Senior Strategist - Future of Work & AI Readiness

Company: American Institutes for Research
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 5, 2026

Job Description:

AIR is seeking a Senior Work & AI Strategist to join our Economic & Employment Program to provide leadership and visioning in the design and delivery of policy and programs that helps education, workforce, and public systems respond to emerging challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and changes in the future of work. This role leads complex projects, supports the development of reusable tools and intellectual property, and partners with clients to translate data and analysis into practical, system-level improvements. The ideal candidate is experienced in successfully developing strategic cross-sector partnerships spanning public policy, private sector, philanthropy, and social science; and has the know-how to cultivate right action for aligning social change to opportunity. This position will contribute to AIR’s growing portfolio of work focused on AI, labor market change, and education-to-workforce alignment, including analytic and design efforts that support educators and workforce development system leaders, business engagement intermediaries, and policymakers in planning for workforce transitions. Candidates hired for the 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. The position requires availability to participate in meetings across all continental U.S. time zones. 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: The responsibilities for the position include: Lead the design and delivery of complex strategic initiatives for education, workforce, and public-sector clients. Partner with clients to assess needs and co-design strategies that are responsive to local context and system constraints. Translate labor market data, AI-related analysis, and research findings into practical tools, frameworks, and guidance for practitioners and leaders. Develop reusable products such as toolkits, dashboards, guides, and implementation resources that can be adapted across projects and audiences. Support work related to AI and the future of work, including helping clients understand workforce impacts, pathway implications, and system-level responses. Facilitate meetings, workshops, and communities of practice with senior leaders and cross-sector stakeholders. Provide project leadership, including managing scope, timelines, and staff; mentoring and supervising junior team members as appropriate. Build and maintain strong relationships with partners across education, workforce, and research communities. Contribute to proactive business development by building and sustaining relationships, sharing market and client insights, identifying emerging needs and potential opportunities, and actively supporting early?stage shaping and positioning efforts that advance mission?aligned growth. Represent AIR at conferences and other events, actively participate in social media and other promotional campaigns focused on AI, labor market change, and education-to-workforce alignment. Contribute to proposal development, concept design, and thought partnership with program leadership. Qualifications: Education, Knowledge, and Experience Ph.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 in social sciences, public policy or other related fields . Experience delivering Technical Assistance to public agencies, nonprofits, or community-based organizations . Prior experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit, philanthropic, or academic setting . Experience managing projects or tasks and leading cross-functional teams . Established networks in the field and a willingness to cultivate relationships on behalf of AIR . Skills Strong ability to translate data and research into actionable guidance for a variety of audiences. Familiarity with issues related to workforce change, education-to-employment pathways, and/or the impact of AI on jobs and skills. Excellent facilitation and communication skills with senior leaders, practitioners, and cross-sector partners. Experience using AI tools to synthesize information, draft content, analyze data, or improve efficiency in day-to-day work. Ability to apply sound judgment when interpreting AI-generated outputs. Strong project management, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. Experience supporting proposal development and business development efforts. Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with program leadership and project teams. Demonstrated ability to conduct proactive business development by building and sustaining relationships, sharing market and client insights, identifying emerging needs and potential opportunities, and actively supporting early?stage shaping and positioning efforts that result in additional work. Ability to utilize campaigns and conferences to make strategic connections, share and document contacts and insights, and follow up effectively to sustain relationships and support future mission?aligned opportunities. 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 tboone@air.orgor call 202.403.5000. 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 “@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 torecruitment@air.org. If you see a job scam, or lose money to one, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) atReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to your state attorney general. Find out more about how to avoid scams atftc.gov/scams. LI-AS1 LI-REMOTE 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 $126,100 - $168,100 USD

Keywords: American Institutes for Research, Hoffman Estates , Senior Strategist - Future of Work & AI Readiness, Human Resources , Chicago, Illinois