Research Project Manager (Remote or Hybrid)

CSG Justice Center

Research Project Manager

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:

Researchers at the CSG Justice Center have the opportunity to take on varied and exciting challenges. You'll not only dive deep into data and uncover valuable insights, but also play a key role in shaping decisions by presenting your findings to policymakers and stakeholders. You'll apply statistical methods to unravel complex problems, collaborate with data scientists to develop cutting-edge models, and make forecasts that can influence future strategies. Beyond the numbers, you'll have the chance to spot emerging trends, think critically, and guide states toward informed, impactful decisions. Every day offers a new opportunity to innovate, communicate, and collaborate in meaningful ways.

Through our Justice Reinvestment program, we have helped nearly 30 states use data to unpack what's driving trends in systems of safety and justice. We help policymakers then use that 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 research manager will join the Research Division team to assist in the management of complex research projects in all areas of the organization, but in particular overseeing one or more state-level Justice Reinvestment projects. The research manager will plan, develop, implement, and evaluate criminal justice initiatives. They will conduct data analysis for projects, as well as undertake policy analysis for state legislatures, program staff, and government agencies. They will write research reports directed at national, state, and local elected officials and policymakers.

This is a fully remote position that can be performed anywhere in the U.S.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the research manager include the following:

• Work within a team structure to assist criminal or juvenile justice agencies and other organizations to address programmatic and policy issues.
• 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 policy makers at the national, state and local level.
• Develop descriptive statistics and impactful data visualizations.
• Work within a team structure to assist criminal or juvenile justice agencies and other organizations to address programmatic and policy issues.
• Provide consultative services and technical assistance to state and local government agencies, as well as private organizations on data collection and sharing.
• Participate in the preparation (i.e., writing, reviewing, and editing) of publications that the Justice Center develops that address issues emanating from the research results.
• Negotiate Data Use Agreements with government agencies.
• Assist in the oversight of CSG contracted research projects, including development of concise progress reports to funding agencies and ensuring compliance with the deliverables promised to a range of funders-public and private.
• Independently develop research plans to reflect project needs.
• Conduct multivariate statistical analysis to answer policy-relevant research questions
• Provide consultative services and technical assistance on program evaluation, including approaches for estimating cost-effectiveness.
• Work with key stakeholders participating in the research to ensure findings are digestible and actionable.

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 in a related field (criminal justice, sociology, public administration, public policy, or related field) plus seven years of research experience, or a master's degree in a related field plus five years of professional research experience, or a doctorate degree in a related field plus three years of professional research experience
• 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
• Experience working on collaborative, multi-stakeholder projects involving multiple agencies, including criminal justice, human services, behavioral health, and workforce agencies
• 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 complex analysis for related projects
• Experience working with case-level administrative data, producing descriptive statistics and data visualizations to inform policy decisions and an understanding of multivariate statistics for cross-sectional and longitudinal data
• Experience with primary data collection, including developing and implementing surveys
• Strong oral and written communication skills to present complex data clearly and concisely to varied audience, including state and local-level elected officials and policymakers, funders, and other stakeholders
• Ability to supervise staff, clarify workloads, and assist team members with professional development
• Efficient, organized work style, an ability to prioritize quickly and confidently, and the ability to handle multiple projects at once
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and strong critical and strategic thinking
• 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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (veterans/people with disabilities). CSG participates in E-Verify.