Senior Research Analyst

Council of State Governments • New York, NY

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Council of State Governments Justice Center works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers. We're focused on three strategic goals: Break the cycle of incarceration. Advance health, opportunity, and equity. Use data to improve safety and justice. When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees -expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states 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. Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center. How you'll fit in: We help policymakers use data to design and implement historic reforms that address pressing criminal justice challenges and result in millions being reinvested in reducing recidivism, improving treatment, and more. The senior research analyst will manage and contribute to multiple projects working directly with policymakers to tackle criminal justice system issues across law enforcement, courts, and corrections. In collaboration with policy specialists, elected leaders, agency officials and staff, and a variety of other stakeholders, you'll have the opportunity to use data to assess current policy and practice, design and implement new approaches to policy and practice, and help determine whether those changes resulted in the desired outcomes. The senior research analyst will contribute to complex research projects in all areas of the organization. This position will be responsible for executing both short- and long-term research projects; conducting or assisting with data analysis; and writing research reports directed at national, state, and local elected officials and policymakers. Work will involve analyzing, planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating criminal justice initiatives and conducting policy analyses for state legislatures, program staff, and governmental agencies.

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
• A bachelor's degree in a related field such as criminal justice, social science, public policy, or public administration plus five years of research experience; OR a bachelor's degree in a related field and a master's degree in a related field plus three years of research experience; OR a doctorate degree in related field plus one year of research experience
• 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
• Knowledge of scientific research methods, principles, and techniques
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and application to data analysis
• Skill in using Stata or R to clean and prepare raw case-level data; perform data manipulation procedures such as matching data files; and ultimately conduct critical complex analyses for related projects
• Skill in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Efficient, organized work style; an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently; and an ability to handle multiple projects at once
• Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility in using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel (a cost offset is provided by CSG)

Responsibilities

• Work within a team structure to assist criminal or juvenile justice agencies and other organizations to address programmatic and policy issues.
• Negotiate data use agreements with government agencies.
• Conduct analytical work using case-level criminal justice data from multiple, interrelated databases using accepted methodologies.
• Develop descriptive statistics and impactful data visualizations.
• Provide consultative services and technical assistance to state and local government agencies as well as private organizations on data collection and sharing.
• Present analytical results in a format that suits the communication style of policymakers at the national, state, and local levels.
• Participate in the preparation (i.e., writing, reviewing, and editing) of publications that the CSG Justice Center develops that address issues emanating from research results.
• Participate in Research Division committees.

Benefits

• Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model.
• Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.
• To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here

What This Job Offers

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