Education Policy Researcher (PK–12 Finance)

American Institutes for Research•Sacramento, CA

3d•Remote

About The Position

AIR seeks an Education Policy Researcher with expertise in PK–12 education finance and funding policy to join its growing team of national experts. The Researcher will support and lead components of applied research focused on state and local education funding systems, including school district finance, accounting, and budgeting practices as they relate to efficient and effective programming for students. The successful candidate will apply state-of-the-field education finance research methods to address policy-relevant questions related to state-, district-, and school-level funding. Specialized knowledge and expertise in funding models for students with disabilities, English learners, and students participating in career and technical education also is preferred. This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations but requires availability to participate in meetings across all continental U.S. time zones. 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

A Ph.D./Ed.D., or 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.
Knowledge or experience analyzing primary and administrative data (and particularly fiscal data) and 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.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with non-technical audiences.
Expertise in advanced social and behavioral science statistical methods including the use of regression models and rigorous program evaluation design including longitudinal data analysis.
Expertise in using AI models to analyze education finance data to inform policy and resource decision making at the state and district levels.
Proficiency in a commonly used statistical application (e.g. Stata, R) and open to learning new statistical tools as required by different projects.
Advanced expertise in using MS Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Responsibilities

Develop research designs to evaluate federal, state, and local PK–12 education funding policies and estimate the cost of an adequate and equitable education.
Build innovations and understanding in how strategic funding can meet the needs of students receiving special education, English learners, and students participating in career and technical education.
Support policymakers in analyzing funding in ways that lead to improvement in low performing schools and districts.
Manage or lead projects and tasks, assuming greater responsibility for project management over time.
Analyze extant financial and administrative data collected by education institutions (e.g., PK–12 school districts, state education agencies, community colleges) 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 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.