Research and Data Associate, Project Reset

New York, NY
Full Time
Data Analytics and Applied Research
Mid Level

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

  1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
  2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
  3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Data Analytics and Applied Research (DAAR) Department collaborates with the Center’s operating programs to inform new and existing programming through data tracking, analysis, evaluation, and surveys. The work frequently includes measures such as case outcomes and program impacts, case processing, community needs and concerns, and perceptions of justice-involved individuals. The team also provides technical assistance to community court and diversion programs across the country. 

The DAAR Department is seeking a Research and Data Associate to support operating programs and advance community justice through data analytics and applied research. The Research and Data Associate will support program evaluation and standardize reporting for Project Reset, a citywide pre-arraignment diversion initiative. Reporting to the Senior Research and Data Associate, this position offers an opportunity to conduct on-the-ground research and data analysis on innovative community justice projects and, more generally, to manage data-driven programs practices, outcomes and policy implications through data tracking and analysis. The candidate must bring a real interest in this work and have a strong preexisting skill set in using statistical software, along with a basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodology. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  
  • Partner with the Senior Research and Data Associate, Principal Research and Data Associate, program management and staff, and the technology team to develop specs for, set-up, and test Salesforce- and/or Oracle-based case management systems and other data collection systems ; 
  • Ensure all data quality assurance and reporting deliverables are met; 
  • Query, download, code, clean, merge, manipulate and analyze data from program databases of various scales and complexity;
  • Implement standardized procedures to streamline data processes and improve team efficiency;
  • Produce regular statistical reports and analysis (e.g., regarding program volume, service linkages, or outcome metrics) for program staff, funders, government officials, court stakeholders, and others to inform operations and meet contractual data deliverables;  
  • Regularly present data at staff and management meetings;   
  • Interface with program staff, directors, and stakeholders as needed to track data and troubleshoot case management issues;
  • Conduct ad hoc data analyses to respond to time-sensitive requests for information, both internally and externally; 
  • Ensure that all ad hoc and regular reports are clear and accurate;  
  • Communicate analytic and research findings, including drafting reports, factsheets, policy memos, presentations, infographics, and data dashboards for a range of audiences;  
  • Help maintain the case management systems; 
  • Assist with the creation of and amendments to data tracking and reporting tools with operations staff and the technology department;  
  • Collaborate with the Center’s technology department to streamline internal data processes, translate operational needs into technical specifications, and manage internal databases;   
  • Work closely with program staff at various operating sites to understand programmatic data needs; 
  • Develop and maintain data collection protocols and training materials;
  • Lead data entry trainings for program staff at various operating sites; promote universal and standardized data collection;  
  • Translate operational needs into technical specifications and maintain internal database documentation;
  • Travel to operating sites around the five NYC boroughs as necessary; 
  • Design and conduct research and evaluation projects involving both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in collaboration with senior research and program staff;  
  • Maintain rapport with various stakeholders including assistant district attorneys, defense attorneys, NYPD officers and officials, and representatives from funding organizations; and
  • Additional tasks as necessary.  
Qualifications: Master's Degree plus 2-3 years, or a Bachelor's Degree plus 4-5 or more years, of relevant research and data experience, preferably as a researcher with criminal justice, community-based and/or restorative justice programs. Intermediate skills in data analysis, knowledge of basic quantitative and qualitative methods and demonstrated proficiency with statistical software packages (R, SAS, Stata, SPSS, etc.) is required. Database management and relational databases experience preferred; familiarity with Salesforce and SQL is preferred. Experience with data visualization (Power BI) is a plus. Candidate must be open to feedback and dedicated to ensuring accuracy and clarity around operationalized definitions. Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively juggle multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail is a must. Candidate must be a skilled communicator (written and oral) who can collaborate with and effectively convey data findings to a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including program staff, community-based partners, criminal justice personnel, government funders, and CJI colleagues across the research, technology, and operations departments. The candidate must also bring a passion for improving the justice system.  

Position Type: Full-time.

Position Location: Hybrid - Midtown Manhattan, NY with travel to various Center programs in New York City.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $72,100 - $86,700 and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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