Senior Project Specialist, NAEP Technical Support (Part-Time)
American Institutes for Research
Summary
The Part-Time Senior Project Specialist manages research, operational, and analytic activities that support AIR's NAEP Technical Support Contract. The role leads reviews across the assessment cycle of assessment data, results and technical documentation, and provides support for externally facing research, assessment, and partnership initiatives and business development opportunities.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Managing technical reviews of National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) data files, data companion, technical documents, Nation's Report Card, and other NAEP products and publications on a cyclical basis.
- Supporting the leadership of the NAEP Validity Panel, through reviews of assessment procedures and advising.
- Supporting the planning, execution and delivery of NAEP assessment systems activities, including attending systems update meetings; monitoring, documenting, and tracking bugs and known issues; participating in milestone and user acceptance testing reviews; and coordinating with project staff to identify and communicate systems-related issues.
- Overseeing reviews in support of NAEP Reading assessment content development, including the review of items, passages, and related materials for content quality and alignment and providing feedback throughout development and review cycles.
- Assisting NAEP project director and deputy director in project management activities.
- Leading business development activities through proposal management and writing, market research, and capture planning.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, education, psychology, political science, communications, or related field and 8+ years of experience in project management, data analysis, and staffing processes preferably in a consulting or research environment. PMP Certification or equivalent strongly preferred. Deep knowledge of NAEP content, procedures, and operations. Experience working with the Department of Education, including the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Experience overseeing reviews of national education reports for U.S. audiences. Experience collaborating and coordinating with the federal government to conduct assessments and surveys. Experience leading cross-functional teams on federally funded research projects.
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills for working with stakeholders at various levels and from a range of backgrounds.
- High attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and quality.
- Strong project management skills, including timeline tracking, risk identification, and managing competing priorities.
- Self-motivated and reliable, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of complex tasks with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication skills with a commitment to validity, clarity, and evidence-based messaging.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners in a virtual work environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, education, psychology, political science, communications, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in project management, data analysis, and staffing processes
- Deep knowledge of NAEP content, procedures, and operations
- Experience working with the Department of Education, including NCES
- Experience overseeing reviews of national education reports for U.S. audiences
- Experience collaborating and coordinating with the federal government to conduct assessments and surveys
- Experience leading cross-functional teams on federally funded research projects
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality
- Strong project management skills including timeline tracking and risk identification
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a virtual work environment
- PMP Certification or equivalent strongly preferred
- Must be currently authorized to work in the U.S.
Benefits
- Remote work option
- Part-time schedule
Company overview
The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a leading nonprofit, nonpartisan behavioral and social science research organization founded in 1946. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, AIR operates as one of the world's largest social science research institutions with over 1,800 staff members across multiple U.S. locations and international offices. The organization specializes in conducting rigorous research, evaluation, and technical assistance across three primary domains: education, health, and workforce development. AIR's mission centers on generating and utilizing evidence-based approaches to address complex social challenges and promote equity. The institute maintains strict independence and objectivity in its work, collaborating with government agencies, educational institutions, and international development organizations. Notable initiatives include Project Talent, a landmark longitudinal study tracking 400,000 high school students, and various federal projects supporting education policy implementation and workforce development. AIR's expertise spans early childhood education, K-12 systems, higher education, healthcare delivery, mental health services, and international development programs, consistently applying scientific rigor to inform policy and practice improvements.