THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways—by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.

The Center is an 800-employee, $100 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn’t), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world.

Operating Programs

The Center’s operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Justice Center, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.

Research

The Center's research teams are 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.

Policy & Expert Assistance

The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Data Analytics and Applied Research (DAAR) team 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 Center’s DAAR team is seeking a Research and Data Associate to support Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programming. Alternatives to Incarceration are post arraignment diversion programs that provides alternatives to short jail sentences. This position may also assist with data tracking and support for related non-ATI programs (e.g., housing, victim’s services, youth diversion) as needed. This position will report to a Senior Research and Data Associate and offers an opportunity to conduct on-the-ground research and data analysis on innovative court projects and, more generally, to manage program outcomes and policy implications through data tracking and analysis. The successful candidates must bring a real interest in this work and have a strong preexisting skill set in using SPSS or other statistical software, along with a basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodology.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensure all data cleaning and reporting deliverables are met;
• Query, download, code, clean, merge, and analyze data from program database;
• 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;
• Conduct ad hoc data analyses to respond to requests for information, both internally and externally; 
• Regularly present data at staff and managers meetings;
• 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 Salesforce-based case management; 
• 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;
• Working closely with program staff as a thought partner to understand programmatic data needs; 
• Develop data collection protocols and training materials and hold data entry trainings for program staff at various operating sites; promote universal and standardized data collection;
• Travel to operating sites around the five NYC boroughs; 
• Design and conduct research and evaluation projects involving both qualitative and quantitative methodologies in collaboration with senior research and program staff;
• Additional relevant tasks, as needed.

Qualifications: The candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and 3-4 years or a Master's Degree and 1-2 years of relevant research and data experience, preferably as a criminal justice researcher or data analyst. Knowledge of basic quantitative and qualitative methods and demonstrated proficiency with statistical software packages (R, SAS, Stata, SPSS, etc.) is required. Database management experience preferred; familiarity with Salesforce is preferred. Experience with data visualization is a plus. Candidate must be open to feedback and dedicated to ensuring accuracy and clarity around operationalized definitions; 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 successful candidate must also bring a passion for improving the justice system.

Position Type: Full-time.

Position Location: Hybrid – in person in Midtown, NY with frequent travel to Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan, travel to other boroughs as required.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $70,000 - $84,200 and is commensurate with experience. 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. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and as such, we do not discriminate on the basis of 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 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our aim is to create a supportive and respectful environment where every individual, irrespective of their background or identity, feels valued and included.

As of February 10, 2023, New York City Executive Order 25 rescinded the requirement of the COVID-19 vaccination for City workers, new hires, and contracted employees. Accordingly, the Center does not require all new hires be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus; however, the Center recommends all staff, interns, and volunteers stay up-to-date on the vaccination.

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