Principal Project Specialist

American Institutes for Research (AIR); Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 155,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research (AIR) is seeking a Principal Project Specialist to lead project management for the FEWS NET Learning and Data Hub. This role involves overseeing project operations, managing complex workflows, and ensuring alignment with donor objectives, particularly in international development contexts. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in managing large-scale projects and exceptional leadership qualities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive project management experience.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role on large, complex, donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing USAID-funded or similar international projects.
• Deep understanding of project management methodologies and tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for the project.
• Develop and implement project management frameworks and tools.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, staffing, and deliverables.
• Act as a liaison between AIR and USAID, facilitating communication.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Strategic Planning

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Master's degree in public policy, international development, project management, or related field

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Asana

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

AIR is seeking a Principal Project Specialist to provide strategic leadership and high-level project management support to the FEWS NET Learning and Data Hub, a critical component of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) project. FEWS NET is a leading provider of early warning and analysis on acute food insecurity, supporting evidence-based decision-making to mitigate humanitarian crises globally.

In this role, the Principal Project Specialist will oversee complex project operations, lead cross-functional coordination, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality outputs aligned with project goals. This position requires a seasoned professional with deep experience in managing large-scale, donor-funded projects, particularly in international development, data systems, or humanitarian response.

This position has the flexibility to work remote from anywhere in the United States or from any of AIR's U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR :

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 advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

We hire talented and forward-thinking professionals to build our cross-functional teams and support our clients in solving complex problems. Our people-problem-solvers, changemakers, and creative thinkers-are experts in their craft who rise to meet today's challenges. We value the experiences of every member of our institution, from entry level to executive. As part of our collaborative, learning-oriented team, you'll be encouraged to grow in your career, develop additional skills, and progress professionally.

Responsibilities :

• Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for the FEWS NET Learning and Data Hub project, ensuring alignment with USAID objectives and contractual obligations.
• Lead the development and implementation of project management frameworks, tools, and processes to support efficient execution and continuous improvement.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, staffing plans, and deliverables across multiple workstreams and technical teams.
• Serve as a key liaison between AIR, USAID, and consortium partners, facilitating clear communication, coordination, and issue resolution.
• Oversee risk management, quality assurance, and compliance with donor and organizational policies.
• Support the development of technical and financial reports, work plans, and other client-facing deliverables.
• Mentor and guide project staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Contribute to strategic planning, proposal development, and thought leadership related to food security, data systems, and learning.

Qualifications :

Education, Knowledge, and Experience :

• Master's degree in public policy, international development, project management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in project management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role on large, complex, donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing USAID-funded or similar international development projects.
• Deep understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• PMP certification or equivalent preferred but not required.

Skills :

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex workflows, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience engaging high-level stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Asana) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to synthesize technical information and present it clearly to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the mission of improving global food security.

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 [e-mail] or call 202.403.5000.

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 [e-mail] is correct and [e-mail] is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to [e-mail].

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. Find out more about how to avoid scams at ftc.gov / scams.

LI-DNI

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

155,000-$205,000 USD

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