Senior Project Specialist

Davita Inc.; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join AIR as a Senior Project Specialist for the FEWS NET Learning and Data Hub project, utilizing your advanced project management expertise to enhance global food security. You will coordinate complex activities while supporting a diverse team and ensuring optimal project execution. This role offers flexibility with remote work options across the United States and encompasses key responsibilities in project planning, execution, and analysis.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of experience in project management, data analysis.
• PMP certification preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience in international development or public policy is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead project tasks, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Design standardized project management tools.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Advanced project management skills

Leadership and team coordination

Excellent communication

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree (MBA, MPA)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Smartsheet

Asana

MS Project

Job description

Join AIR as a Senior Project Specialist supporting the FEWS NET Learning and Data Hub project, and bring your advanced project management expertise to a mission-driven team working to improve global food security. The FEWS NET (Famine Early Warning Systems Network) project provides timely, evidence-based analysis to help decision-makers respond to humanitarian crises and food insecurity around the world.

In this role, you will lead and coordinate complex project activities, working closely with Project Directors and Task Leaders to ensure the successful execution of high-impact initiatives. You will oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project workflows, data collection, deliverables, and resource allocation across a diverse portfolio.

This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, and a commitment to supporting the goals of the FEWS NET project through efficient and effective project operations.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of project tasks in collaboration with Project Directors and Task Leaders, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and contract requirements.
• Design and implement standardized project management tools, templates, and workflows that reflect AIR's best practices.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation using advanced project tracking systems.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff, delegating tasks and ensuring timely, high-quality completion.
• Provide strategic input on project planning, risk mitigation, and process improvement.
• Analyze project performance data and synthesize findings into actionable insights and reports.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and facilitate communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Support proposal development and contribute to client-facing deliverables as needed.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, economics, education, psychology, political science, communications, or a related field; or Master's degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, or related).
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in project management, data analysis, and operational support, preferably in research, consulting, or government contracting environments.
• PMP certification preferred or demonstrated equivalent experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Experience working in or with international development, education, or public policy sectors is a plus.

Skills:

• Advanced project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities, with experience supervising or mentoring staff.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, MS Project). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a virtual or hybrid team environment.

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.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an "@air.org" domain. 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.

#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 an anticipated annual salary range of $120,000 — $140,000 USD.