Senior Technical Assistance Consultant - Higher Ed Pathways

American Institutes for Research; United States; On-site; USD 127,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research (AIR) invites applications for a Senior Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant specializing in higher education and community colleges. You will lead strategic TA projects, align postsecondary education with workforce systems, and advance work-based learning, including apprenticeships and employer partnerships.

The role supports underserved and reentry populations, translates research into practical tools, and collaborates across stakeholders in public agencies,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; Master’s with 7 years; or Bachelor’s with 9 years in a related field.
• Experience delivering TA to public agencies, nonprofits, or higher ed institutions.
• Experience managing projects and leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with community colleges or CC settings to lead initiatives or change efforts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of postsecondary education, workforce development, and career pathways, especially in CC environments.
• Established networks in higher education and workforce development; willingness to cultivate relationships for AIR.
• Prior experience in a mission-driven nonprofit, philanthropic, academic, or research org preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑sector TA efforts aligning postsecondary education, workforce systems, and community‑based orgs.
• Serve as SME on work-based learning, including apprenticeships; develop tools for program design and adaptation.
• Advise on non‑degree credentials, employer collaboration, and program design to meet workforce needs.
• Analyze data collection on student experiences and outcomes across credit and non‑credit programs.
• Support higher education in prison program design and resource development.

Skills

Business development

Data interpretation

Work-based learning

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication

Higher education expertise

Education

Ph.D. with relevant experience

M.S. with relevant experience

B.S. with relevant experience

Job description

American Institutes for Research (AIR) invites applications for a Senior Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant specializing in higher education and community colleges. You will lead strategic TA projects, align postsecondary education with workforce systems, and advance work-based learning, including apprenticeships and employer partnerships.

The role supports underserved and reentry populations, translates research into practical tools, and collaborates across stakeholders in public agencies,