<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join AIR as a part-time <strong>Researcher Intern</strong> to support a project for the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI). The NCSI supports state education agencies (SEAs) to best use their general supervision and professional development systems to establish and meet high expectations for every student with a disability by providing universal, targeted, and intensive technical assistance. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This internship is designed for graduate students interested in special education leadership, state education agency work, systems-level improvement, and evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. This staff person will contribute to ongoing projects, participate in structured professional learning and mentorship, and complete a culminating project aligned to NCSI priorities. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>This part-time internship is expected to begin in October 2026 and conclude in May 2027. </strong>Interns must be available to work part-time during standard business hours on weekdays to support collaboration with project staff, participate in meetings, and engage in professional learning activities. This position is not intended for work performed exclusively during evenings or outside normal business hours.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Candidates hired for the position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from <a href="https://www.air.org/locations#alloffices">one of our U.S. office locations</a>. This does not include U.S. territories.</span></p><h4><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">About AIR:</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">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.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.</span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW130806691 BCX0" style="font-size: 12px;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW130806691 BCX0" style="color: rgb( 28 , 37 , 45 );"><span class="TextRun SCXW130806691 BCX0" lang="EN-US" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW130806691 BCX0">Responsibilities:</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW130806691 BCX0" style="color: rgb( 28 , 37 , 45 );"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The responsibilities for the position include:</span></p></div><div class="SCXW130806691 BCX0" style="font-size: 12px;"><div class="ListContainerWrapper SCXW130806691 BCX0"><ul style="background-color: transparent;"><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Support projects related to the education of students with disabilities, with emphasis on state education agencies and special education systems-level work.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Assist with reviewing, synthesizing, and organizing research, policy, guidance, and other resources relevant to special education leadership and improvement efforts.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Contribute to the development of tools, materials, presentations, briefs, and other products for internal and external audiences.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Participate in team meetings, professional learning opportunities, and mentorship activities with leaders in special education and related fields.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Help analyze problems of practice and identify evidence-based strategies that support improved services, systems, and outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Collaborate with project staff to complete assigned tasks, monitor timelines, and communicate progress on internship activities.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Complete a culminating project aligned with the priorities of NCSI. </span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Perform other related duties in support of learning goals and organizational needs.</span></li></ul></div></div><h4><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Qualifications:</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Successful candidates will demonstrate the following requirements through their educational professional, personal, and volunteer experiences:</span></p><ul><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Must currently enrolled in a masters or doctoral program in special education, educational leadership, public policy, disability studies, education policy, or a closely related field focused on the education and development of students with disabilities.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Demonstrated interest in leadership, policy, systems improvement, or state-level work related to special education.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information clearly for different audiences.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid or remote professional environment.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Experience with literature reviews, policy analysis, data-informed decision-making, or program support.</span></li><li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Commitment to improving outcomes for students with disabilities, their families, and the systems that serve them.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hourly pay is <strong>$30.00 for doctoral students</strong> and <strong>$25.00 for master's students</strong>. Rates are fixed and not negotiable.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>Disclosures:</strong> 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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">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 <span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">of 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.</span> 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. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: </strong>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 <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="mailto:tboone@air.org">tboone@air.org</a> or call 202.403.5000.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer: </strong>AIR is aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as AIR representatives. Fraudulent job scams seek to extract sensitive information or money from victims. To protect yourself, please be aware that AIR recruitment will only email you from an “@air.org” domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe@air.org is correct and jdoe@aircareers.org is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to recruitment@air.org. 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. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#LI-AS1 #LI-REMOTE</span></p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><p><a href="https://www.air.org/build-career-air/benefits">AIR’s Total Rewards Program</a>, 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.</p></div><div class="title">Anticipated Hourly Rate Range</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$25</span><span class="divider">—</span><span>$30 USD</span></div></div></div>