Education Finance Researcher

American Institutes For Research • Chapel Hill, NC

403d • $95,000 - $115,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Education Finance Researcher will join the Education Systems & Policy (ESP) team at AIR, focusing on providing evidence-based research and resources to improve PK-12 education systems. The role involves applying advanced education finance research methods to address policy-relevant questions regarding funding adequacy, equity, and efficiency. The candidate will have opportunities to develop into a thought leader in the field through collaborative projects and independent research.

Requirements

• Master's degree with 4-7 years of demonstrated experience in education policy, economics, or related social science field with expertise in the economics of education, education finance, and/or educational policy setting and/or conducting education research or Ph.D./Ed.D.
• Knowledge or experience analyzing primary and administrative data (and particularly fiscal data) applying state-of-the-field education finance research concepts and empirical methods.
• Demonstrated experience collecting and analyzing a wide variety of primary and secondary educational data including fiscal data detailing school and district expenditures.
• Expertise in advanced social and behavioral science statistical methods including the use of regression models and rigorous program evaluation design including longitudinal data analysis.
• Advanced expertise in using MS Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Proficiency in a commonly used statistical application (e.g., Stata, R, etc.) and open to learning new statistical tools as required by different projects.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Develop research designs to evaluate federal, state, and local PK-16 education funding policies and estimate the cost of an adequate and equitable education.
• Manage or lead projects and tasks, assuming greater responsibility for project management over time.
• Analyze extant financial and administrative data collected by education institutions using state-of-the-field education finance research and statistical methods.
• Collect data from primary sources that describe the types and amounts of resources education organizations have in place, their needs, and extent to which they employ evidence-based resource allocation strategies.
• Prepare written materials (e.g., technical reports, policy briefs) that describe study findings in ways that are accessible and impactful to policymakers and other decision makers.
• Present findings to clients, professional associations, and the public.
• Participate in, and where appropriate lead, efforts to prepare research proposals that generate external funding for education finance-related research.
• Supervise and provide mentorship and support to junior staff by sharing approaches to solving concrete problems and providing feedback on their work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $95,000-$115,000 based on internal and external equity.
• Flexible work options including remote work from anywhere in the U.S. or from any of AIR's U.S. office locations.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with 401(k) options.
• Professional development opportunities and support for ongoing education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Master's degree