Education Policy Researcher (PK–12 Finance)
💰 $90,000 – $140,000/yr
Job Description
About This Role
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is seeking an experienced Education Policy Researcher with deep expertise in PK–12 education finance and funding policy. You will join a growing team of national experts and support 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 student programming.
In this role, you will apply state-of-the-field education finance research methods to address policy-relevant questions at the state, district, and school levels. Your work will directly impact how education funding is understood, allocated, and optimized across the nation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support components of applied research on education funding systems and policy
- Conduct rigorous analysis of state and local school finance mechanisms
- Examine school district finance, accounting, and budgeting practices
- Research the relationship between funding structures and effective student outcomes
- Apply advanced research methodologies to policy-relevant education finance questions
- Collaborate with national experts on cross-functional research initiatives
Required Expertise
- Strong knowledge of PK–12 education finance and funding policy frameworks
- Proficiency in education finance research methodologies
- Understanding of state and local education funding systems
- Experience with school district financial analysis and budgeting
- Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable policy insights
Preferred Qualifications
- Specialized knowledge in funding models for students with disabilities
- Experience with English learner funding and policy
- Expertise in career and technical education (CTE) funding
- Publication record in education policy research
- Grant writing and project management experience
Work Arrangement
This position offers significant flexibility to work remotely throughout the United States or from one of AIR's U.S. office locations (Arlington, VA; Chapel Hill, NC; Chicago, IL; Sacramento, CA; Austin, TX). You must be available to participate in meetings across all continental U.S. time zones. This position does not support work from 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 dedicated to conducting behavioral and social science research and delivering technical assistance. AIR addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the United States and globally by generating evidence and applying data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.
💰 Compensation not publicly listed. Market estimate for similar roles: from $90K, varying by experience and location.