Director - Research and Assessment

City of New York; All (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking department dedicated to building safer communities through research and data-driven initiatives. As the Director of Research, you will play a pivotal role in evaluating policies and operational initiatives that affect individuals in the justice system. This position involves overseeing data collection, conducting statistical analyses, and collaborating with various city agencies. Ideal candidates will possess strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, a commitment to public service, and the ability to lead and inspire a team. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the community through informed decision-making and innovative research practices.

Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Diverse Work Environment

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; Ph.D. preferred in related fields.
• 2+ years of research experience in a supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute research projects for DOP initiatives.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and report preparation.
• Supervise staff and collaborate with city agencies.

Skills

Quantitative Research Skills

Qualitative Research Skills

Statistical Analysis

Project Management

Python

Customer Service

Critical Thinking

Education

Doctorate in Social Science

Master's in Public Health or Related Field

Tools

SPSS

Job description

The New York City Department of Probation (DOP) helps build stronger and safer communities by working with and supervising people on probation, fostering positive change in their decision-making and behavior, and expanding opportunities for them to move out of the criminal and juvenile justice systems through meaningful education, employment, health services, family engagement and civic participation. We are located in every borough across the City and provide three core services – pre-sentence investigations, intake and probation supervision. In summary, DOP ensures that people who enter our system are supervised according to their risk level and receive the support and services they need to abide by the law and be an asset to their communities.

The Director of Research is responsible for designing and executing research projects that are necessary to monitor and evaluate various operational and policy initiatives launched by DOP. These initiatives fall into a broad range of areas, including but not limited to risk-needs assessment, graduated responses, community engagement, and structured decision-making; and cut across the agency’s three core services in both juvenile and adult operations. Among the specific duties associated with this position are the following:

1. Overseeing data collection and analysis efforts related to these projects, including survey administration.
2. Building and managing research databases that will help the agency assess both client outcomes and its own performance in serving clients.
3. Conducting statistical analysis of administrative data in SPSS.
4. Supervising staff analysts assigned to research projects.
5. Working with the senior staff to expand current systems for tracking agency data and measuring success.
6. Coordinating and collaborating with other city criminal justice agencies in research, policy, and data-sharing initiatives.
7. Preparing reports and presentations on research findings.
8. Assisting senior staff in reviewing reports.

Minimum Qualifications

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Preferred Skills

• Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology or other related social science field or relevant work experience in a government agency that works with justice system-involved individuals.
• Ability to adapt to and work effectively with individuals in various parts of the agency, including operations, counsel’s office, and training, and with individuals in other city agencies that work with justice system-involved individuals.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Commitment to provide excellent customer service and maintain a calm, pleasant, and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres.
• Significant planning and project management experience and an ability to supervise and coordinate staff.
• Must present a professional appearance be dependable, punctual and willing to take initiative.
• Strong background in criminal and/or juvenile justice policy.
• An ability to work independently and think critically about research and policy issues.
• Experience in data predictive analysis.
• Understanding and working experience of python.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.