Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, Career Pathways (Part-Time)

American Institutes for Research•Chicago, IL

12d•$58 - $78•Remote

About The Position

AIR’s Education Systems and Policy program area is seeking a Part-Time S enior Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant to support project teams dedicated to meeting clients’ needs for advancing career and technical education and expanding career pathways for K–12 students. The Senior TA Consultant will provide technical assistance and capacity-building services to state and local education agencies, with a special emphasis on designing, implementing, and evaluating Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and career pathways initiatives. This role involves developing resources, training, and guidance to strengthen CTE systems and support student transitions to postsecondary education and careers. Engagements are typically project-based, part-time, and may vary in duration and hours depending on project needs, ranging from 25-70%. 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: Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We generate evidence and appl y data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Ed.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 CTE or career pathways.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices for designing and improving CTE and career pathway programs and educator professional development.
Experience providing direct training, coaching, or technical assistance to CTE educators or administrators.
Experience collaborating with CTE and career pathway service providers, curriculum developers, CTSOs, industry leaders or industry associations, researchers, or professional associations.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with stakeholders at various levels and from a range of backgrounds.
High attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
Ability to lead and collaborate effectively in both in-person and virtual environments.
Ability to facilitate engagement across multiple/various stakeholders to make meaning of information generate actionable next steps.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment.
Willingness and ability to travel locally and nationally.
Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.
This position is open to U.S. citizens only.
Upon hire, incumbent will be required to obtain clearance through the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in a related state agency (e.g. secondary or postsecondary education, workforce, etc.) or regional intermediary with a related focus is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and deliver TA and training in various formats (virtual, in-person, hybrid).
Create TA and capacity building materials such as toolkits, guides, fact sheets, and web-based resources.
Provide subject matter expertise on topics such as CTE program design; supporting states to align CTE programs with best practices and industry labor market needs; career exploration and navigation; work-based learning, dual enrollment, and industry-recognized credentials; and industry partnership and engagement.
Facilitate meetings, communities of practice, and stakeholder engagement sessions.
Conduct needs sensing and synthesize needs to generate actionable implementation plans.
Support research activities related to CTE and career pathways, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Contribute to reports and presentations that describe and interpret findings for clients, partners, and stakeholders, with a focus on CTE and career readiness.
Collaborate on project teams and manage/lead projects or tasks as assigned.