Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, Higher Education in Prison and Workforce Reentry

American Institutes for Research•Sacramento, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

AIR is seeking a Senior Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant with deep expertise in higher education in prison and work-based learning, and one or more of the following areas: postsecondary education systems workforce development reentry services This role will lead strategic technical assistance projects that support institutions and agencies in improving outcomes for underserved populations including people impacted by the criminal legal system. This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations. 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 advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world. AIR's commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment.

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 a related field.
Experience delivering TA to public agencies, nonprofits, or community-based organizations.
Prior experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit, philanthropic, or academic setting.
Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or federal/state technical assistance contracts and leading cross-functional teams.
Established networks in the field and a willingness to cultivate relationships on behalf of AIR.
Familiarity with federal funding streams and policy frameworks related to Pell reinstatement, WIOA, Perkins V, and Second Chance Pell.
Well-connected within the HEP community, with knowledge of current trends, policy developments, and best practices.
Experience navigating policies that promote WBL in higher education settings, with knowledge of current trends and best practices.
Deep understanding of systems-level challenges and opportunities in postsecondary access, career readiness, and reentry for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.
Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with experience leading professional development and capacity-building efforts across diverse stakeholder groups.
Ability to translate research and policy into practical tools, resources, and guidance for practitioners and decision-makers.
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders to build trust, foster collaboration, and ensure successful project outcomes.
Effective communicator and facilitator across various group sizes and settings, including experience developing briefs, toolkits, and training materials.
Strong collaboration skills, with experience collaborating across internal teams and organizational divisions to align expertise and deliver cohesive project supports.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-sector technical assistance efforts that strengthen alignment between postsecondary education institutions, workforce systems, and reentry programs to expand access to career pathways and work-based learning opportunities for people impacted by the criminal legal system and other underserved populations.
Serve as a subject matter expert on higher education in prison (HEP), including program design, implementation, and development of tools and resources to support effective delivery. Maintain strong connections within the HEP community and AIR’s internal divisions to inform and enhance AIR’s work.
Serve as a subject matter expert on work-based learning, such as apprenticeship, and the development of tools and resources to support program design and adaptation of existing programs to include work-based learning (WBL). Maintain strong connections with the higher education community about the use of WBL and/or apprenticeship.
Conduct policy and program analysis to inform improvements in postsecondary and workforce reentry systems, including evaluation of funding streams, field needs, service delivery models, and institutional practices.
Translate research into actionable tools and guidance, producing briefs, toolkits, and training materials that help practitioners implement evidence-based strategies for career readiness and reentry success.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, and professional growth.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities with federal, state, and foundation clients.

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