Senior Project Specialist, NAEP Technical Support (Part-Time)

The role

The Senior Project Specialist manages research, operational and analytic work that supports AIR's NAEP Technical Support Contract. The role leads reviews of assessment data, results and technical documentation, and supports research, assessment, partnership and business development efforts.

What you will do

• Manage technical reviews of NAEP data files, data companion, technical documents, Nation's Report Card and other NAEP products on a cyclical basis.
• Support the leadership of the NAEP Validity Panel through reviews of assessment procedures and advising.
• Support planning, execution and delivery of NAEP assessment systems activities, including tracking bugs and known issues and taking part in testing reviews.
• Oversee reviews for NAEP Reading content development, including items, passages and related materials.
• Assist the NAEP project director and deputy director with project management.
• Lead business development through proposal management and writing, market research and capture planning.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, education, psychology, political science, communications or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in project management, data analysis and staffing processes, preferably in a consulting or research environment.
• Deep knowledge of NAEP content, procedures and operations.
• Experience working with the Department of Education, including the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
• Experience overseeing reviews of national education reports for U.S. audiences.
• Experience collaborating and coordinating with the federal government on assessments and surveys.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams on federally funded research projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Strong project management skills, including timeline tracking, risk identification and managing competing priorities.
• Self-motivated and reliable, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills with a commitment to validity, clarity and evidence-based messaging.

Nice to have

• PMP Certification or equivalent.

Benefits

• AIR Total Rewards Program.

Before you apply

• Must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.
• Employment-based visa sponsorship, including H-1B, is not available for this position.
• Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.
• Reference and background checks are required, including child safeguarding standards.

About the company

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It conducts behavioral and social science research and provides technical assistance.