Specialist II, Data & ResearchAny CEO Office LocationHybrid - 2 days/week in OfficeAnticipated deadline to submit application: September 16, 2024 before 5pm EST. Position may close early if application limit is met. Apply promptly for full consideration.The OpportunityThe Specialist II, Data & Research plays a pivotal role in leading the design, execution, and interpretation of complex research projects, providing strategic insights and data-driven recommendations to advance CEO's mission and enhance program effectiveness. This senior-level position not only enhances staff competencies in data utilization, ensuring that data is accessible, intelligible, and actionable for all team members, but also takes the lead in advancing the field of reentry by forging partnerships with external researchers and research organizations.As a subject matter expert, the Specialist collaborates closely with both frontline staff and management to identify data needs, devise robust strategies for program performance measurement, and spearhead the development and implementation of innovative resources that align with the latest methodologies and research in successful reentry. A significant portion of this role involves staying abreast of emerging trends in the field, using this knowledge to inform CEO's strategies and ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of reentry research.The Specialist also designs and delivers comprehensive training programs aimed at amplifying staff proficiency in utilizing diverse software and platforms for effective program data monitoring and analysis. This role champions the use of data in narrative storytelling, illustrating the impact of services on participants, and driving continuous improvement in service delivery. By proactively guiding teams in leveraging data to shape and realize their objectives, the Specialist embeds a culture of data-driven excellence within the organization while contributing to the broader field of reentry research and practice.As part of our mission, we strongly encourage individuals who have lived experience of incarceration or involvement in the justice system to apply for this role.Who We AreThe Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Across the United States, 8,000-9,000 people participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996.Who You Are
- You have 7+ years with progressive experience in a similar role, with a proven track record in research, program evaluation, and capacity building
- You have demonstrated experience and proficiency in influencing and partnering with Senior Leadership of an organization
- You are a senior-level project manager and organizational administrator, with a proven track record of working across dynamic, cross-functional teams
- You are proficient to expert in group facilitation skills
- You are proficient in understanding of program evaluation and capacity building
- You have excellent communication (written and oral) and data analytical skills
- You have excellent organization and project planning skills with demonstrated experience in anticipating needs before they arise
- You have the ability to juggle multiple projects at one time
- You have the ability to see projects through from start to implementation to monitoring
- You consistently meets deadlines
- You have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- You are a collaborative leader with the ability to work across multiple teams and understand priorities of different teams; synthesizes priorities to create solutions that all stakeholders are happy with
- You have experience motivating stakeholders to take action based on data
- You are an analytical problem solver with the ability to summarize complex information and provide data-driven recommendations
- You have proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) is highly desirable.
- You have proficiency using spreadsheets and creating presentation decks
- You are a quick learner with demonstrated ability of picking up new systems and processes
- You have the adaptability to changing demands and priorities
- You are a curious thinker who asks questions to get to the bottom of complex problems
What You'll Be Responsible ForKey responsibilities of the Specialist II, Data & Research include but are not limited to:Research & Evaluation:
- Conduct comprehensive program evaluations and lead original research initiatives, employing advanced data analysis techniques and staying current with the latest methodologies in the field of reentry.
- Play a pivotal role in CEO's Learning and Impact team, executing key aspects and guiding its ongoing refinement to ensure robust, evidence-based strategies that advance both CEO's mission and the broader field of reentry.
- Engage with external partners, academic institutions, and research organizations to showcase CEO's innovative programmatic approach, expanding the organization's influence and contributing to the advancement of reentry research.
- Lead and develop initiatives to foster a data-centric culture through in-person discussions, comprehensive training programs, and dynamic internal learning forums, embedding data-driven decision-making at all levels of the organization.
- Actively contribute to annual strategic reviews, providing insights and strategies to incorporate cutting-edge research into CEO's operations, while promoting deliberate practice in data utilization across the organization.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on CEO's theory of change, program measurement systems, and the latest research in reentry, ensuring clarity in data collection, analysis, and reporting processes, and fostering a deep understanding of how data drives both organizational outcomes and field-wide advancements.
- Provide guidance to the Learning and Impact team, enhancing staff comprehension of complex data analyses and visualizations, including longitudinal studies, observational/experimental research, and benchmarking against external data.
- Innovate and pilot new practices for routine data sharing with participants, employing both digital and traditional methods to gather participant reflections and insights, thereby enriching our data-driven approach and contributing to research in the field.
- Independently develop and lead special research projects for external stakeholders, including those that advance the understanding and practice of successful reentry strategies.
Project Management:
- Lead, coordinate, and provide input into project planning activities for the team, including division of responsibilities, time/effort estimates, stakeholder analysis, and identification of constraints and dependencies.
- Draft and maintain work products including project plans, status reports, and timelines, ensuring that research and evaluation projects are executed efficiently and effectively.
- Liaise and coordinate with team members to ensure projects and deliverables are on track to be delivered on deadline; communicate progress and updates across project teams; identify issues and risks, and incorporate research findings into project strategies.
- Define and leverage project management best practices, tools, templates, and standards, resulting in projects being delivered on time, on budget, and on target to achieve the anticipated business outcomes.
- Manage multiple complex research and evaluation projects simultaneously.
Team Management and Support:
- Act as a steward for data quality and accessibility, managing the integrity of data systems and advocating for continuous improvement in data collection and reporting processes to support both organizational and field-wide research efforts.
- Other assignments as assigned by team leadership, with a focus on advancing CEO's research agenda and contributing to the field of reentry.
Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this position is $75,900-101,500/annually. CEO's compensation philosophy considers a variety of factors including experience, internal equity, and the labor market associated with the city in which the position is located. This position can be located in any of the cities in which CEO operates. The labor markets associated with the cities in which CEO is based are variable, and the salary range included here reflects this. Our salary offer will fall within this range and will be reflective of the labor market of the city in which the position is based, as well the other factors named above. We recognize that salary is a part of the overall compensation package and also provide a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, as well as professional development opportunities to our staff.We also offer paid parental leave, participation in a retirement plan, sick and vacation leave, paid holidays and more. We are a workplace that promotes continual learning and teamwork, offering lunch and learns, team outings, holiday gatherings and more for our staff.More About UsThe Center for Employment Opportunities believes that everyone deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our commitment to being an anti-racist organization that is inclusive across all identities and experiences drives us forward every day. We exist to create greater opportunities for people who face multiple barriers to personal and professional success, and we're passionate about being agents of change who promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for all.People who are justice involved, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+ , and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. CEO's commitment to DEI aligns with the CROWN Act, creating an open space where our employees can present as their true authentic selves. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.Please note that due to the volume of resumes received, we are unable to contact each applicant regarding the status of each position or reply to candidates' inquiries via phone or email.IND 1