Principal Researcher, Youth Development

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a leading behavioral and social science research organization. We are a collaborative organization that works with clients to examine a wide range of projects from early childhood development to adult education. AIR prides itself in conducting high-impact, high-stakes projects for significant federal, state, and private organizations. Our vision is that research-based problem solving can improve the lives of all people.
AIR is currently seeking a Principal Education Researcher who may be located in our Chicago, IL; San Mateo, CA; Waltham, MA; or Washington, D.C. office (preference for Chicago). The Principal Researcher will help develop and grow work in the Youth Development and Supportive Learning Environments practice area at AIR. The focus of the practice area is the positive development of young people, in schools and in out-of-school time settings in partnership with families, schools, and communities. Practice Area members support young people's learning and development through capacity building, research and evaluation, and policy efforts. We are seeking an individual who can work in conjunction with a strong team of senior staff; engage in strategic planning; lead efforts to win new work; and carry out this work via designing and leading research and evaluation projects, as well as through strong project management and client relationships. The candidate will also have deep content expertise and have a record of leading research and evaluation projects in the field of youth development. Furthermore, the ideal candidate will have experience in designing and executing mixed methods design and in implementation science.
The Principal Researcher provides leadership, mentorship, and technical advice in support of AIR education-related projects to ensure research integrity, appropriate design and application of research methodologies and analysis techniques, development of accurate conclusions, clear reporting, applicability to problems of practice, and client satisfaction. An important aspect of the role will include the mentoring and development of AIR research staff, as well as active business development and pursuit.

- Develops conceptual frameworks that address research and evaluation topics.
- Oversees the planning, design, and implementation of project methods, procedures and reporting.
- Serves as Project Director or Principal Investigator, directing / managing, large, complex research projects or a series of smaller projects.
- Reviews, analyzes, and synthesizes data and information using appropriate practices and techniques, and ensure all projects are designed around client needs with sound methodology.
- Serves as an expert in the field and disseminates findings through publication of papers, progress and technical reports, and presentation of seminars.
- Leads proposal efforts, maintains excellent business development relationships, serves as primary client contact, and actively pursues business development through client relationships and by staying abreast of the direction of the field.

- PhD in education, human development, public policy, economics, sociology, psychology, or related field preferred, with a strong background in implementation science and qualitative research design.
- National or international reputation for research expertise in youth development, as evidenced through publications / presentations, award of contracts and grants, and overall body of work.
- Proven track record of winning competitive contracts / grants from various funding organizations (e.g., Federal, state, and local government; foundations).
- Demonstrated success in leading qualitative studies and field-based research projects.
- Demonstrated experience in leading projects utilizing mixed methods approaches and implementation science.
- 10 years project leadership and development experience, including proposal writing, project management, staff supervision, and report writing desired.
- Proven ability to develop research staff capacity in research design and methods, project management, client relationships, research publication, and business development.
- Commitment to AIR’s Mission and the application of research findings for the benefit of stakeholders.

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