Project Director, AI Century Study (Part-time)

About the role

The AI Century Study is a 100-year national research effort to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping human development and society. The Project Director will provide strategic, intellectual, and operational leadership for this long-term initiative.

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.
• Cook up coordination 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.
• 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.

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.

Benefits

The AI Century Study is a cornerstone of AIR’s forward-looking research agenda, addressing urgent questions about how AI is reshaping human development and society. The Project Director ensures that this work is human-centered; scientifically rigorous and methodologically innovative; credible, transparent, and policy-relevant; and designed for learning over time, not just one-off findings.

Pay

The anticipated annual salary for this position is 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.

Schedule

This position offers the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.