Overview

AIR is seeking a Research Assistant focused on advancing justice and community safety to join our Youth, Family & Community Development (YFCD) Program Area within AIR’s Human Services Division. AIR’s work in justice systems is committed to transformative change that dismantles structural disparities. Our work spans the justice continuum-from prevention to intervention and reentry-and embeds community-based, restorative, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive approaches. We aim to address root causes of harm and trauma and promote safety, dignity, and thriving.

In support of this work, the selected candidate will apply a strengths-based, equity-focused perspective to work aimed at building evidence on equitable pathways to thriving for youth, adults, families, and communities. This includes an understanding of the potential of all people to thrive under the right conditions and with the right supports, as well as an orientation toward supportive and restorative, rather than punitive, approaches. Related topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Community violence prevention and intervention
• Juvenile and criminal justice diversion
• Community- and school-based restorative justice
• Alternatives to exclusionary discipline and disrupting the school to prison pipeline
• Youth engagement and re-engagement with school and work
• Mentoring (including credible messenger mentoring)
• Police accountability and reform
• Reimagining public safety systems
• Prison-based education and reentry supports

This position may work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of our 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.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by clicking here.

Responsibilities

Research Assistants work on a range of projects with clients in the nonprofit, government (federal, state, and local), and foundation sectors. Research Assistants primarily work on our research and evaluation work to understand, measure, and evaluate program and policy efforts. In addition, Research Assistants have the opportunity to support technical assistance and communications work to apply and share the evidence base to support the use of research and evaluation findings and best practices in the field.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Conducting literature reviews to support projects and proposals.
• Assisting in the identification, review, and development of scholarly information to inform and/or describe project findings and deliverables.
• Conducting data collection (e.g., via interviews, focus groups, surveys).
• Analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data.
• Summarizing findings for project reports.
• Providing managerial support on projects (e.g., preparing materials, notetaking during meetings, budgeting and invoicing).

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in such fields as economics, psychology, sociology, criminology, statistics, computer science, public policy, public health or other social science related fields.
• Passionate about topics related to youth, family, and community development (see program area description above).
• Experience (i.e., Intern or volunteer) in organizations that support youth, family, or community development.

Skills:

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy when writing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.
• Comfortable working independently under supervision while committed to details and quality.
• Strong teamwork skills and positive contributor to team efficiency.
• Strong time management, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask.
• Commitment to working in a culturally competent work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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.

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’s Total Rewards Program, is designed to reward our staff competitively and motivate them to achieve our critical mission. This position offers a salary of $25.50/hour. 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.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

Fraudulent Job Scams Warning & Disclaimer:

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 domain. Please take extra caution while examining the email address, for example jdoe is correct and jdoe is not a legitimate AIR email address. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of a communication you have received, please reach out to .

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 at ftc.gov/scams.