Project Specialist, Tek Office (Hybrid)

American Institutes for Research; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research (AIR) Tek Office is seeking a Project Specialist to support project delivery and day-to-day operations. This hybrid role blends project management with coordination and administrative support to drive efficient execution and align leadership priorities.

Report to the Principal Technical Project Manager; ideal candidate grows in project/program management with a proactive mindset, navigating ambiguity while contributing to team success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS or related field with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Foundational understanding of project management principles and tools (e.g., MS Project or Planner, Smartsheet, or similar).
• CAPM certification or progress toward certification is a plus.
• Strong prioritization skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and shift priorities.
• High-level problem-solving abilities to process complex data and advise leadership decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted thought partner for supporting the execution of strategic goals and KPIs.
• Lead technical project planning and execution in an agile environment.
• Manage and expedite technical deliverables while coordinating priorities and timelines.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, trackers, dashboards, and status updates.
• Frame agendas, prepare briefing materials, and track follow-ups; collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Provide operational support across budgeting, expense coordination, procurement, and vendor interactions.

Skills

Project management

Prioritization

Communication

Adaptability

Analytical thinking

Tech-savviness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS or related field

Tools

MS Project

Planner

Smartsheet

Job description

AIR’s Tek Office is seeking a Project Specialist to support project delivery and day-to-day operations. This role blends core project management responsibilities with coordination and administrative support to drive efficient execution, ensure alignment across stakeholders, and advance leadership team’s priorities. The position is responsible for coordinating and managing Tek Office initiatives requiring the ability to operate with a strong sense of ownership, autonomy, and sound judgment, and a tech-savvy approach to tools and systems. This position reports to the Principal Technical Project Manager.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with strong organization skills and has a good understanding of technology-focused teams. This role is well-suited for someone eager to grow in project or program management, with a proactive mindset and the ability to navigate ambiguity while contributing to team success.

This position offers hybrid work flexibility, requiring three days per week in AIR’s Virginia office, with occasional travel for meetings, training sessions, and conferences.

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

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Act as a trusted thought partner for supporting the execution of strategic goals and initiatives and measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Lead technical project planning and execution in a fast-paced, agile environment.
• Manage and expedite technical deliverables while coordinating amongst competing priorities. Track key timelines, action items, and priorities, providing proactive follow-ups, reminders, and escalation support as needed.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, trackers, dashboards, and status updates to ensure visibility and informed decision-making.
• Frame agendas, prepare briefing materials, and track actionable follow-ups. Partner with cross-functional teams to foster collaboration, alignment, and smooth execution across projects and initiatives.
• Provide operational support across budgeting, expense coordination, procurement, and vendor interactions while ensuring compliance with internal processes and confidentiality standards.
• Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Foundational understanding of project management principles and tools (e.g., MS Project or Planner, Smartsheet, or similar).
• Strong prioritization skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and shift priorities.
• Familiar with tracking timelines, deliverables, and project documentation; CAPM certification or progress toward certification is a plus.
• High-level problem-solving abilities to process complex data and advise leadership decision-making.

Skills

• Strong communicator with executive presence, able to convey concepts clearly to diverse audiences while fostering collaboration across cross-functional and virtual teams and handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Solid foundation in project management, with the ability to coordinate tasks, track deliverables, and support project execution from planning through completion.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independence and initiative while partnering effectively to achieve shared team objectives, maintaining professionalism and sound judgment in interactions.
• Highly adaptable in fast paced environments, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent workstreams while delivering timely, high-quality results and maintaining confidentiality.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to approach challenges with sound judgment and discretion.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments, navigating ambiguity with initiative and a tech-savvy approach to leveraging and learning new tools and systems, while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
• Exhibits a high level of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information, along with strong presentation skills to effectively engage both small and large audiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel, with experience supporting project tracking and documentation.

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 basisof 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 braid, locks, 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 Taliba Boone at [e-mail] or call 202.403.5000.

#LI-MP1 #LI-Hybrid

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

$102,000—$110,000 USD