Project Specialist

American Institutes for Research

Project Specialist at AIR managing project delivery and day-to-day operations with tech-savvy skills. Requires strong organization and project management experience while offering hybrid work flexibility.

Posted 7/10/2026full-timeArlington • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $102,000 - $110,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as a trusted thought partner for supporting the execution of strategic goals and initiatives and measuring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Lead technical project planning and execution in a fast-paced, agile environment.
Manage and expedite technical deliverables while coordinating amongst competing priorities. Track key timelines, action items, and priorities, providing proactive follow-ups, reminders, and escalation support as needed.
Maintain accurate project documentation, trackers, dashboards, and status updates to ensure visibility and informed decision-making.
Frame agendas, prepare briefing materials, and track actionable follow-ups. Partner with cross-functional teams to foster collaboration, alignment, and smooth execution across projects and initiatives.
Provide operational support across budgeting, expense coordination, procurement, and vendor interactions while ensuring compliance with internal processes and confidentiality standards.
Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Foundational understanding of project management principles and tools (e.g., MS Project or Planner, Smartsheet, or similar).
Strong prioritization skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and shift priorities.
Familiar with tracking timelines, deliverables, and project documentation; CAPM certification or progress toward certification is a plus.
High-level problem-solving abilities to process complex data and advise leadership decision-making.

Benefits

Comp & perks

AIR’s Total Rewards Program
Health insurance
401(k) matching
Paid time off
Flexible work arrangements

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Project Management PrinciplesTechnical Project PlanningData AnalysisDocumentation ManagementTimeline Tracking

Soft Skills

Strong Prioritization SkillsHigh-Level Problem-SolvingCollaborationAdaptability

Certifications

CAPM Certification