Research Associate, Employment & Economic Opportunity Program

AIR’s Employment & Economic Opportunity Program is seeking a Research Associate to improve pathways from education-to-economic opportunity for all, by applying operational, research, and coordination support to mixed‑methods research and evaluation studies. Topics of inquiry range from workforce development, systems and institutions supporting youth and adult learners, career pathways, and employment programs, across federally, state and foundation‑funded projects.

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. Mission-focused and evidence-driven, AIR applies rigorous research and technical expertise to close gaps in opportunity and access, improving lives across communities and systems.

Responsibilities:

• Assist project teams in compiling and synthesizing information (e.g., conducting literature reviews and policy scans). 
• Prepare and assist with primary source data collection through interviews, focus groups, and surveys; organize materials; and contribute to content development. 
• Participate in the collection and review of research and evaluation data. 
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative research data and contribute to the reporting and interpretation of findings. 
• Prepare documents, portions of reports, briefs, charts, and graphs that describe and interpret findings of analyses. 
• Support proposal writing and business development activities. 
• Support project management tasks, including developing project timelines, coordinating meetings, and tracking project progress. 

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of experience or Master’s Degree in Social Sciences (Public Policy, Sociology, Economics, Education, Psychology, etc.).
• Familiarity with higher education and/or workforce development systems, policies, or programs (e.g., postsecondary access and success, career and technical education, adult education, workforce training, employment programs).
• Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative data collection, including survey design, administrative data collection, interviews, observations, and focus groups.
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis software programs including STATA, R, NVIVO, or similar software.
• Demonstrated content knowledge in workforce development, public benefits, career and technical education, or related topics.
• Prior work on federal or foundation‑funded research or evaluation projects in education or workforce policy.
• Experience conducting site visits or stakeholder engagement with education or workforce organizations.

Skills

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data collection and report writing. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize research findings clearly for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite or the equivalent (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software).
• Research and analysis skills using AI enabled tools, including applying responsible use principles for tool deployment and assessment of AI generated outputs for accuracy and relevance.

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 Hourly Rate Range$33—$40 USD