Project Specialist, Tek Office (Hybrid)

About this role

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">AIR’s Tek Office is seeking a <strong>Project Specialist</strong> to support project delivery and day-to-day operations. This role blends core project management responsibilities with coordination and administrative support to drive efficient execution, ensure alignment across stakeholders, and advance leadership team’s priorities. The position is responsible for coordinating and managing Tek Office initiatives requiring the ability to operate with a strong sense of ownership, autonomy, and sound judgment, and a tech-savvy approach to tools and systems. This position reports to the Principal Technical Project Manager.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with strong organization skills and has a good understanding of technology-focused teams. This role is well-suited for someone eager to grow in project or program management, with a proactive mindset and the ability to navigate ambiguity while contributing to team success.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This position offers hybrid work flexibility, <strong>requiring three days per week in AIR’s Virginia office,</strong> with occasional travel for meetings, training sessions, and conferences.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>About AIR:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>Responsibilities:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The responsibilities for the position include:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Act as a trusted thought partner for supporting the execution of strategic goals and initiatives and measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lead technical project planning and execution in a fast-paced, agile environment.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Manage and expedite technical deliverables while coordinating amongst competing priorities. Track key timelines, action items, and priorities, providing proactive follow-ups, reminders, and escalation support as needed.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Maintain accurate project documentation, trackers, dashboards, and status updates to ensure visibility and informed decision-making.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Frame agendas, prepare briefing materials, and track actionable follow-ups. Partner with cross-functional teams to foster collaboration, alignment, and smooth execution across projects and initiatives.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Provide operational support across budgeting, expense coordination, procurement, and vendor interactions while ensuring compliance with internal processes and confidentiality standards.</span></li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>Qualifications:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>Education, Knowledge, and Experience</strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:…