Managing Director, CALDER

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.

About AIR and CALDER:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, 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-drive solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. CALDER amplifies AIR’s impact by working directly with policymakers to generate objective, evidence-based insights. With data-sharing agreements in over 10 states, CALDER leverages statewide longitudinal data systems to develop systematic, quantitative evidence that informs policymakers in making decisions that impact student learning and success.

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.

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 any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braid, locks, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. 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.org or 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 to recruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.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$189,000—$230,000 USD