Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Justice Research Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

As a Justice Research Specialist, you will be the analytical backbone of our mission-driven work. You are a curious and rigorous investigator, skilled in transforming complex datasets and qualitative information into clear, compelling narratives and evidence-based recommendations. This pivotal role involves designing and executing research projects that examine critical issues across the criminal and civil justice systems—from pretrial and policing to corrections and reentry. You will collaborate closely with policymakers, community stakeholders, and internal teams to ensure our research is not only methodologically sound but also relevant, impactful, and instrumental in driving meaningful reform and social change.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Research Assistant or Associate
Policy Analyst or Fellow
Data Analyst (with social science or public sector focus)

Advancement To:

Senior Justice Research Specialist or Lead Researcher
Director of Research and Policy
Principal Investigator

Lateral Moves:

Program Manager or Director
Senior Policy Advisor
Data Scientist (Social Impact)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design, manage, and execute complex mixed-methods research projects from initial conception and proposal writing through to final reporting and dissemination.
Perform advanced quantitative data analysis using statistical software (such as R, Stata, or SPSS) on large, complex administrative datasets from courts, law enforcement, and correctional agencies.
Conduct comprehensive qualitative research, including developing interview protocols, facilitating focus groups with justice-involved individuals and system practitioners, and performing thematic analysis.
Author and co-author high-impact, publication-quality research reports, policy briefs, white papers, and academic journal articles that translate complex findings for diverse audiences.
Develop and validate data collection instruments, including surveys and structured interview guides, ensuring methodological rigor and ethical research standards.
Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of justice system programs, policies, and interventions using quasi-experimental and experimental research designs.
Present research findings and policy recommendations clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, including government officials, academic conferences, community groups, and funders.
Conduct in-depth literature reviews and environmental scans to synthesize existing research and identify knowledge gaps on emerging topics in criminal and civil justice.
Manage the entire research project lifecycle, including the development of detailed work plans, management of project budgets, and adherence to project timelines.
Collaborate with external research partners, academic institutions, and government agencies to foster data-sharing agreements and joint research initiatives.
Ensure all research activities adhere to strict data security protocols and human subjects protection requirements, including preparing and managing IRB applications.
Clean, merge, and manage large-scale, longitudinal datasets, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and integrity for analysis.
Create compelling data visualizations, dashboards, and infographics to effectively communicate key trends, patterns, and research outcomes.
Provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance to internal teams, government partners, and community stakeholders on research methods and evidence-based practices.
Monitor and analyze legislative and policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels to inform research agendas and identify opportunities for impact.

Secondary Functions

Mentor and provide guidance to junior research staff, interns, and fellows on research design, data analysis, and professional development.
Support grant writing and business development efforts by contributing to research sections of proposals and identifying new funding opportunities.
Respond to ad-hoc data requests from internal leadership and external partners, providing timely and accurate information and exploratory analysis.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of the organization's research standards, data infrastructure, and analytical capabilities.
Participate actively in team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and organizational initiatives to foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Represent the organization at public forums, workgroups, and advisory committees to share expertise and build strategic relationships.
Assist in the development of communication materials, including web content, press releases, and social media posts, to disseminate research findings to a broader public audience.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Statistical Analysis: Proficiency in statistical software packages such as R (preferred), Stata, SPSS, or SAS for running descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., regression modeling, survival analysis).
Qualitative Research Methods: Demonstrated experience in conducting and analyzing qualitative data through methods like semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and content analysis using software like NVivo or Dedoose.
Data Management & SQL: Skill in cleaning, merging, and managing large administrative datasets, with proficiency in SQL for querying relational databases.
Research Design: Deep understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs, including experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation methods.
Data Visualization: Competence in using tools like Tableau, R-Shiny, or Power BI to create insightful and accessible charts, maps, and dashboards.
Survey Methodology: Experience designing, implementing, and analyzing data from surveys using platforms like Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to independently analyze complex problems, question assumptions, and develop innovative and methodologically sound solutions.
Exceptional Written Communication: Superior ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively for a variety of audiences, from technical reports to accessible policy briefs.
Oral Communication & Presentation: Skill in verbally conveying complex information and research findings in an engaging and understandable manner to both expert and lay audiences.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive and collegial approach to working with interdisciplinary teams, external partners, and community stakeholders.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data analysis, writing, and project execution to ensure accuracy and high-quality work products.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field combined with significant professional research experience.

Preferred Education:

A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant social science discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminology / Criminal Justice
Sociology
Public Policy / Public Administration
Political Science
Economics
Statistics or Data Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of progressive, hands-on experience conducting applied research, preferably within the justice system, a government agency, a non-profit organization, or an academic research center.

Preferred:

Direct experience working with and analyzing sensitive, large-scale administrative data from criminal justice agencies (e.g., court, jail, police, or corrections data).
A track record of lead-authored publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, or widely-circulated policy briefs.
Experience with project management, including budget oversight and coordination of research teams or partners.