policy and practice
• Track record of winning competitive contracts/grants from funders (e.g. federal state and local government; foundations)
• Strong leadership organizational and interpersonal skills at a senior/managerial level
• Proven ability to develop staff capacity in research design methods and measurement; project management; client and partner relationships and business development
• Commitment to AIRs mission to generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and with a broad range of experience and knowledge
• Ability to produce concise high-level summaries and briefings
• Ability to translate research methods and findings for a non-technical audience
• Ability to build portfolio of research and/or policy projects
• Demonstrated proficiencies in writing conceptualizing analyzing and consulting

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 basisof any characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law including but not limited to actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture hair type and protective hairstyles such as braid locks and twists) creed color religion alienage or national origin ancestry citizenship status age physical or mental disability medical condition (e.g. cancer) sex gender gender identity or expression (including transgender status) sexual orientation marital status civil union status pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions genetic information or military or veteran status. 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 ator call 202.403.5000.

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