Senior Researcher - Youth, Family, Community Development

AIR is seeking a Senior Researcher to join our Youth, Family & Community Development (YFCD) Program Area within AIR's Human Services Division.

The Senior Researcher will contribute to YFCD work in two primary areas:

Advancing Justice. AIR's work in justice systems is committed to transformative change that dismantles structural disparities. Our work spans the justice continuum-from prevention to intervention and reentry-and embeds community-based, restorative, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive approaches. We aim to address root causes of harm and trauma and promote safety, dignity, and thriving.
• Youth Development. AIR's work in youth development focuses on policies, programs, and initiatives that are designed to support youth development, including with families and in communities. This diverse body of work includes projects and pursuits related to out-of-school time, youth voice and leadership, and informal learning.

In support of this work, the selected candidate will apply a strengths-based, equity-focused perspective to work aimed at building evidence on equitable pathways to thriving for youth, adults, families, and communities.

This position has the flexibilty to 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.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Manage day-to-day project operations in principal investigator, project director, and/or task lead roles.
  • Provide intellectual leadership on study and evaluation design and implementation to ensure projects meet client needs and contribute to the field.
  • Manage collaborative project teams preparing timelines, coordinating staff on task assignments, and overseeing products to ensure they are completed on time, on budget, and with quality.
• Lead business pursuit efforts and build field relationships in area of expertise.
  • Use content knowledge and experience to design and execute relevant and responsive projects for the field.
  • Develop study designs, including appropriate research questions and aligned methods and analytic plans.
  • Lead and contribute to research proposals for federal, state, foundation, and other clients.
  • Develop and implement creative solutions to practical challenges in applied research and measurement.
• Lead the collection and analyses of data
  • Oversee the design and planning of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection instruments including interview protocols, focus group protocols, and surveys.
  • Oversee field-based data collection activities including interviews, structured observations, focus groups, and document review.
  • Lead and/or oversee data analyses of survey, interview, observation, and/or extant data using the appropriate analysis tools.
• Communicate study progress and findings
  • Write reports, including briefs, charts, and graphs that describe and interpret findings of analyses for clients.
  • Clearly communicate with clients and represent AIR in a professional manner.
  • Communicate effectively, orally or in writing, with clients, site-based staff, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain positive and collaborative relationships
  • Manage client and stakeholder relationships in ways that are respectful and demonstrate knowledge of the field and policy landscape.
  • Contribute substantively, thoughtfully, and creatively to project teams.
  • Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence and sensitivity in all interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and project participants.

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD in related subject area (e.g., Child/Youth/Human Development, Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Education Policy, Public Policy, other social science related fields), or related field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience or Master's degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience
• Experience at contract research and/or evaluation organization(s)
• Expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies
• Experience building and maintaining client and partner relationships
• Experience with leading business pursuit (e.g., grant and proposal writing
• Experience managing project and/or task teams on research and evaluation projects

Skills:

• Ability to take big ideas and develop work plans and timelines
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment with individuals at all levels and from diverse background

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:

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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.