Americaninstitutesforresearch

Americaninstitutesforresearch

Project Specialist, Tek Office (Hybrid)

US-VA-Arlington · Full-time

Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 1 day ago
Project ManagementBudgetingExcelProcurementResearchLeadershipCollaborationProblem SolvingCritical ThinkingAdaptabilityMicrosoft Office

About the role

  • The position is responsible for coordinating and managing Tek Office initiatives requiring the ability to operate with a strong sense of ownership, autonomy, and sound judgment, and a tech-savvy approach to tools and systems.
  • This position reports to the Principal Technical Project Manager.
  • The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, with strong organization skills and has a good understanding of technology-focused teams.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Strong prioritization skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and shift priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise independence and initiative while partnering effectively to achieve shared team objectives, maintaining professionalism and sound judgment in interactions.
  • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to approach challenges with sound judgment and discretion.
  • Education, Knowledge, and Experience
  • Foundational understanding of project management principles and tools (e.g., MS Project or Planner, Smartsheet, or similar).
  • High-level problem-solving abilities to process complex data and advise leadership decision-making.

Nice to have

  • Familiar with tracking timelines, deliverables, and project documentation
  • CAPM certification or progress toward certification is a plus.

Skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel, with experience supporting project tracking and documentation.
  • 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.

Company info

  • 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.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Disclosures: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.

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