Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Justice Research Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

The Justice Research Coordinator is a vital member of our team, responsible for the end-to-end management and execution of research projects aimed at understanding and improving the justice system. This role involves a blend of rigorous academic-style research, practical project management, and strategic communication. You will be at the forefront of generating evidence-based insights that inform policy reform, guide programmatic interventions, and contribute to a more equitable and effective justice system for all. You are not just analyzing data; you are building the foundation for meaningful change by translating complex findings into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers, community advocates, and the public.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Research Assistant or Associate
Policy Analyst or Intern
Paralegal with a research focus

Advancement To:

Senior Research Associate / Senior Researcher
Research Project Manager or Director
Director of Policy and Research

Lateral Moves:

Program Evaluator
Data Analyst (Policy-focused)
Grant Writer or Development Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Design and implement comprehensive research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies on critical justice system issues.
Conduct in-depth literature reviews and environmental scans to synthesize existing knowledge and identify research gaps.
Develop and pilot a wide range of data collection instruments, including surveys, interview guides, focus group protocols, and data abstraction forms.
Manage and coordinate all aspects of data collection, including scheduling interviews, administering surveys, and facilitating focus groups with diverse populations.
Perform rigorous quantitative data analysis using statistical software (such as SPSS, Stata, or R) to identify trends, patterns, and significant findings.
Conduct nuanced qualitative data analysis of interview transcripts and field notes, utilizing software like NVivo to identify key themes and narratives.
Take a lead role in writing and editing comprehensive research reports, policy briefs, white papers, and academic manuscripts for various audiences.
Translate complex statistical and qualitative findings into accessible, visually engaging materials, such as charts, infographics, and presentations.
Present research methodologies and findings clearly and confidently to both internal teams and external stakeholders, including government partners, funders, and community groups.
Oversee project timelines, workflows, and deliverables, ensuring research milestones are met on schedule and within budget.
Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a network of partners, including justice agencies, academic institutions, and community-based organizations.
Provide direct technical assistance and research support to partner agencies to help them build their capacity for data-driven decision-making.
Ensure all research activities adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, including managing applications and modifications.
Assist senior leadership in the preparation of compelling grant proposals and funding reports to support the organization's research agenda.
Stay abreast of current events, emerging research, and legislative developments in the fields of criminal justice, juvenile justice, and civil legal aid.
Manage the cleaning, merging, and documentation of large administrative datasets obtained from justice system agencies.
Facilitate project meetings, workgroups, and advisory board sessions to gather input, build consensus, and guide project direction.
Contribute to the effective dissemination of research findings through web content, social media, and participation in conferences and webinars.
Provide supervision, mentorship, and guidance to junior research staff, interns, and student volunteers.
Develop and maintain meticulous project documentation, including detailed research protocols, codebooks, and analysis logs for transparency and replication.

Secondary Functions

Support the grant writing team by providing data, evidence, and research summaries for new funding opportunities.
Contribute to the organization's internal knowledge base by sharing key findings and innovative research methods with colleagues.
Collaborate with the communications team to craft messaging that accurately and compellingly conveys research insights to a broader public audience.
Monitor relevant local, state, and federal policy and legislative changes that may impact our research priorities and ongoing projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Quantitative Analysis: Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) for descriptive and inferential statistics.
Qualitative Analysis: Experience using qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose) to code and analyze textual data.
Research Design: Deep understanding of various research methodologies, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and descriptive designs.
Data Management: Skill in cleaning, merging, and managing large and complex datasets with high accuracy.
Survey Development: Expertise in designing and implementing surveys using platforms like Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or similar tools.
Data Visualization: Ability to create clear and impactful charts, graphs, and maps using tools like Excel, Tableau, or R.
Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects, track deliverables, and coordinate with diverse teams.

Soft Skills

Critical & Analytical Thinking: A natural ability to dissect complex problems, question assumptions, and identify the root causes of systemic issues.
Exceptional Communication: The talent to articulate complex research concepts clearly and persuasively in both written reports and oral presentations.
Collaborative Spirit: A team-oriented mindset with a track record of building strong, productive relationships with colleagues and external partners.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of work, from data entry to final proofreading, ensuring accuracy and quality.
Adaptability & Initiative: The capacity to work independently, manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, and proactively seek solutions.
Cultural Competency: A commitment to and understanding of working respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, particularly those impacted by the justice system.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree is required.

Preferred Education:

A Master’s degree or other advanced degree is highly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminology / Criminal Justice
Sociology
Public Policy / Public Administration
Political Science
Law (J.D.)
Statistics or a related social science field with a strong research component.

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of professional experience in a research-oriented role.

Preferred:

Direct experience conducting applied research within a non-profit organization, university research center, or government agency focused on justice system reform, public policy, or social science. A strong familiarity with the structure and operations of the U.S. criminal or civil justice systems is highly desirable. Experience working with sensitive administrative data and navigating data-sharing agreements is a significant plus.