Researcher, English Language Learners (ELL)

Job Description

Overview

American Institutes for Research (AIR) is one of the leading behavioral and social science research organizations in the world. AIR is a collaborative organization that works with clients to examine a wide range of projects from early childhood development to adult education. We pride ourselves in conducting high-impact, high-stakes projects for significant federal, state, and private organizations. AIR's vision is that research-based problem solving can improve the lives of all people.

AIR's Center for English Language Learners (ELLs) is committed to reducing the achievement gap and improving outcomes for English language learners by conducting rigorous research and connecting research to policy and practice. We are seeking a Researcher to support mixed-methods evaluation projects, with a specific emphasis on projects focused on ELL-related policies and practices. The Center for ELLs project work includes:

• Research related to improving instruction and learning: AIR researchers conduct rigorous studies of instructional interventions in order to determine what works best for ELLs
• Evaluation research: AIR experts evaluate federal, state, and district practices and policies affecting ELLs and craft evidence-based recommendations for policymakers.
• ELL specialists at AIR provide valuable technical assistance and professional development to help states and districts improve instruction and learning for ELLs. We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of our clients.
• The policy work of the Center for ELLs currently focuses on analysis of state and federal policies and assistance to federal and state policymakers on issues relevant to ELLs.

Responsibilities

• Leading tasks and projects related to ELLs
• Conceptualizing problems in ELL research and evaluation and designing studies to address them
• Contributing substantively, thoughtfully, and creatively to projects
• Managing collaborative project teams and managing junior staff
• Selecting and conducting appropriate statistical analyses of moderate complexity and interpreting results in a meaningful, policy-relevant way
• Writing reports, briefs, proposals and other documents that are clear, concise, thoughtful and contribute substantively to the field
• Managing client and stakeholder relationships in ways that are respectful and demonstrate knowledge of the field and policy landscape
• Demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity in all interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and study participants

Qualifications

• PhD in Education or related fields with some focus on the development of language and content area knowledge in ELLs and educational policies and practices related to ELLs, or Master’s degree with 4-7 years of related experience
• Strong quantitative analysis skills
• Team leadership experience
• Knowledge about K-12 ELL federal and state policies and ELL instructional programming
• Ability to take big ideas and develop work plans and timelines
• Experience building and maintaining client and partner relationships
• Team leadership experience
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including strong communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to produce concise, high-level briefings or reports
• Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. #LI-AS1