Who we are:

The Council of State Governments (CSG) 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 break the cycle of incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from a range of systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.

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 nearly 200 employees based in more than 30 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 across 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:

Through our Advancing Data in Corrections: Resident Analyst Program, we have helped states use data to unpack what’s driving trends in systems of safety and justice. The Resident Analyst Program provides analytic support to Departments of Corrections (DOCs) and community supervision agencies across a wide variety of tasks, including generating, analyzing, and reporting data to inform operations, decision-making, and policy development. The goal of the program is to enhance an agency’s capacity to analyze its own data by providing them with an embedded staff person to work on a high-impact project.

The research project manager’s data analysis responsibilities will include collecting and cleaning data, manipulating and analyzing data, creating and tailoring visualization of interrelated datasets, and presenting research findings to agency and state legislatures, program staff, and other governmental agencies as needed.

The research project manager will provide direct support to one or two supervision agencies. While this role can be performed remotely, the research project manager role will require up to 25% travel to agency locations (either Tarrant County, TX or Wisconsin).

This position is initially funded for one year, with the possibility of extension based on continued funding. The position will require passing a background check and meeting all state and agency standards and qualifications required for accessing sensitive data.

What you’ll do:

Specific responsibilities of the research project manager include the following:

• Work with supervision agencies as an embedded data analyst for short-term, targeted analysis projects.
• Co-develop analysis plans to reflect project needs.
• Manage and work across multiple projects within complex initiatives.
• Develop and manage timelines that align with quality assurance policies and ensure that projects follow analysis plans.
• Implement processes that improve and lead to greater data quality, including the development of sustainable technology solutions for agencies.
• Propose and utilize novel approaches to programming in data management and analysis reporting.
• Conduct analytical work using case-level criminal justice data from multiple, inter-related databases using accepted methodologies, and present analytical results in a format that suits the communication style of agency leadership and policy makers at the state and local level.
• Coordinate research and analytic activities utilizing various data points (unstructured and structured) and employ programming to clean, massage, and organize data.
• Work with multiple data sources to develop descriptive statistics and impactful data visualizations, including translating data into actionable information using cutting-edge visualization tools and technology.

What you’ll bring:

• 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 (required) in a related field, such as social science, public policy, or criminal justice
• At least seven years of work experience in the fields of research, analysis, criminal justice, or an equivalent combination of experience and education
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity, keen judgment, and self-confidence, with a sense of humor and ability to maintain balance and perspective
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems and settings, public policy, or government
• Demonstrated knowledge of scientific research methods, statistical concepts, and data analysis techniques
• Proficiency in cleaning, preparing, and manipulating raw case-level data, with expertise in data security protocols, data use agreements, and data transfer methods
• Experience with relational databases and proficiency in at least two programming languages such as R, SAS, SQL, or Python for data analysis, web scraping, or API integration
• Ability to develop compelling graphics and write clear, insightful reports for varied audiences, including policymakers and agency leadership
• Skilled in using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and reproducible research tools like R Markdown or Jupyter
• Experience working on collaborative, multi-stakeholder projects across agencies such as criminal justice, human services, and behavioral health
• Strong oral and written communication skills to present complex data clearly and concisely to varied audiences
• Ability to independently select appropriate technological tools to achieve project goals and objectives
• Proven success in applying research or data science to real-world programmatic and policy issues, including primary data collection and sampling methodologies
• Familiarity with quality assurance techniques and reproducible research practices
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
• Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel. A cost offset is provided by CSG

How you apply:

If you’re interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume (this should include a comprehensive list of related professional, internship, and volunteer experience with applicable dates)
3. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

Compensation will be based on experience and geography. The salary range for this position is $81,000 – $122,500. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Apply Here