Research Project Manager, Resident Analyst Program (Remote or Hybrid)

CSG Justice Center

Research Project Manager, Resident Analyst Program

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 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 over 170 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 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:

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 will provide direct support to one or two agencies as well as mentor 2-3 data analysts who are embedded in other agencies. While this role is fully remote from anywhere in the United States, the research project manager role will require occasional travel to agency locations (up to 25% of the time.) 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 DOCs and state legislatures, program staff, and other governmental agencies as needed. Their mentoring responsibilities include wrapping around support for more junior analysts, providing guidance and training to ensure their projects are high quality and responsive to DOC leadership needs.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the research project manager include the following:

• Work with DOCs as an embedded data analyst for short-term, targeted analysis projects.
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to 2-3 embedded data analysts in DOCs.
• 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 DOCs.
• 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 DOC 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:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural 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 diverse 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
• Experience providing mentorship, guidance, or supervision to researchers, data scientists, students, or interns
• 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)

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

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and 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.

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.

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.

CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.