Research and Policy Associate

State of North Carolina

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. The North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, a permanent state commission, conducts studies on criminal and juvenile justice issues and makes recommendations to the General Assembly for the modification of sentencing laws, policies, and practices. This role is with the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission.

Requirements

Master's degree in the social sciences, statistics, public policy, public administration or other related field and two (2) years of relevant experience in governmental, social science research, public policy, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of the criminal and/or juvenile justice system.
Knowledge of the structure and operations of the NC court and correctional systems.
Knowledge of Structured Sentencing laws and their application (NC general statutes).
Knowledge of the legislative process.
Skills in social science research.
Skills in using SAS or other computer software for data management and statistical analysis.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to collaborate with others.
Ability to apply critical/analytical thinking skills.
Ability to present information clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
Ability to assist in the management and analysis of statewide sentencing, correctional, and recidivism information.

Nice To Haves

High level of computer expertise, including data management and analysis experience with SAS or other similar statistical analysis software.
Experience working with large data sets.
Experience summarizing research findings.
Experience with the North Carolina criminal and/or juvenile justice systems.

Responsibilities

Provide staff support to the 29-member Commission.
Assist the Commission in the formulation of sentencing laws and policies by researching issues, presenting information, and facilitating discussions.
Develop methodological approaches for projects to support the ongoing work of the Commission and its subcommittees or as mandated by the NC General Assembly.
Use SAS software to manage, manipulate, and analyze large-scale, complex criminal justice and juvenile justice data to support the development of annual correctional and juvenile justice population projections, impact analyses, evaluation studies (e.g., recidivism studies), statistical reports, and other studies assigned by the Commission or mandated by the NC General Assembly.
Prepare written materials and make oral presentations that effectively communicate research findings in order to inform recommendations for future policies.