Managing Director, CALDER

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Set and oversee the strategic direction of CALDER as a leading voice in using data to drive K-12 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

• PhD 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
• Proven 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.