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Form of workAIR is currently seeking a Principal Quantitative Researcher for our Workforce Development program area within AIR's Human Services Division to lead cutting-edge research and contribute to business development efforts.
As the Principal Quantitative Researcher, you will have the opportunity to work on rigorous experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive studies across a variety of topics, including workforce policy and programs, job training and employment efforts for underserved populations, and improving equitable opportunity and economic outcomes for disadvantaged populations and communities. You will partner with our technical assistance colleagues to advance adoption of evidence at Federal, state and local levels. You will partner with program area leaders to advance strategic positioning, business development, policy/program influence, and thought leadership strategies, identify strategic opportunities for growth, lead capture and proposal development, and contribute to eminence building activities. You will also have the opportunity to mentor junior researchers and research analysts to strengthen and build our team and talent pipeline.
We seek dynamic leaders who will thrive in a fast-paced yet collegial environment, working as part of a growing team with ambitious aspirations and evolving needs. Join us in our mission to improve equitable opportunity and economic outcomes for disadvantaged populations and communities.
Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations.
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.
ResponsibilitiesThe Principal Researcher will work as part of research and proposal teams on several projects with the following responsibilities:
- Manage or lead projects and tasks, including associated teams and budgets
- Help lead client relations externally and manage internal teams
- Develop conceptual frameworks and designs for rigorous experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive studies
- Plan and oversee any human subjects research design protocols and necessary approvals, including providing technical inputs for participant consent, data collection form development, and applications for IRB/PRA as needed.
- Manage and analyze large-scale data files for research, including data sets common for employment, unemployment insurance, disability, and other labor research
- Apply appropriate quantitative techniques to collect and analyze data
- Organize and document analytic results and research procedures
- Prepare technical reports and journal articles, as well as practitioner friendly products
- Present findings to clients, professional associations and the public in intuitive and actionable ways
- Identify strategic opportunities for growth
- Lead capture, proposal, business, and partnership development
- Write and review research proposals for Federal, state, foundation, and other clients
- Contribute to eminence building activities
- Advise on, review, and provide feedback on staff work
- Serve as a quality assurance reviewer and methods subject matter expert
- Help leadership identify talent needs and assist with hiring and professional development
- Develop a supportive team culture within and across projects that values the contributions of staff at all levels
- Training and work experience:
- Advanced degree in economics, public policy, or related fields with at least 7 years of research, data analysis, and project management experience, or Masters degree with at least 11 years of experience in the above areas.
- Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in leadership positions on research and evaluation projects.
- Experience working at a research consulting firm a plus, as is a track record of success in entrepreneurial atmospheres within growing program areas.
- Technical expertise:
- Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience in experimental, quasi-experimental, and mixed methods research, econometrics and/or applied statistics, including experience working with complex data sets and using advanced quantitative methods for program evaluation and analysis.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Expertise in machine learning, Bayesian methods, and/or other advanced data analytics is a plus. Expertise in R or Python - a plus but not required.
- Content expertise:
- Expertise in Workforce Development topics and issues, including, unemployment insurance and reemployment programs, dislocated worker supports, apprenticeship, youth Workforce Development, and/or sector strategies, and demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to real-world policy and programmatic decision-making.
- Client relationship skills:
- Proven track record in Federal client and partner management and engaging agencies with diverse levels of technical expertise, including experience working with the U.S. Departments of Labor and/or Health and Human Services.
- Experience working with foundations focused on Workforce Development topics and issues - preferred but not required.
- Business development skills:
- Proven track record in developing proposals for labor clients.
- Successful track record of business development with federal clients - a plus but not required.
- Communication skills:
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical research findings and policy implications to policymakers and practitioners, including excellencommunication skills.
- Experience producing short, easy to read products for lay audiences on technical topics - a plus not required.
- Management skills:
- Expertise in project and proposals management activities, including leading teams, budgeting, and managing and advising projects for work excellence, timeliness, and on-budget execution.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and manage own and team's time.
- Mentorship skills:
- Experience leading and mentoring diverse teams of researchers working on research-focused projects and/or tasks within large/complex projects.
- Commitment to and interest in mentoring junior staff is essential for this position.
Disclosures:
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 an anticipated annual salary of $155,000 - $180,000. 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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Employment Type: OTHER
