Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, Higher Education in Prison and Workforce Reentry

Company: American Institutes for Research
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

AIR is seeking a Senior Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant with deep expertise in higher education in prison and work-based learning, and one or more of the following areas: postsecondary education systems workforce development reentry services This role will lead strategic technical assistance projects that support institutions and agencies in improving outcomes for underserved populations including people impacted by the criminal legal system. This position has the flexibility to work remotely within the United States (U.S.) or from one of AIR’s 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. Responsibilities: Lead cross-sector technical assistance efforts that strengthen alignment between postsecondary education institutions, workforce systems, and reentry programs to expand access to career pathways and work-based learning opportunities for people impacted by the criminal legal system and other underserved populations. Serve as a subject matter expert on higher education in prison (HEP) , including program design, implementation, and development of tools and resources to support effective delivery. Maintain strong connections within the HEP community and AIR’s internal divisions to inform and enhance AIR’s work. Serve as a subject matter expert on work-based learning, such as apprenticeship , and the development of tools and resources to support program design and adaptation of existing programs to include work-based learning (WBL). Maintain strong connections with the higher education community about the use of WBL and/or apprenticeship. Conduct policy and program analysis to inform improvements in postsecondary and workforce reentry systems, including evaluation of funding streams, field needs, service delivery models, and institutional practices. Translate research into actionable tools and guidance , producing briefs, toolkits, and training materials that help practitioners implement evidence-based strategies for career readiness and reentry success. Foster a collaborative, inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives , and professional growth. Identify and pursue new business opportunities with federal, state, and foundation clients. 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 a related field . Experience delivering TA to public agencies, nonprofits, or community-based organizations . Prior experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit, philanthropic, or academic setting . Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or federal/state technical assistance contracts and leading cross-functional teams . Established networks in the field and a willingness to cultivate relationships on behalf of AIR . Familiarity with federal funding streams and policy frameworks related to Pell reinstatement, WIOA, Perkins V, and Second Chance Pell. Skills Well-connected within the HEP community, with knowledge of current trends, policy developments, and best practices. E xperience navigating policies that promote WBL in higher education settings, with knowledge of current trends and best practices. Deep understanding of systems-level challenges and opportunities in postsecondary access, career readiness, and reentry for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system . Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with experience leading professional development and capacity-building efforts across diverse stakeholder groups. Ability to translate research and policy into practical tools, resources, and guidance for practitioners and decision-makers. Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders to build trust, foster collaboration, and ensure successful project outcomes. Effective communicator and facilitator across various group sizes and settings , including experience developing briefs, toolkits, and training materials. Strong collaboration skills, with experience collaborating across internal teams and organizational divisions to align expertise and deliver cohesive project supports . 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 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. 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 $120,000 - $150,000 USD

Keywords: American Institutes for Research, Mount Prospect , Senior Technical Assistance Consultant, Higher Education in Prison and Workforce Reentry, Human Resources , Chicago, Illinois