Education Policy Researcher (PK–12 Finance)

About this role

AIR seeks an Education Policy Researcher with expertise in PK–12 education finance and funding policy to join its growing team of national experts. The Researcher will support and lead components of applied research focused on state and local education funding systems, including school district finance, accounting, and budgeting practices as they relate to efficient and effective programming for students. The successful candidate will apply state-of-the-field education finance research methods to address policy-relevant questions related to state-, district-, and school-level funding. Specialized knowledge and expertise in funding models for students with disabilities, English learners, and students participating in career and technical education also is preferred.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations but requires availability to participate in meetings across all continental U.S. time zones. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (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-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

• Develop research designs to evaluate federal, state, and local PK–12 education funding policies and estimate the cost of an adequate and equitable education.

• Build innovations and understanding in how strategic funding can meet the needs of students receiving special education, English learners, and students participating in career and technical education.

• Support policymakers in analyzing funding in ways that lead to improvement in low performing schools and districts.

• Manage or lead projects and tasks, assuming greater responsibility for project management over time.

• Analyze extant financial and administrative data collected by education institutions (e.g., PK–12 school districts, state education agencies, community colleges) using state-of-the-field education finance research and statistical methods.