Quantitative Policy Advisor, New York Legal Policy - Center for Justice Innovation : Job Details

THE ORGANIZATIONThe 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 toidentify 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 identifywhat 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 ProgramsThe Center's operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Court, 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.ResearchResearchers at the Center conduct independent evaluations, documenting how government systems work, how neighborhoods function, and how reform efforts change things. We believe in the action research model; accordingly, our researchers provide regular feedback on the results of the Center's own operating programs. The Center has published studies on topics including youth in the sex trade, reentry, gun violence, and drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Our researchers have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals.Policy & Expert AssistanceThe 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 OPPORTUNITYLed by the New York Legal Policy Team (NYLP)-court practitioners, clinical staff, and research and policy experts focused on developing and implementing critical operational and policy reforms and improving coordination between justice system stakeholders-the Center for Justice Innovation is launching two transformative initiatives to improve case processing efficiency in criminal cases and to reduce the jail population, all while improving the public safety impact of the criminal legal system. Reporting to the Senior Quantitative Policy Advisor, the Quantitative Policy Advisor, New York Legal Policy will support these initiatives through implementing cutting-edge analytical techniques and providing strategic recommendations to drive data-informed decision making. Such techniques will include building real-time products, such as operational dashboards, deriving meaningful insights from complex datasets. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of statistical modeling, data mining, and predictive analytics, combined with exceptional problem-solving skills and a creative approach to on-the-ground, real-time data analysis.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Data Exploration and Processing:

• Conduct comprehensive data exploration examining the structure, patterns, and quality of complex administrative datasets.
• Develop and implement data cleaning and pre-processing techniques to ensure data integrity and reliability.
• Guide technological advancements with internal and external partners to create new tools or dashboards for more efficient data consumption.

Real-time Operational Dashboards:

• Conceptualize and create interactive dashboards and operational tools that integrate and visualize multiple complex data streams.
• Ensure the dashboards provide real-time meaningful insights into case processing efficiency, jail population, and other key performance indicators for criminal justice stakeholders.

Quantitative Policy Analysis:

• Use quantitative methods to answer critical policy questions in real-time, providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making processes.

• Creatively leverage available data sources to guide interventions and track the implementation of new and existing interventions.

NYLP Future Project Development:

• Bridge data and policy by contributing and/or collaborating on ideas around new policy projects within the scope of NYLP's expertise by identifying gaps in services, system bottlenecks, and/or roadblocks to implementation.
• Implement innovative quantitative analyses and data visualizations with the potential to expand NYLP's work in and outside of New York City.

Communication and Reporting:

• Contribute to the development of written materials, including reports, publications, and website content to make data findings accessible to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Present complex data analysis and insights to non-technical audiences in a clear and concise manner.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the effective dissemination and utilization of analytical products.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5-6 years of relative experience beyond internships; experience in a non-profit a plus;
• A Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field involving the intersection between quantitative research and policy;
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL;
• Experience in developing operational dashboards and interactive data visualizations;
• Extensive expertise with New York City and State criminal justice data and related information networks and an understanding of the challenges and dynamics within the legal system is preferred;
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data analysis into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders;
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment;
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work;
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines;
• Ability to jump in and assist the team with additional tasks as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: The compensation range for this full-time, exempt position is between $90,000 and $100,000 and is commensurate with demonstrated experience and abilities. 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.