Research Analyst, Vera Louisiana

Vera Institute of Justice•Brooklyn, LA

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

Vera Louisiana is seeking a full-time Research Analyst to support projects focused on jail population reduction, investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana’s carceral impact at the parish and state levels. The position primarily reports to the Associate Director of Research, with support and mentorship from the Senior Research Associate, and works with other staff on quantitative and qualitative research projects. The role is an opportunity to develop experience in applied social justice research, using research to advance advocacy goals, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana. The Research Analyst primarily supports qualitative research, including independent coding and analysis, and may also assist with quantitative work. The position collaborates with team members through 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 communications. Some assignments extend beyond research, including advocacy and administrative work. The role reports to Vera’s New Orleans, Louisiana office. Vera 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 position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW 2325. Actual salary may vary based on factors including experience and performance. Vera describes its total compensation and benefits as including 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 three 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 communicate findings from existing research.
Skill in writing research findings 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.
Developing ability with data visualization and presentation, and a desire to learn more.
Proficiency 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.
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 the write-up of methods and results.
Respond to rapid data requests from team members and external partners, including producing statistics or identifying and sharing existing research to support advocacy materials.
Conduct background research and compile materials, including literature reviews.
Prepare, format, and draft portions of reports, slide decks, factsheets, and other research products.
Prepare data, statistics, background research, and data visualizations for reports and other products.
Support planning and preparation for meetings, conference calls, webinars, and conferences, and take notes at them.
Manage and respond to emails from external partners who work with Vera.
Schedule and facilitate meetings.
Perform data entry, including creating, updating, and maintaining spreadsheets and databases.
Support logistical, event, and research-trip planning as needed.
Collaborate with team members to advance project or initiative goals by participating in team meetings and program activities.
Support efforts to integrate Vera’s race equity and inclusion priorities into research methods, publications, hiring and staffing, and research communications.
Occasionally perform advocacy and administrative work beyond research-specific assignments.