Technical Assistant Consultant, Education Systems & Policy; Part-Time

AIR's Education Systems and Policy program area is seeking a Part‑Time
Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant. The TA Consultant will support project teams dedicated to meeting clients' needs for improving educational outcomes across a range of topics. The TA Consultant will provide technical assistance and capacity‑building services to state and local education agencies, focusing on evidence‑based solutions in areas such as school improvement, literacy, math, assessment, special education, career pathways, rural education, and more.

This role involves developing resources, training, and guidance to strengthen education systems at the school, district, and state levels.

Engagements are typically project‑based, part‑time, and may vary in duration and hours depending on project needs, ranging from 25-70%.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR's U.S. office locations but requires availability to participate in meetings across all continental U.S. time zones. This does not include U.S. territories.

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.

• Develop training materials, implementation measures, and protocols for monitoring and supporting education initiatives across various topics.
• Deliver professional development, coaching, and technical assistance to educators, administrators, and leaders in various education settings.
• Provide expertise in one or more education‑related areas (e.g., school improvement, school finance, rural education, curriculum, assessment, indigenous education, special education, CTE).
• Support research activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Contribute to reports and presentations that describe and interpret findings for clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Build capacity in education systems through collaboration with schools, districts, and education organizations.
• Collaborate on project teams and manage/lead projects or tasks as assigned.

• Master's degree or bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience in education, youth development, out-of-school time or other related fields.
• Previous professional experience working at or with a state education agency (SEA), with demonstrated understanding of state‑level education policy and operations.
• Experience as a school and/or district‑level administrator is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more education‑related topic (e.g., school improvement, school finance, rural education, curriculum, assessment, indigenous education, special education, CTE).
• Knowledge of evidence‑based practices for education improvement and educator professional development.
• Experience providing direct training and coaching support to educators, instructional coaches or leaders.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting in policy contexts.
• Strong knowledge of federal education programs and state‑level policy contexts.
• Collaborate on project teams and manage/lead projects or tasks as assigned.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with stakeholders at various levels and from a range of backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize complex legislative and litigation information. High attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Ability to lead and collaborate effectively in both in‑person and virtual environments.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate efficiently in a virtual work environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and nationally.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.

This position is open to U.S. citizens only. Upon hire, incumbent will be…