Research and Policy Analyst

Division/Unit: Policy

Civil Service Title: Community Coordinator

Position Title: Research and Policy Analyst

Salary Range: $70,022 – $70,022

Job Description:

The New York County District Attorney’s Office Policy Department has an immediate opening for a Research and Policy Analyst within the Data Analytics and Research Unit. The Manhattan District Attorney’s (DA’s) Office, led by DA Alvin Bragg, pursues a mission of “Moving Justice Forward.” This embodies the Office’s goal to serve and protect the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Data Analytics and Research Unit is responsible for evaluating and advising on new Office policies and initiatives, measuring Office performance on strategic goals, assisting executives in improving Office operations, working with external partners to conduct leading research in criminal justice and promoting data transparency throughout the Office and to the public.  In this position, the Research and Policy Analyst will be responsible for producing original reports and analysis in support of the Office’s goals. The DA’s office seeks a candidate with exceptional analytical, research and interpersonal skills, as the ideal candidate will have the ability to both perform rigorous analyses and deliver these results to a non-technical audience. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform data analysis to guide Office policy and ensure Office policies are supported by evidence-based practices. Projects will include the development of new prosecutorial strategies, programs, or other Office practices.
• Lead development of policy fact sheets, data briefs, memos, articles, testimony and other evidence-based messaging and products for internal dissemination in support of project or initiative goals.
• Create internal dashboards to monitor and track progress towards key Office performance indicators in support of the Office’s strategic goals.
• Respond to internal and external requests for data and statistics by querying the Office’s internal datasets in SQL Server.
• Expand transparency and accountability efforts with communities served by the Office, including contributing to the revamp of the Office’s public-facing data dashboard.
• Collaborate with IT on infrastructure, tools, and policies.
• Tread new ground in terms of analytical tools, methods, and techniques, including identifying new use cases, piloting concepts, and implementing methods for using data to achieve office goals.
• Educate staff throughout the Office on the power of data-driven work.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field (Social Sciences, Political Science, Computer Science, Criminology, Criminal Justice etc.) or equivalent experience required; and
• 1-2 years’ experience conducting research and working with datasets in a professional or academic setting.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• Experience working in criminal justice or public policy organizations in a data-driven role.
• Proficiency with Microsoft SQL or other RDBMS in a professional or academic setting.
• Work experience or classwork in quantitative and/or qualitative methodology.
• Proficiency with a statistical software such as R or SAS, Python, or GIS in a professional or academic setting.
• Experience using data visualization software such as PowerBI or R Shiny.
• Interest in public policy and a desire to tackle complex issues, including public safety, justice, and equity.
• Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills as well as familiarity with research methods and statistical analyses.
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong project management skills in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience working in teams and collaborating on projects.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be extremely detail-oriented, self-motivated, highly organized, resourceful, and reliable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

How to Apply: 

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

Hours/Shift:

• Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in office.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least one (1) year in their current position and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
• Looking for candidates that could commit to two (2) years to the hiring unit.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in “1” above.

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:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

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.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office’s Professional Staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial Division, Investigation Division, Special Victims Division, Pathways to Public Safety Division, and Appeals Division, which handles all the Office’s matters in state and federal appellate courts.

Professional Staff members perform a variety of key functions for the Office, including supporting the five Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our Professional Staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law.  These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.