Research Manager

State of North Carolina

1d

About The Position

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters! The Research Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Department's objectives by closely collaborating with senior leadership, serving in an advisory capacity related to research and evidence-based practices. The position works with the Director of Innovation and is instrumental in leading and overseeing the Department’s priority question research agenda that is tied to the Department’s strategic plan, executing data analysis, and offering strategic insights to senior leaders and others based on research findings. These contributions are vital for shaping policy and guiding decision-making processes pertinent to adult correctional services, thereby ensuring that the Department remains at the forefront of innovation and evidence-based practices. This position serves as the Department’s lead authority for the strategic development, management, and execution of an enterprise-wide research portfolio that supports evidence-based decision-making, program effectiveness, and organizational improvement across multiple divisions. The role oversees systemic, high-impact research initiatives—many involving complex funding structures and budgets exceeding $1 million—and provides leadership to multidisciplinary research staff, contractors, graduate assistants, and interns engaged in applied corrections research. Operating within a highly collaborative public-sector environment, the position ensures the rigor and integrity of research design, data collection, analysis, and project delivery while coordinating with senior leadership, budget offices, academic institutions, government agencies, non-profits, and other external partners. Through strategic planning, resource stewardship, and dissemination of findings, the role translates research into actionable insights that inform policy, operational practices, and long-term departmental priorities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and five (5) years of experience in the program area of assignment, including two years of supervisory program experience; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration.
• Considerable knowledge of human resources, purchasing, budget and accounting practices and procedures as related to the program area of assignment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development, evaluation, and enhancement of organizational policies, processes, and programs, ensuring alignment with best practices and addressing emerging challenges.
• Skill in managing a staff of professional and support positions to achieve program goals.
• Ability to select, train, and supervise employees engaged in specific program or operational area.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other State officials and the general public.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing research teams and projects.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex datasets, employing statistical tools and software to derive meaningful insights and inform evidence-based decision-making processes.
• Proficient in various research methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, with the ability to design and implement robust research studies to address complex issues within the field of adult correction.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex research findings to diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Management prefers candidates with a Master's or Ph.D. in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, public policy, or a related field, but not required for qualification.

Responsibilities

• Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs - Evaluating the outcomes of various rehabilitation programs to determine their effectiveness in reducing recidivism.
• Operational Efficiency - Assessing and optimizing operations within institutions to improve safety, reduce costs, and enhance outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
• Impact of Policy Changes - Analyzing the effects of policy changes on the adult correctional system such as community reintegration strategies.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Interventions - Studying the implementation and outcomes of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs within the correctional setting.
• Correctional Education Programs - Evaluating educational and vocational training programs for their impact on post-release employment and recidivism rates.
• Technology and Innovations in Corrections - Exploring the use of technology, such as electronic monitoring and data analytics, in improving correctional management and rehabilitation efforts.
• Staff Training and Development - Assessing the effectiveness of staff training programs in enhancing operational efficiency and promoting a positive institutional culture.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NC Flex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager