American Institutes for Research (AIR)

Managing Director, CALDER

Education, Government & Non-Profit
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in economics, education, sociology, psychology, or relevant field with 15+ years in research and evaluation management.
  • Nationally recognized expertise in education policy, supported by publications and community service.
  • Active media consultant and commentator on education policy matters.
  • In-depth knowledge of K-12 education policy and relevant methodologies.
  • Proven success in securing competitive grants from various funding sources.

Responsibilities

  • Set strategic direction for CALDER to influence K-12 education policy.
  • Lead business development, including grant proposal creation and relationship management.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with policymakers at national and state levels.
  • Enhance visibility of CALDER's work through media outreach.
  • Design and manage large research projects with substantial teams.
  • Mentor staff to improve their research leadership skills.
  • Ensure quality and rigor of research deliverables.
  • Collaborate across AIR to unify quality and pursue cross-disciplinary initiatives.

Benefits

  • Work remotely within the U.S. or from other U.S. office locations.
  • Access to a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.
Full Job Description
AIR is currently seeking a Managing Director to lead its Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER). The Managing Director will join AIR's 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 CALDER's 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 AIR's 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.
Responsibilities:
  • 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
Qualifications:

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 AIR's 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.

#LI-AS1 #LI-REMOTE

AIR's Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. 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.

Anticipated Annual Salary Range

$189,000-$230,000 USD

About American Institutes for Research (AIR)

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan behavioral and social science research, evaluation, assessment, and technical assistance organization based in Washington, D.C. AIR was established in 1946 as a behavioral and social science research organization. AIR's mission is to conduct and apply the best behavioral and social science research and evaluation towards improving people's lives, with a special emphasis on the disadvantaged. AIR has more than 2,000 employees and offices across the United States and abroad.
Learn more about American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1946

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