[Remote] Education Policy Researcher (PK–12 Finance)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research. They are seeking an Education Policy Researcher with expertise in PK–12 education finance to support and lead applied research on state and local education funding systems.ResponsibilitiesDevelop research designs to evaluate federal, state, and local PK–12 education funding policies and estimate the cost of an adequate and equitable educationBuild 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 educationSupport policymakers in analyzing funding in ways that lead to improvement in low performing schools and districtsManage or lead projects and tasks, assuming greater responsibility for project management over timeAnalyze 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 methodsCollect 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 strategiesPrepare written materials (e.g., technical reports, policy briefs) that describe study findings in ways that accessible and impactful to policymakers and other decision makersPresent findings to clients, professional associations, and the publicParticipate in, and where appropriate lead, efforts to prepare research proposals that generate external funding for education finance-related researchSupervise and provide mentorship and support to junior staff by sharing approaches to solving concrete problems and providing feedback on their workSkillsA 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 researchKnowledge or experience analyzing primary and administrative data (and particularly fiscal data) and applying state-of-the-field education finance research concepts and empirical methodsDemonstrated experience collecting and analyzing a wide variety of primary and secondary educational data including fiscal data detailing school and district expendituresDemonstrated ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with non-technical audiencesExpertise in advanced social and behavioral science statistical methods including the use of regression models and rigorous program evaluation design including longitudinal data analysisExpertise in using AI models to analyze education finance data to inform policy and resource decision making at the state and district levelsProficiency in a commonly used statistical application (e.g., Stata, R) and open to learning new statistical tools as required by different projectsAdvanced expertise in using MS Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and WordApplicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basisSpecialized knowledge and expertise in funding models for students with disabilities, English learners, and students participating in career and technical educationCompany OverviewAn independent, not-for-profit corporation which performs basic and applied research It was founded in 1946, and is headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.air.org/.