Communications Specialist, Employment and Economic Opportunity

American Institutes for Research

20h•$96,650 - $102,000•Remote

About The Position

AIR is looking to hire a Communications Specialist for our Employment and Economic Opportunity Program to support strategic business development and communications efforts by translating growth priorities into targeted outreach, events, and engagement activities. This role will help advance the program's visibility and brand through proactive business development initiatives, sponsorships, conferences, marketing campaigns, and external engagement opportunities. Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our U.S. office locations. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field; or Master's degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
Experience supporting external clients, managing small teams, and working within a shared services model.
Proficiency in using tools (like Google Analytics) to compile website performance and traffic metrics to generate robust analytics reports and inform strategy.
Experience developing creative products (e.g., GIFs, video) using digital-first, accessible design principles.
Proven track record of developing and implementing dissemination plans.
Knowledge of business development strategy and proposal development.
Skilled in developing integrated communications strategies that support thought leadership and organizational visibility.
Skilled in developing outreach campaigns, including social media and email promotions, digital marketing, and content development.
Excellent time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects involving numerous changes simultaneously.
Highly familiar with tools for building and analyzing social media outreach (LinkedIn, Facebook, X)
Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills.
Ability and interest in learning and using accessible communications technologies and content management systems such as Drupal.
Ability to advise internal stakeholders and external clients on communications best practices.
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.

Responsibilities

Translate business development strategies into actionable plans and deliverables, including identifying event opportunities for networking and thought leadership with targeted audiences.
Develop and execute outreach strategies tied to business development priorities with a keen eye for brand positioning and messaging.
Manage logistics for proactive business development efforts, including sponsorships, in-person and virtual events, email promotions, and social media campaigns.
Support conference planning and external engagement activities, including preparing event agendas and presentations, coordinating promotional materials, and supporting staff participation.
Identify event and outreach asset needs and coordinate their development and production.
Coordinate with program leadership to balance proactive and responsive business development efforts, ensure timely follow-through on business development and communications activities, and establish processes to measure, track, and report on outcomes.