New

Education Policy Researcher (PK-12 Finance)

American Institutes for Research
$92,700—$123,000 USD
United States, California, Sacramento
2151 River Plaza Dr Ste 320 (Show on map)
Apr 05, 2026
AIR seeks an Education Policy Researcher with expertise in PK-12 education finance and funding policy to join its growing team of national experts. The Researcher will support and lead components of applied research focused on state and local education funding systems, including school district finance, accounting, and budgeting practices as they relate to efficient and effective programming for students. The successful candidate will apply state-of-the-field education finance research methods to address policy-relevant questions related to state-, district-, and school-level funding. Specialized knowledge and expertise in funding models for students with disabilities, English learners, and students participating in career and technical education also is preferred. This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR'sU.S. office locationsbut requires availability toparticipatein meetings across allcontinentalU.S. time zones. This does not include U.S. territories. About AIR: Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to address some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally. We generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. Responsibilities: Develop research designs to evaluate federal, state, and local PK-12 education funding policies and estimate the cost of an adequate and equitable education. Build 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 education. Support policymakers in analyzing funding in ways that lead to improvement in low performing schools and districts. Manage or lead projects and tasks, assuming greater responsibility for project management over time. Analyze 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 methods. Collect 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 strategies. Prepare written materials (e.g., technical reports, policy briefs) that describe study findings in ways that accessible and impactful to policymakers and other decision makers. Present findings to clients, professional associations, and the public. Participate in, and where appropriate lead, efforts to prepare research proposals that generate external funding for education finance-related research. Supervise and provide mentorship and support to junior staff by sharing approaches to solving concrete problems and providing feedback on their work. Qualifications: Education, Knowledge & Experience A 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 research. Knowledge or experience analyzing primary and administrative data (and particularly fiscal data) and applying state-of-the-field education finance research concepts and empirical methods. Demonstrated experience collecting and analyzing a wide variety of primary and secondary educational data including fiscal data detailing school and district expenditures. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with non-technical audiences. Skills Expertise in advanced social and behavioral science statistical methods including the use of regression models and rigorous program evaluation design including longitudinal data analysis. Expertise in using AI models to analyze education finance data to inform policy and resource decision making at the state and district levels. Proficiency in a commonly used statistical application (e.g., Stata, R) and open to learning new statistical tools as required by different projects. Advanced expertise in using MS Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. 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. American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. 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. 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 tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000. 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 jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out torecruitment@air.org. 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. #LI-AS1 #LI-REMOTE AIR's Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers the anticipated annual salary as listed. Salary offers are made based on internal equity within the institution and external equity with competitive markets. Please note this is the annual salary range for candidates that are based in the United States. Anticipated Annual Salary Range $92,700 — $123,000 USD