Senior Communications Specialist, Human and Community Development

AIR is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to join the Human and Community Development program to lead project teams dedicated to effectively communicating messages that promote healthy, thriving communities. The Senior Communications Specialist will oversee public health communications projects and tasks in collaboration with clients including federal, state, and local government agencies. This role is delivery-focused, translating public health and scientific information into clear, accurate, and accessible communications products. Projects will span communications planning, implementation and evaluation as well as the provision of communications technical assistance to clients and the field.

The Senior Communications Specialist will join AIR’s Human and Community Development Program, which generates evidence-informed solutions and fosters cross-sector collaboration in justice, child and youth development, family well-being, and community health to facilitate safe, healthy, informed, and thriving communities and improve the systems that serve them.

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.

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:

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans that align with client goals and AIR’s mission. 
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of high-quality content across digital platforms, publications, and media outlets. 
• Guide messaging strategy and editorial direction for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. 
• Manage cross-functional teams and workflows to ensure timely delivery of communications products. 
• Conduct audience research and apply insights to optimize engagement and accessibility. 
• Analyze performance metrics across channels (e.g., social media, web, email) and use data to refine strategies. 
• Serve as a senior advisor to clients and internal teams on communications best practices, branding, and outreach. 
• Lead proposal development efforts related to communications strategy, budgeting, and staffing. 
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and AIR’s style and brand guidelines. 
• Mentor junior communications staff and contribute to professional development initiatives. 

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field, with 8+ years of experience in strategic communications. 
• Master’s degree preferred, but not required. 
• Proven experience managing communications for external clients and leading multi-channel campaigns. 
• Experience in a shared services or consulting environment is preferred, but not required.

Skills

• Advanced project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination. 
• Excellent time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects involving numerous changes simultaneously. 
• Exceptional writing and editing skills across technical, creative, and promotional formats. 
• Expertise in social media strategy, analytics, and platform management. 
• Proficiency in tools such as Google Analytics, Drupal, and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite). 
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement abilities. 
• Experience with business development strategy and proposal development.

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.

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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$115,000—$140,000 USD