Data Scientist II

Council of State Governments•New York, NY

6d•$75,300 - $119,400•Hybrid

About The Position

The Council of State Governments Justice Center helps leaders in every state design and implement solutions for complex justice system challenges and make communities safer and healthier. We deliver trusted data, practical strategies, and cross-systems collaboration to create second chances, reduce harm, and transform lives. We're focused on four strategic priorities: Using data to drive action, Strengthening crisis response and addressing violent crime, Turning billions in new behavioral health resources into improved outcomes, and Growing the number of states committed to delivering reentry success by 2030. We have approximately 50 employees in states across the country who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work. The data scientist will transform complex criminal justice data into meaningful analyses, interactive dashboards, and data visualizations that inform policy and operational decision-making. The position will entail collecting and cleaning data, manipulating data, creating and tailoring visualization of interrelated datasets, and presenting research findings. This position is funded through June 2027 with the possibility of extension based on funding availability.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness, sensitivity and valuing others.
Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Data Visualization, Computer Sciences, Business Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, social science, public policy, criminal justice or a related field , plus at least 2 years of work experience
Very good communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills (required)
Proficiency and experience with the R programming language (or a similar programming language such as Python)
Knowledge of criminal justice systems and settings, public policy, government, or similar entities
Knowledge of scientific research methods, principles, and techniques
Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and application to data analysis
Ability to work with and find consensus among people from a wide array of backgrounds and perspectives, as well as an appreciation for the need to address issues in nonpartisan and non-polarizing ways
Efficient, organized work style
Demonstrated experience applying data science methods to real-world data
Experience utilizing visualization tools to take advantage of the growing volume of available information
Familiarity with quality assurance techniques and reproducible research processes
Research, writing, and editing skills
Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel. A cost offset is provided by CSG

Responsibilities

Pull, manipulate, and structure criminal justice data utilizing tables within different data sources with different products.
Coordinate research and analytic activities utilizing various data points (unstructured and structured) and employ programming to clean, massage, and organize the data.
Focus on translating data into actionable dashboards using cutting-edge visualization tools and technology and present to various audiences.
Provide data visualizations (reports and dashboards) to support stakeholder requirements.
Analyze existing reports to improve performance and develop new reports using the best data visualization practices and processes.
Work with multiple complex data sources.
Work with a wide range of stakeholders and functional teams along with policy analysts to develop data visualizations that provide insights for government.
Implement processes that improve and lead to greater data quality.
Work across multiple projects simultaneously.