Data Scientist III

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center helps leaders in every state design and implement solutions for complex justice system challenges and make communities safer and healthier. We deliver trusted data, practical strategies, and cross-systems collaboration to create second chances, reduce harm, and transform lives.

We're focused on four strategic priorities:

• Using data to drive action
• Strengthening crisis response and addressing violent crime
• Turning billions in new behavioral health resources into improved outcomes
• Growing the number of states committed to delivering reentry success by 2030

We have approximately 50 employees in states across the country who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

 

How you'll fit in:

The data scientist III will transform complex criminal justice data into meaningful analyses, interactive dashboards, and data visualizations that inform policy and operational decision-making, while also supporting quality assurance and data management practices across projects. The position will entail collecting and cleaning data, manipulating data, creating and tailoring visualization of interrelated datasets, and presenting research findings.

Funding: This position is funded through June 2027 with the possibility of extension based on funding availability.

Location: NYC metro area preferred (hybrid); remote candidates will also be considered.

What you'll do:

Specific duties and responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work within a team structure to assist criminal and juvenile justice agencies and other organizations in addressing programmatic and policy issues.
• Conduct data exploration, management, and manipulation to produce analytic datasets from case-level criminal justice data across multiple, inter-related databases.
• Conduct analytical work using accepted methodologies and present results in formats suited to policymakers at the national, state, and local level.
• Develop data dictionaries and codebooks for internal and external use, and support Data Use Agreements with government agencies through secure data transfer.
• Lead quality assurance checks and processes across projects.
• Manage project-related GitHub repositories and participate in code review processes.
• Work independently to meet project deadlines while collaborating within a team structure.
• Support cross-division efforts to improve processes in data collection, data security, product development, and communication.
• Participate in research division committees.

What you'll bring:

• Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness, sensitivity and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• Bachelor's degree plus four years of experience, a master's degree plus two years of experience, or a Ph.D., using data for social research, in data science, statistics, computer science, public policy, criminal justice, or a related field
• Very good communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills (required)
• Skill in using R (or a similar programming language, such as Python) to clean, prepare, and manipulate case-level data and build analytic datasets for complex analyses
• Skill in using Git and GitHub to support quality assurance in data cleaning, analysis, and visualization, including collaboration and code review
• Experience managing sensitive data, including secure transfer protocols, de-identification of PII, storage, and destruction; familiarity with data use agreements and data security procedures
• Experience with data extraction using web scraping techniques or APIs
• Skill in identifying opportunities for automation and addressing them through code modularization, building functions, or developing packages, and in advanced, interactive data visualization tools for reproducible, web-deployed reporting
• Knowledge of scientific research methods, statistical concepts, and their application to data analysis
• Ability to work with and find consensus among people from a wide array of backgrounds and perspectives, as well as an appreciation for the need to address issues in nonpartisan and non-polarizing ways
• Efficient, organized work style
• Experience conducting quality assurance checks across projects and automating data cleaning, analysis, and reporting processes
• Experience in collaborative, multi-agency projects (e.g., corrections, juvenile justice, human services, behavioral health, or workforce agencies)
• Research, writing, and editing skills
• Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel. A cost offset is provided by CSG

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume (this should include a comprehensive list of related professional, internship, and volunteer experience with applicable dates)
3. Writing sample
4. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

Compensation will be based on experience and geography. The salary range for this position is $84,400.00 - $125,000.00. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.

To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (veterans/people with disabilities). CSG participates in E-Verify.