Senior Strategist - Future of Work & AI Readiness

American Institutes for Research•Sacramento, CA

2d•Remote

About The Position

AIR is seeking a Senior Work & AI Strategist to join our Economic & Employment Program to provide leadership and visioning in the design and delivery of policy and programs that helps education, workforce, and public systems respond to emerging challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and changes in the future of work. This role leads complex projects, supports the development of reusable tools and intellectual property, and partners with clients to translate data and analysis into practical, system-level improvements. The ideal candidate is experienced in successfully developing strategic cross-sector partnerships spanning public policy, private sector, philanthropy, and social science; and has the know-how to cultivate right action for aligning social change to opportunity. This position will contribute to AIR’s growing portfolio of work focused on AI, labor market change, and education-to-workforce alignment, including analytic and design efforts that support educators and workforce development system leaders, business engagement intermediaries, and policymakers in planning for workforce transitions. 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. The position requires availability to participate in meetings across all continental U.S. time zones. 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

Ph.D. with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with a minimum of 7 years; or Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 9 years of experience in social sciences, public policy or other related fields.
Experience delivering Technical Assistance to public agencies, nonprofits, or community-based organizations.
Prior experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit, philanthropic, or academic setting.
Experience managing projects or tasks and leading cross-functional teams.
Established networks in the field and a willingness to cultivate relationships on behalf of AIR.
Strong ability to translate data and research into actionable guidance for a variety of audiences.
Familiarity with issues related to workforce change, education-to-employment pathways, and/or the impact of AI on jobs and skills.
Excellent facilitation and communication skills with senior leaders, practitioners, and cross-sector partners.
Experience using AI tools to synthesize information, draft content, analyze data, or improve efficiency in day-to-day work.
Ability to apply sound judgment when interpreting AI-generated outputs.
Strong project management, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
Experience supporting proposal development and business development efforts.
Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with program leadership and project teams.
Demonstrated ability to conduct proactive business development by building and sustaining relationships, sharing market and client insights, identifying emerging needs and potential opportunities, and actively supporting early‑stage shaping and positioning efforts that result in additional work.
Ability to utilize campaigns and conferences to make strategic connections, share and document contacts and insights, and follow up effectively to sustain relationships and support future mission‑aligned opportunities.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and delivery of complex strategic initiatives for education, workforce, and public-sector clients.
Partner with clients to assess needs and co-design strategies that are responsive to local context and system constraints.
Translate labor market data, AI-related analysis, and research findings into practical tools, frameworks, and guidance for practitioners and leaders.
Develop reusable products such as toolkits, dashboards, guides, and implementation resources that can be adapted across projects and audiences.
Support work related to AI and the future of work, including helping clients understand workforce impacts, pathway implications, and system-level responses.
Facilitate meetings, workshops, and communities of practice with senior leaders and cross-sector stakeholders.
Provide project leadership, including managing scope, timelines, and staff; mentoring and supervising junior team members as appropriate.
Build and maintain strong relationships with partners across education, workforce, and research communities.
Contribute to proactive business development by building and sustaining relationships, sharing market and client insights, identifying emerging needs and potential opportunities, and actively supporting early‑stage shaping and positioning efforts that advance mission‑aligned growth.
Represent AIR at conferences and other events, actively participate in social media and other promotional campaigns focused on AI, labor market change, and education-to-workforce alignment.
Contribute to proposal development, concept design, and thought partnership with program leadership.