Managing Director, State/Federal Policy and System

Join AIR as Managing Director, State/Federal Policy and Systems of Support—a senior leadership role for professionals with extensive experience in state and federal education policy and a demonstrated record of research, technical assistance, and strategic systems improvement. Experience spanning sectors such as education, workforce, health, and community development is preferred. The role oversees a portfolio of complex, high‑impact projects and advances AIR’s mission through thought leadership, client engagement, business development, and mentoring of project teams. The Managing Director applies deep expertise in state and federal policy to guide large‑scale initiatives, cultivate strategic partnerships, and drive organizational and systems‑level success.

Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our 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 generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities for the position include:

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management

• 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.

Systems Improvement & Policy Impact

• 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.

Project Excellence & Thought Leadership

• 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.

Team Development & Mentorship

• 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.

Business Development & Client Relations

• 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.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Disclosures: 

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. Depending on project work, qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks. AIR maintains a drug-free work environment. 

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:  

AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example [email protected] is correct and [email protected] is not a legitimate AIR email address.

If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to [email protected]. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams. Please note, each section of the application is required in order for you to be considered for this opportunity. If you do not complete the required screening questions, or if you close your browser before completing each section of the application, your application will not be submitted for this position. American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. American Institutes for Research's commitment to Diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations and work environment. Diversity is valued and Inclusion is reflected in all efforts to recruit, develop, and engage the diverse staff needed to accomplish our mission.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Taliba Boone at [email protected] or call 202.403.5000.

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