Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development

American-Institutes-For-Research; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research is seeking a Senior Technical Assistance Consultant in Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development. The role focuses on higher education, especially community colleges, and work-based learning, including apprenticeships, with emphasis on underserved and reentry populations.

The position supports remote work within the United States and may be based in AIR offices. Responsibilities include leading technical assistance projects, developing tools, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 3+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 7+ years, or Bachelor’s with 9+ years in a related field.
• Experience delivering technical assistance to public agencies, nonprofits, or higher education.
• Experience leading cross‑functional projects and teams.
• Experience with community colleges or related initiatives.
• Knowledge of postsecondary education, workforce development, and career pathways.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑sector technical assistance efforts aligning education, workforce systems, and community organizations.
• Serve as SME on work‑based learning and apprenticeships; develop tools for program design.
• Support adaptation of programs to incorporate work‑based learning; build employer partnerships.
• Conduct policy and program analysis to improve funding, services, and institutional practices.
• Translate research into briefs, toolkits, and training materials for practitioners.

Skills

Work-based learning

Apprenticeships

Policy analysis

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Team leadership

Proposal writing

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in a related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, Postsecondary Education and Workforce Development

AIR is seeking aSenior Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant with deep expertise in higher education, particularly community colleges. This person should have knowledge and experience related to both academic and career programs; student support services; efforts to provide work-based learning experiences, including apprenticeships; coordination with employers to inform academic programs; data collection practices and policies; and initiatives that support higher education in prisons and/or reentry services. The role involves leading strategic technical assistance projects that help institutions and agencies improve outcomes for community college students, particularly underserved and disconnected populations, including individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.

This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

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:

• Lead cross‑sector technical assistance efforts that strengthen alignment among postsecondary education institutions, workforce systems, and community‑based organizations to expand access to career pathways and work‑based learning opportunities for community college students.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on work‑based learning, including apprenticeships, and support the development of tools and resources for program design and the adaptation of existing programs to incorporate work‑based learning. Maintain strong connections within the higher education community regarding the use of work‑based learning and apprenticeships.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in a variety of areas, including:
  • The use of non‑degree credentials and/or professional certifications in community college settings, including processes for establishing new programs and collaborating with employers to ensure programs meet workforce needs.
  • Data collection practices related to student experiences and outcomes in both credit‑bearing and non‑credit‑bearing programs and courses, including efforts to help colleges better understand employment outcomes for all students.
  • Higher education in prison, including program design, implementation, and the development of tools and resources that support effective delivery.
• Conduct policy and program analysis to inform improvements in postsecondary education and workforce systems, including evaluating funding streams, field needs, service delivery models, and institutional practices.
• Translate research into actionable tools and guidance, producing briefs, toolkits, and training materials that help practitioners implement evidence‑based strategies that promote career readiness and student success.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that values a variety of perspectives and supports professional growth.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities with federal, state, and foundation clients.

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Ph.D. with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; Master’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience in a related field.
• Experience delivering technical assistance to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, community‑based organizations, or higher education institutions.
• Experience managing projects and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Experience working directly with community colleges or within a community college setting to lead initiatives, implement programs, or support institutional change efforts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of postsecondary education, workforce development, and career pathways, particularly within community college environments.
• Established networks within the higher education and workforce development fields and a willingness to cultivate relationships on behalf of AIR.
• Prior experience in a mission‑driven nonprofit, philanthropic, academic, or research organization preferred.

Skills

• Strong business development, proposal writing, and client relationship management skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply quantitative and qualitative data to inform technical assistance strategies and recommendations.
• Knowledge of work‑based learning, including apprenticeships, and the policies, practices, and partnerships that support implementation in higher education settings.
• Understanding of systems‑level challenges and opportunities related to postsecondary access, student success, career readiness, and workforce development.
• Familiarity with federal funding streams and policy frameworks related to Pell Grant reinstatement, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Registered Apprenticeships, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), and Second Chance Pell.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience leading professional development and capacity‑building initiatives.
• Ability to translate research, policy, and data into practical tools, guidance, training materials, briefs, and other resources for practitioners and decision‑makers.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups and organizational teams.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively.

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’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

$127,000 - $140,000 USD