Principal Communications Specialist, Human and Community Development

AIR is seeking a Principal Communications Specialist to join the Human and Community Development program to strategically guide teams dedicated to effectively communicating messages that promote healthy, thriving communities. This role combines communications strategy, public health knowledge, and contract delivery expertise to ensure effective communications products and campaigns. The Principal Communications Specialist will oversee a portfolio of public health communications projects that serve a range of clients including federal, state, and local government agencies. The Principal Communications Specialist will contribute to business development in existing and emerging markets through cultivating partnerships with external organizations and subject matter experts and leading teams in proposing solutions that respond to client needs.

The Principal 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.

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:

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:

• Oversee a portfolio of public health communications projects that serve a range of clients. 
• Lead, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary communications team, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and high‑quality deliverables across projects.
• Lead business development strategy and execution for communications work in existing and emerging markets.
• Build and maintain partnerships with external organizations and subject matter experts to maximize the impact and reach of our public health communications work. 

Qualifications:

Education, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in strategic communications with a strong track record of leading multi-channel campaigns and advising senior leaders.
• Proven experience managing a portfolio of external communications projects and overseeing multi-channel campaigns, including for federal clients.  
• Experience in a shared services or consulting environment is essential. 
• Experience identifying and cultivating partnerships to support business development efforts.

Skills

• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking in public health communications and public engagement.
• Exceptional business development strategy and proposal development skills. 
• 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). 

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 identit