Research Associate, Education Systems (Illinois)

Overview

Join AIR as a Research Associate with AIR’s Education Systems team and be involved in our longstanding legacy of providing rigorous, impartial evidence-based research and resources on pressing and perennial education issues. Our Education Systems team studies and supports organizations and infrastructure at the local, state, and national levels focusing on the people who operate PK-12 education systems to improve the organization of schooling and advance the organizations within those systems. 

Our Education Systems team is driven by our mission to make the world a better, more equitable place through education.

AIR has been contracted by Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to provide research and technical assistance focused on the implementation of school-level needs assessments in select K-12 schools across the state. These needs assessments will inform their School Improvement Plans, including developing SMART performance goals, and selecting approved learning partners matched to school-level needs. AIR’s role will be to develop the process, implement data collection activities, analyze and report findings to the schools, and provide summarized findings to the schools. 

AIR is seeking Research Associates with interest and passion for school improvement to join AIR’s IL Needs Assessment Project as Site Team Members. This position will contribute to implementation of school level needs assessments in select K-12 schools across the state. This role will travel to schools to conduct data collection in the form of classroom observations, interviews, and focus groups. Using the data collected, staff will analyze data and deliver a meaningful and customized presentation of the findings to inform initial school improvement efforts.

Ideally these Research Associates will reside in Illinois and will have the option to work remote or telework from AIR's Chicago office.

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:

• Travel to local K-12 schools across Illinois to conduct classroom observations, interviews, and focus groups, using structured tools and protocols.• Participate in the collection, analysis, and review of research and evaluation data.• Analyze quantitative and qualitative research data and contribute to the reporting and interpretation of findings• Develop or maintain spreadsheets and databases to support project activities.• Conduct literature reviews to support projects and proposals.• Assist staff in the review, identification and development of scholarly information describing research findings.• Navigate school sites in a professional manner, use discretion when necessary, and remain cognizant of minimizing disruption to students and teachers whenever possible.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years related experience or Master’s degree in a social science or related substantive area.• Experience with and/or knowledge of data collection and analysis methodologies and techniques, such as survey design, and conducting structured interviews, observations, and focus groups.• CLASS Observation certified, or willing to get certified for this work.• Experienced in managing tasks and assignments of increased scope and complexity.

• Experience with or inclination to learn and use software programs such as NVivo, R or Stata to analyze data - a plus but not required.

Skills:

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data collection and when writing reports• Effective communicator• Excellent organization and time management skills • Comfortable working independently and as a member of a team with individual at all levels and from diverse backgrounds• Effective communication skills with the ability to work with others efficiently in a virtual work environment.• Proficiencies with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel• Comfortable navigating K-12 school environments for data collection purposes

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 rigorous 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 $32.00 per hour. 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.

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Salary : $32