Temporary Research Assistant
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:
- Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
- Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
- 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 Center's Research department is staffed with social scientists, data analysts, and lawyers who are academically trained or have lived experience and who conduct research in the U.S. and globally on diverse criminal-legal system and justice issues. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies; conducting exploratory, community-based studies; and providing research translation and strategic planning for system actors. The Center has published studies on topics including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams strive to make their work meaningful and actionable to the communities they work with, policymakers, and practitioners.
The Research Department is seeking to a Research Assistant. Reporting to the Senior Director of Research, the Research Assistant will support an exploratory study examining the pathways and contributing factors that lead to women being incarcerated in New York City, NY, Harris County, TX, and New Orleans, LA. The Research Assistant will primarily support the collection of 40 mixed-method interviews in New York City and related data analysis. The candidate must have lived experience with the New York City criminal legal system.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Support the development of mixed-methods qualitative and quantitative interview protocols;
- Assist with participant recruitment and scheduling interviews;
- Work with colleagues to conduct interviews;
- Support data analysis and writing up of findings;
- Support the dissemination of findings; and
- Additional tasks as necessary.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree is required, Master's degree preferred. Lived experience with the criminal legal system in New York City, specifically Riker’s Island and an interest in learning research-related skills (e.g., interviewing and data analysis) is strongly preferred. Experience using Zoom and programs like Microsoft Word and Excel is helpful but not required if candidate is willing to learn how to use the necessary technology and programs. The candidate must be:
- organized and detail-oriented,
- a confident communicator,
- an independent worker and problem solver,
- able to interact with a range of interested community members,
- able to manage time well, and
- able to adjust when priorities or tasks change.
Position Type: Temporary, part-time, working 10-15 hours per week. This role is temporary until June 2026.
Position Location: Midtown Manhattan.
Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00 per hour based on a 35-hour work week and is commensurate with experience.
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.