Project Director, AI Century Study

About the role

The Project Director will provide strategic, intellectual, and operational leadership for the organization’s flagship AI Century Study. The AI Century Study is a 100-year national research effort to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping human development and society.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and support the refinement of the strategic vision for the AI Century Study, ensuring alignment with AIR’s mission.
• Provide intellectual leadership on research questions, study design, and the evolution of the study over time.
• Integrate qualitative, quantitative, longitudinal, and design-informed research methods.
• Guide synthesis of findings into clear, compelling insights for diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Lead the full research lifecycle, including data collection, governance, ethics, privacy, and security across all study components.
• Ensure high standards for research quality, transparency, and reproducibility.
• Apply adaptive learning, reflection, and iterative improvement as the study evolves.
• Develop strategic relationships with funders, academic collaborators, school systems, policymakers, and technology stakeholders.
• Serve as a key point of contact for major external partners and funders.
• Lead collaborative research activities such as listening sessions, convenings, and co-design or co-learning workshops.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the study’s reach, sustainability, and influence through partnerships, co-funding, and aligned initiatives.
• Significantly contribute to dissemination and knowledge-translation strategies, including the development of reports, briefs, convenings, and public-facing products.
• Represent the AI Century Study and AIR in national forums, media, and professional communities.
• Translate complex and longitudinal findings into accessible, actionable narratives that inform policy and practice.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, analysts, designers, and communications staff.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture grounded in rigor, curiosity, and continuous learning.
• Career Development and Professional Growth
  • Coordinate across AIR divisions and technical areas to ensure coherence, alignment, and effective use of institutional expertise.

Qualifications

• PhD with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with a minimum of 11 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: human development, health, workforce development, education, or learning sciences; social science research, evaluation, or longitudinal study leadership; technology policy, data science, or applied research related to digital or AI-enabled systems.
• Proven record of directing large-scale, multi-year research or evaluation projects, including responsibility for study design, implementation, and learning over time.
• At least 5 years of experience managing, or contributing to complex research initiatives, partnerships, or portfolios spanning multiple organizations or sectors (e.g., nonprofit, government, academia, philanthropy, technology partners).
• Demonstrated success building and sustaining partnerships across sectors and disciplines to support long-term research and learning agendas.
• Professional reputation and network in fields relevant to the AI Century Study.
• Direct experience translating research and evidence into policy- or practice-relevant insights for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with longitudinal, cohort-based, or life-course-oriented studies.
• Comfort engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
• Experience across domains of human development, health, education, workforce, and technology.
• Experience at the intersection of AI and human development.
• Background in human-centered research approaches.

Skills

• Intellectual curiosity for the main study question – “How does the age of AI change the human condition?”
• Systems-oriented thinker with a deep understanding of systems change; able to see connections across research, policy, technology, and human experience.
• Highly organized and adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities and navigate ambiguity in dynamic, evolving research environments.
• Excellent communicator and storyteller who can translate complex, longitudinal findings into clear, actionable insights for varied audiences.
• Strong leader and people manager with a demonstrated commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and staff development within interdisciplinary teams.