Research Analyst, Vera Louisiana

Vera Institute of Justice•New Orleans, LA

24d•$64,000 - $67,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Vera Louisiana seeks a full-time Research Analyst to support projects focused on reducing jail populations, increasing investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana’s carceral impact at the parish and state levels. The analyst will contribute to quantitative and qualitative research with other staff, primarily working on qualitative projects that involve independent coding and analysis. The role offers experience in applied social justice research, using research to advance advocacy goals, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and elsewhere in Louisiana. The analyst may also support advocacy and administrative work beyond research assignments. The position is supervised primarily by the Associate Director of Research, with support and mentorship from the Senior Research Associate. The analyst collaborates with team members in meetings and program activities and supports the integration of Vera’s race equity and inclusion priorities into research methods, publications, staffing, and internal and external research communications. The role reports to Vera’s New Orleans office. Employees follow a hybrid schedule, working in the office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month. The compensation range is $64,000–$67,000. This bargaining-unit position is represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW 2325. Actual salary may vary based on factors including experience and performance. Vera’s compensation package also includes merit pay, generous paid time off, comprehensive health insurance, student loan repayment benefits, professional development training, up to $2,000 annually for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, an employer-funded retirement plan, and flexible time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social science, statistics, or computer science, plus up to 3 years of relevant experience; applicable work or life experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Experience in quantitative research, such as completing a research project using quantitative methods.
Coding experience for data analysis, preferably in R.
Ability to synthesize complex literature and share findings from existing research.
Ability to communicate research findings in writing in a manner that is easily understood by the general public.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Slack, and Asana or other cloud-based management software.

Nice To Haves

Experience using mixed-methods research in applied settings.
Experience creating data visualizations or infographics.
Lived experience as a person directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
Demonstrated commitment to racial justice, equity, and inclusion.
Deep understanding of the New Orleans and/or Louisiana carceral system.
Developing ability in data visualization and presentation, with a desire to learn more.
Spanish language proficiency.

Responsibilities

Support in-person data collection under the supervision of senior research staff.
Clean, code, and manage quantitative and/or qualitative data, codebooks, instruments, and other research materials.
Support quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis and write up methods or results.
Respond to rapid data requests from team members and external partners, including producing statistics or identifying and sharing existing research for advocacy materials.
Conduct background research and compile materials, including literature reviews.
Prepare, format, and draft portions of reports, slide decks, fact sheets, and other products.
Prepare data, statistics, background research, and data visualizations for reports and other products.
Plan and prepare for meetings, conference calls, webinars, and conferences, and take notes during them.
Manage and respond to emails from external partners who work with Vera.
Schedule and facilitate meetings.
Enter data and create, update, and maintain spreadsheets and databases.
Support logistical, event, and research-trip planning as needed.
Collaborate with team members to advance project and initiative goals, including participating in team meetings and program activities.
Support the integration of Vera’s race equity and inclusion priorities into research methods, publications, staffing, and research communications.
Occasionally perform advocacy and administrative work beyond research-specific assignments.