Senior Youth Development Research Lead (Remote)

AIR; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

American Institutes for Research (AIR) is seeking a Principal Researcher in Youth Development to lead business pursuits, oversee research and evaluation projects, and cultivate client relationships across federal, state, and local agencies. The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary leadership and a strong track record in securing contracts and managing complex portfolios.

The candidate will guide marketing strategies, manage teams, and mentor junior colleagues, while advancing AIR’s mission to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s with extensive research leadership experience.
• 10+ years leading proposals and managing staff.
• National reputation in youth development and field connections.
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent health, and mobility research.
• Experience leading competitive grants from federal/state/local sources.
• Mentoring teams to ensure project excellence and budget discipline.

Responsibilities

• Provide thought leadership and expand eminence in youth development.
• Develop marketing and business plan to grow AIR’s youth work.
• Foster interdisciplinary approaches across related fields.
• Lead and write proposals for grants or contracts to various funders.
• Manage projects as PI/PD, oversee budgets and client relationships.
• Mentor junior staff and share best practices in research and TA.
• Maintain strong funder/client relationships and grow the portfolio.

Skills

Leadership

Proposal writing

Client relationships

Research design

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Budget management

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in child development or related field

Master’s degree + 11 years experience

Job description

American Institutes for Research (AIR) is seeking a Principal Researcher in Youth Development to lead business pursuits, oversee research and evaluation projects, and cultivate client relationships across federal, state, and local agencies. The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary leadership and a strong track record in securing contracts and managing complex portfolios.

The candidate will guide marketing strategies, manage teams, and mentor junior colleagues, while advancing AIR’s mission to