Research Manager

RESEARCH MANAGER

DART PROGRAM

 POSTED:10/28/2025

ABOUT CJA 

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice.  CJA is the City's main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof.  CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency's internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City. CJA's programs operate in the criminal courts and detention facilities 24 hours a day seven days a week within the 5 boroughs of NYC, employing over 300 employees, citywide. 

PROGRAM SUMMARY 

DART – We lead research and analytics that turn CJA's unparalleled justice system data into insights that drive policy and practice. Drawing on over 100,000 annual face-to-face interviews and comprehensive data feeds from police, courts, and corrections, we analyze complex trends, evaluate emerging policies, and apply causal techniques to assess the impact of policy and applied interventions. Through rigorous analysis, compelling visualizations, and impactful publications, we illuminate the workings of New York City's justice system and advance new lines of inquiry to shape a fairer, more effective system.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Research Manager will work to prioritize and produce rigorous, decision-ready evidence that drives policy and practice. You'll drive multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with city agencies, nonprofi ts, and justice system partners to frame critical research questions, manage innovative studies, and deliver timely analyses, dashboards, and briefs that inform policy and practice. You'll manage meetings, agendas, budgets, timelines, and work to translate fi ndings into clear recommendations and policy insights.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Portfolio Management – Manage a portfolio of internal and external research and analytic products from scoping and prioritization through delivery and iteration; maintain research and analytic agenda, allocate resources, uphold quality standards, and ensure on-time execution.
• Partnerships, Priorities, & Deadlines – Alongside the Chief Data and Research Officer, build and maintain relationships with internal leaders, city agencies and nonprofits, academic institutions, justice-system partners, and key consultants. Work to address incoming requests, balance capacity across competing priorities, set clear timelines, and proactively surface risks to keep work moving.
• Translation, Grants, Writing, & Strategy – Translate organizational and New York City Justice system goals into clear research questions and analytic workplans; writing reports, grants, briefs, and presentations; turn findings into actionable, data-informed recommendations that guide policy and strategy.
• Implementation Science & Practice Change –Develop implementation plans for research projects, including RCTs; defi ne adoption and adherence metrics; identify barriers; and evaluate outcomes to drive continuous improvement.
• Research & Policy Translation - Track cutting-edge research and policy trends; assess relevance to NYC's justice system and discuss piloting promising approaches alongside current priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: 5+ years of experience working in the justice system, civic tech, or government. Candidates should have a portfolio of high visibility, successful research and analytic projects they've managed.
• Education: A postgraduate degree relevant to policy, management, or research from an accredited educational institution.
• Project management skills: Extremely detail-oriented, able to identify and manage project tasks and processes, prioritize effectively, and hold yourself and others accountable for results.
• Problem-solving skills: Ability to multitask and adapt to a fast-paced environment working with urgency on requests/situations that require a quick turnaround.
•  Work collaboratively to identify and troubleshoot technical problems and find solutions.
• Proven ability to collaborate with complex stakeholder relationships as well as technical and nontechnical staff.
• Exceptional communication skills: A positive attitude and a customer-oriented approach are required as well as the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all organizational levels and with stakeholders that are both highly technical and non-technical.
• Work collaboratively to identify and troubleshoot technical problems and find solutions.
• Mission Oriented: Committed to CJA's mission and values of commitment, fairness and innovation.

LOCATION: Manhattan

HOURS:

Hybrid work schedule- 3 days a week in office/2 days work from home

SALARY: $125K- $150K annually 

*Internal applicants must be 1 year in their current roles and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to apply. 

BENEFITS: CJA offers a very generous benefit plan including health, dental and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health and wellness (EAP) plan, four weeks' vacation, paid holidays and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions.  CJA is also strongly committed to professional learning and development for its staff members and offers staff varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web based, in-person professional development training, as well as in-house job training and development. 

Only those candidates being considered will be contacted. 

CJA is seeking applicants who pursue professional development pathways by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining professional networks, and engaging with professional associations

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

CJA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.