Senior Technical Assistance Lead, State Policy & Systems

The Senior Technical Assistance (TA) Lead, State Policy and Systems of Support is a pivotal role designed for professionals with direct experience working within a state education agency (SEA). This position leverages deep, practical knowledge of state-level policy, systems of support, and the complexities of district and school improvement initiatives. The Lead will drive the development and implementation of technical assistance and evaluation of strategies to support state policy and systems of support development and assistance to low-performing districts and schools, ensuring all efforts are grounded in evidence and aligned with state and federal priorities.

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 generate evidence and apply data‑driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all.

The responsibilities for the position include:

• Serve as the primary liaison to state and local education agency staff, drawing on firsthand SEA experience to foster trust, credibility, and effective collaboration.
• Lead the design and implementation of state systems of support for school and district improvement, utilizing an insider's perspective on SEA processes, compliance, and policy priorities.
• Represent AIR on cross‑agency leadership teams and at national conferences, sharing insights from direct SEA work and evidence‑based practices.

• Oversee the administration and monitoring of state and federal grants, applying knowledge of SEA grant cycles, reporting requirements, and accountability frameworks.
• Support the growth of monitoring work and build relationships with state leaders in systems of support across the United States, leveraging established SEA networks and credibility.

• Lead the evaluation, research, and dissemination of effective practices for district and school improvement, informed by SEA experience in data‑driven decision‑making and progress monitoring.
• Guide the development of progress monitoring systems, leveraging SEA expertise in data systems, compliance, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to district and school improvement, including major legislative initiatives, drawing on direct SEA policy implementation experience.
• Supervise staff and manage change processes to advance AIR's state policy work, informed by SEA best practices in organizational change and stakeholder engagement.

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree with a minimum of 7 years; or Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 9 years of experience.
• At least 10 years of direct experience working within a state education agency on district and school improvement, state systems of support, or the use of evidence to inform educational strategies.
• Demonstrated capacity to work across divisions within an agency or across sectors bridging education, youth development and workforce.
• Demonstrated experience working in multi‑state collaborations to exchange effective strategies, co‑develop policies, and scale successful practices across states.
• Proven ability to generate revenue and secure new funding by developing and implementing comprehensive business strategies.
• Understanding of state and federal funding streams for district and school improvement.
• Proven track record in SEA grant management, policy implementation, or program evaluation.
• Familiarity with SEA data systems, progress monitoring, or improvement cycles (e.g., PDSA cycles).
• Experience presenting at national conferences and collaborating with research and policy organizations.
• Established networks in the field and a willingness to cultivate relationships on behalf of AIR.

• Excellent…