American Institutes for Research · 9 hours ago
Managing Director, State/Federal Policy and System
American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research. They are seeking a Managing Director for State/Federal Policy and Systems of Support to oversee high-impact projects, guide large-scale initiatives, and advance AIR’s mission through strategic partnerships and thought leadership.
EducationHealth CareNon Profit
Responsibilities
Oversee a portfolio of projects, serving as principal investigator, project director, or senior advisor as needed
Develop and execute strategic business pursuits, identifying new markets, clients, and opportunities for AIR
Represent AIR at national conferences, cross-agency leadership teams, and in high-profile client engagements, sharing evidence-based insights and shaping the field
Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of state systems of support, ensuring alignment with state and federal priorities
Guide the development and implementation of innovative data-driven decision-making frameworks at scale
Ensure compliance with major legislative initiatives and regulatory requirements
Demonstrate mastery of research methodologies, technical assistance approaches, and/or policy development and implementation
Lead large, complex projects and secure competitive contracts and grants from federal, state, and foundation sources
Publish and present research findings in high-impact venues, contributing to AIR’s eminence and reputation for expertise
Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning
Serve as a senior leader for programs, advancing AIR’s strategic goals and supporting organizational change
Cultivate and maintain client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to federal, state, and local partners
Identify and pursue new business opportunities, contributing to AIR’s growth and sustainability
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. or Ed.D. with 15+ years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 19+ years in education, public policy, social science, or related fields
At least 10 years of direct experience working with state and federal partners in education and adjacent fields (e.g., workforce, health, community development)
Demonstrated mastery in research methodologies, technical assistance approaches, project leadership, and strategic systems improvement
Experience leading large projects, mentoring teams, and managing organizational change
Proven track record of securing competitive funding and leading large-scale research, technical assistance, and policy initiatives
Strong reputation for expertise in the field, evidenced by publications, presentations, and client feedback
Established networks in the field and a willingness to cultivate relationships on behalf of AIR
Experience presenting at national conferences and collaborating with research and policy organizations
Excellent communication, analytic, and strategic thinking skills
Willingness and ability to travel nationally
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis
Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position
Preferred
Experience spanning sectors such as education, workforce, health, and community development
Benefits
AIR’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission.
Company
American Institutes for Research
An independent, not-for-profit corporation which performs basic and applied research
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.86MKey Investors
U.S. Department of EducationJim Joseph Foundation
2017-11-01Grant· $7.8M
2014-09-08Grant· $0.8M
2010-10-10Grant· $1.26M
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