Data Scientist (Remote or Hybrid)

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:

Data scientists are a critical part of the CSG Justice Center's mission to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. In support of the Justice Counts Initiative, the data scientist in this role will collect and analyze criminal justice system data to improve policymakers' ability to access, understand, compare, and utilize key public safety data. This position will entail collecting and cleaning data, manipulating data, creating and tailoring visualization of interrelated datasets, and presenting research findings.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the data scientist include the following:

• Pull, manipulate, and structure criminal justice data utilizing tables within different data sources with different products.
• Coordinate research and analytic activities utilizing various data points (unstructured and structured) and employ programming to clean, massage, and organize the data.
• Focus on translating data into actionable dashboards using cutting-edge visualization tools and technology and present to various audiences.
• Provide data visualizations (reports and dashboards) to support stakeholder requirements.
• Analyze existing reports to improve performance and develop new reports using the best data visualization practices and processes.
• Work with multiple complex data sources.
• Work with a wide range of stakeholders and functional teams along with policy analysts to develop data visualizations that provide insights for government.
• Implement processes that improve and lead to greater data quality.
• Work across multiple projects simultaneously.

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 the field of data science, data visualization, computer science, business analytics, statistics, mathematics, or related field
• At least five years of professional experience with data, or an equivalent combination of professional and advanced educational experience
• Demonstrated experience applying data science methods to real-world data problems
• Experience utilizing visualization tools to take advantage of the growing volume of available information
• Familiarity with quality assurance techniques and reproducible research processes
• Strong communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills
• Knowledge and experience with the R programming language (proficiency is not required)
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems and settings, public policy, government, or similar entities
• Knowledge of scientific research methods, principles, and techniques
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and application to data analysis
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity, keen judgment, and self-confidence, with a sense of humor and ability to maintain balance and perspective
• Efficient, organized work style
• 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

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 $72,500 - $99,000. 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.