Research Analyst

Summary

Work independently, under the general direction of the Program Director or designee and the Research and Policy Director at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) to support the data and statistical analysis needs related to reentry work at the DOC. This work will support research and analytical efforts related to community reentry from incarceration, but also other DOC-related initiatives. Collaborate on study design; data collection, management, analysis and visualization; interpretation of results; preparation of data summaries and reports; and publication and dissemination of analytical products and research findings. Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve data or analysis related issues. Work as part of a multi-disciplinary project team with both MCW and DOC.

Location:

2 days on-site at Wisconsin Department of Corrections Office in Madison, WI (Tuesdays and Wednesdays); 3 remote days, which can be worked from home or from MCW’s ThriveOn King location in Milwaukee, WI.

Work Eligibility:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization, including F-1 visa holders requiring CPT, OPT, or future H-1B sponsorship.

Primary Responsibilities

• Utilize specialized computer hardware and analytic software to collect, quality check, manage, analyze, visualize, and disseminate data.

• Develop, implement, maintain, and utilize comprehensive databases and files related to programs/projects, ensure data security.

• Report results of statistical analyses through data visualizations including graphs, charts, tables, maps, and dashboards.

• Prepare or collaborate on written or analytical reports and effectively communicate data, findings, results, and recommendations to a variety of audiences such as executive managers, policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and community members.

• Ensure that all data, reports, presentations and other materials are produced with the highest standards for clarity, accuracy, and methodology.

• Contribute to the development of program materials including documentation, educational materials, marketing materials, websites, forms, standard operating procedures, and reports.

• Participate in and present at multidisciplinary meetings with a variety of partner agencies to collaboratively identify recommendations for potential system changes or improvements.

• Assist in the development, tracking, and implementation of prevention/intervention strategies with partners.

• Ensure program data and progress are reported to program stakeholders and as required by various granting agencies.

• Review data for consistency, accuracy and quality; develop and execute programs to perform consistency checks; document and resolve data inconsistencies; develop and maintain data documentation.

• Collaborate with researchers in designing studies and writing grant and research proposals, including analyzing proposed studies to determine feasibility and propose appropriate analytical approaches.

• Assist in the preparation of analytic or research materials for publication to stakeholders and for submission of manuscripts to scientific journals and presentations at scientific conferences and in public venues.

• Participate on appropriate committees relevant to the advancement of the programs, the profession, or area of research.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

• Knowledge of data collection and data validation principles and experience manipulating, analyzing, and reporting on a variety of datasets
• Knowledge of analytical techniques, statistics, databases, data security, data documentation
• Desired Knowledge: Knowledge of governmental policies, public health, criminal justice system, substance misuse, and current or emerging issues in these areas
• Ability to synthesize data and information and present research findings and recommendations to support policy and recommendation development, or data-driven decision making
• Ability to effectively present or communicate information both verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences, such as agency leadership, policy makers, researchers, practitioners, and community groups
• Ability to work effectively with people from various backgrounds and to demonstrate cultural awareness
• Ability to work independently, make complex decisions, and request direction as needed
• Ability to prioritize competing requests and demands for time and resources, manage multiple tasks and meet established goals and deadlines
• Ability to develop positive and effective working relationships with colleagues, internal and external partners and establish trust
• Skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting
• Skills in manipulating complex databases and undertaking statistical analyses
• Skills in conceptualization, design, composition and production of complex data visualizations to clearly communicate analytic findings
• Skills in developing deliverables for executives, program managers and policy makers, including demonstrated experience in publishing written research or evaluation reports
• Skill in utilizing a variety of standard software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Skill in utilizing and learning specialized software for data access, management, visualization, and analysis such as Stata, SAS, SPSS, R/R Studio, ESRI ArcGIS/ArcMap, Tableau/Power BI, SQL, Python, JavaScript, etc.

Qualifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education on an equivalent basis.

Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree in social sciences, statistics, criminal justice, public health, or a related field

Minimum Required Experience: 1 year of experience working with data or analytics

Preferred Experience: 3 years of experience working with data or analytics

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Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.