Communications Specialist, Education Systems & Policy

AIR is seeking a Communications Specialist to develop and implement strategic communications initiatives that translate complex research and technical content into clear, engaging products for diverse audiences. The role encompasses content strategy, writing, digital communications, stakeholder engagement, project management, and team coordination. This position will be primarily staffed within AIR's Education Systems & Policy program, with opportunities to support projects across early childhood, PK-12, postsecondary education, workforce development, and adult learning.

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:

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:

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications and dissemination plans that advance project goals and increase the visibility and impact of AIR's education work.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to education project teams and clients, providing guidance on messaging, audience engagement, and outreach strategies.
• Translate complex research, policy, and technical content into clear, accessible, and audience-centered communications products including infographics, videos, and short briefs.
• Lead integrated communications campaigns and dissemination activities across digital, social, web, multimedia, and event platforms.
• Oversee editorial planning, content development, and communications workflows to ensure high-quality, accessible deliverables.
• Analyze communications metrics and audience data to assess performance and recommend strategies for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate communications activities across multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple project priorities simultaneously.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal development, communications planning, and strategic growth initiatives.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Policy, or a related field; or a Master's degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Experience supporting external clients, managing small teams, and working in a shared services model.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and align communications approaches with organizational, client, and project objectives.
• Knowledge of dissemination and communication strategies that promote awareness, understanding, and use of research and evidence-based practices.
• Strong consulting and relationship-management skills, including experience working with diverse stakeholders and client-facing teams.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to varied audiences.
• Strong analytical skills and experience using audience, web, and communications performance data to inform planning.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including managing competing priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency with digital communications platforms, content management systems, analytics tools, and accessible communications technologies used to create, disseminate, and evaluate communications products.

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 any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, and twists), creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer), sex, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, civil union status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, or military or veteran status. 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 [email protected] or 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, [email protected] is correct, while [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) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Learn more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov/scams.

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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$96,650—$102,000 USD