[Hiring] Senior Communications Specialist @American Institutes for Research

Role Description

AIR is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to join the Human and Community Development program to lead project teams dedicated to effectively communicating messages that promote healthy, thriving communities. The Senior Communications Specialist will oversee public health communications projects and tasks in collaboration with clients including federal, state, and local government agencies. This role is delivery-focused, translating public health and scientific information into clear, accurate, and accessible communications products. Projects will span communications planning, implementation and evaluation as well as the provision of communications technical assistance to clients and the field.

The Senior Communications Specialist will join AIR’s Human and Community Development Program, which generates evidence-informed solutions and fosters cross-sector collaboration in justice, child and youth development, family well-being, and community health to facilitate safe, healthy, informed, and thriving communities and improve the systems that serve them.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications plans that align with client goals and AIR’s mission.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of high-quality content across digital platforms, publications, and media outlets.
• Guide messaging strategy and editorial direction for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Manage cross-functional teams and workflows to ensure timely delivery of communications products.
• Conduct audience research and apply insights to optimize engagement and accessibility.
• Analyze performance metrics across channels (e.g., social media, web, email) and use data to refine strategies.
• Serve as a senior advisor to clients and internal teams on communications best practices, branding, and outreach.
• Lead proposal development efforts related to communications strategy, budgeting, and staffing.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and AIR’s style and brand guidelines.
• Mentor junior communications staff and contribute to professional development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in strategic communications.
• Master’s degree preferred, but not required.
• Proven experience managing communications for external clients and leading multi-channel campaigns.
• Experience in a shared services or consulting environment is preferred, but not required.

Skills

• Advanced project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to handle multiple projects involving numerous changes simultaneously.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills across technical, creative, and promotional formats.
• Expertise in social media strategy, analytics, and platform management.
• Proficiency in tools such as Google Analytics, Drupal, and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experience with business development strategy and proposal development.

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.

Benefits

• Anticipated Annual Salary Range: $115,000 — $140,000 USD.