Data Scientist II

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 will transform complex criminal justice data into meaningful analyses, interactive dashboards, and data visualizations that inform policy and operational decision-making. 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:

• Pull, manipulate, and structure criminal justice data utilizing tables within different data sources with different products.
• Coordinate research and analytic activities utilizing various data points (unstructured and structured) and employ programming to clean, massage, and organize the data.
• Focus on translating data into actionable dashboards using cutting-edge visualization tools and technology and present to various audiences.
• Provide data visualizations (reports and dashboards) to support stakeholder requirements.
• Analyze existing reports to improve performance and develop new reports using the best data visualization practices and processes.
• Work with multiple complex data sources.
• Work with a wide range of stakeholders and functional teams along with policy analysts to develop data visualizations that provide insights for government.
• Implement processes that improve and lead to greater data quality.
• Work across multiple projects simultaneously.

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 in Data Science, Data Visualization, Computer Sciences, Business Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, social science, public policy, criminal justice or a related field , plus at least 2 years of work experience
• Very good communication, interpersonal and critical thinking skills (required)
• Proficiency and experience with the R programming language (or a similar programming language such as Python)
• Knowledge of criminal justice systems and settings, public policy, government, or similar entities
• Knowledge of scientific research methods, principles, and techniques
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and 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
• Demonstrated experience applying data science methods to real-world data
• Experience utilizing visualization tools to take advantage of the growing volume of available information
• Familiarity with quality assurance techniques and reproducible research processes
• 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:

• Cover letter
• Resume (this should include a comprehensive list of related professional, internship, and volunteer experience with applicable dates)
• Writing sample
• 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 $75,300 - $119,400.00 . 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.