Quantitative Researcher - Youth, Family, and Community Development

Overview

AIR is seeking a Quantitative Researcher with expertise in rigorous quantitative research methods and experience in child and youth development and PK-12 education research to join our Youth, Family & Community Development (YFCD) Program Area within AIR’s Human Services Division.

In support of this work, candidates will contribute to research and evaluation projects and business development activities in the Child and Youth Development Portfolio. This diverse portfolio includes work related to the implementation and study of policies, programs, and initiatives that are designed to support whole child and youth development in and out of schools, including with families and in communities. Topics addressed in this work include:

• Science of learning and development and related frameworks and theory (whole child learning and development, positive youth development, social and emotional learning) 
• Youth voice, choice, and leadership
• Family engagement 
• Community schools and other youth-centered place-based initiatives
• Conditions for learning, school climate, and culture  
• Restorative practices and supportive school discipline  
• Student and staff well-being, school-based mental health, and trauma-sensitive schools  
• Out-of-school time (afterschool, summer, and expanded learning)
• Informal, nature-based, and sports-based learning and development

We seek a creative and curious colleague who will thrive in a fast-paced yet collaborative environment, working as part of a growing team with ambitious aspirations and evolving needs. 

This position has the flexibility to be fully remote from anywhere in the U.S. or located from any of AIR's U.S. offices.   

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Contribute to equitable research and program evaluation using rigorous designs such as randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and other quantitative methods.
• Design quantitative and mixed methods studies, develop research protocols and instruments that examine impact and implementation, and conduct psychometric analyses to determine reliability and validity.
• Manage and analyze data from large-scale, multi-site studies across multiple projects and data sources including youth, youth-serving adult, family, and institutional data.
• Interpret and clearly communicate results from statistical analyses through written reports, presentations, briefings, and other dissemination mediums with clients, colleagues, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and study participants, and promote AIR’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in all research and business activities.
• Maintain excellent relationships in the field and represent AIR in a professional manner.
• Contribute to business development, including partnership development, staying abreast of the direction of the field, and preparing research and evaluation proposals in response to competitive Request for Proposals or grant funding opportunities.
• Work on collaborative project teams, including managing and mentoring junior analysts.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• PhD with 0-3 years of experience in a social science field (e.g., sociology, education, psychology, human development, economics, or other related fields) or Master’s degree in social sciences or policy and at least 4 years of research experience.
• Methodological expertise in quantitative research methods, particularly methods for causal impact (e.g., randomized control trials, regression discontinuity, propensity score matching, and other quasi-experimental designs).
• Prior experience collecting, managing, analyzing, and reporting complex quantitative datasets using STATA, R, or Python.
• Experience through coursework and applied research projects conducting impact, quasi-experimental, and/or implementation studies, statistical and econometric methods commonly used in social science research, knowledge of programs or interventions related to one or more relevant content areas listed above.

Skills:

• Capacity to support multiple projects simultaneously and change focus through use of strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and ensure high-quality work through strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex statistical concepts and research findings accessible to non-technical audiences.
• Subject matter knowledge in child and youth development.
• Commitment to improving equity and outcomes in education.

Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with others in a virtual work environment.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds

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. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. 

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. 

AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers an anticipated annual salary of $85,000-$115,000. 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. 

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.