Technical Assistance Consultant, Education Systems & Policy (Part-Time)

AIR’s Education Systems and Policy program area is seeking a Part-Time Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant. The TA Consultant will support project teams dedicated to meeting clients’ needs for improving educational outcomes across a range of topics. The TA Consultant will provide technical assistance and capacity-building services to state and local education agencies, focusing on evidence-based solutions in areas such as school improvement, literacy, math, assessment, special education, career pathways, rural education, and more. This role involves developing resources, training, and guidance to strengthen education systems at the school, district, and state levels.  

Engagements are typically project-based, part-time, and may vary in duration and hours depending on project needs.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations but requires availability to participate in meetings across all continental U.S. time zones. 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. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

• Develop training materials, implementation measures, and protocols for monitoring and supporting education initiatives across various topics.
• Deliver professional development, coaching, and technical assistance to educators, administrators, and leaders in various education settings. 
• Provide expertise in one or more education-related areas (e.g., school improvement, school finance, rural education, curriculum, assessment, indigenous education, special education, CTE). 
• Support research activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting. 
• Contribute to reports and presentations that describe and interpret findings for clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Build capacity in education systems through collaboration with schools, districts, and education organizations. 
• Collaborate on project teams and manage/lead projects or tasks as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

Education, Knowledge, and Experience  

• Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of experience in education, youth development, out-of-school time or other related fields. 
• Previous professional experience working at or with a state education agency (SEA), with demonstrated understanding of state-level education policy and operations.
• Experience as a school and/or district-level administrator is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more education-related topic (e.g., school improvement, school finance, rural education, curriculum, assessment, indigenous education, special education, CTE).
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for education improvement and educator professional development.
• Experience providing direct training and coaching support to educators, instructional coaches or leaders.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting in policy contexts.
• Strong knowledge of federal education programs and state-level policy contexts.
• Collaborate on project teams and manage/lead projects or tasks as assigned.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with stakeholders at various levels and from a range of backgrounds.  
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize complex legislative and litigation information. High attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality. 
• Ability to lead and collaborate effectively in both in-person and virtual environments. 
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment. 
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and nationally. 
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time 

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 tboone@air.orgor 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 “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.

 

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 Hourly Rate Range$46—$61 USD