Associate Director of Research, Vera California

The role

The Associate Director of Research leads the team's research portfolio and manages research staff. This person designs research plans, directs research activities, and oversees mixed methods research to support policy and advocacy in California.

What you will do

• Develop, manage, and oversee all aspects of Vera California research
• Supervise, support, and mentor Vera California research staff
• Lead research hiring or recruitment as needed
• Support the whole Vera California team in ensuring appropriate deployment of data and evidence
• Work with the management team on annual planning, program development, staffing plans, and fundraising
• Serve as a member of the Vera Research Leadership Team
• Cultivate relationships with CA-based researchers and organizations
• Serve as Principal Investigator on research projects
• Lead, train, and supervise on data collection and analysis
• Serve as a research subject matter expert in testimony, media, and public forums

Required qualifications

• Advanced degree and 9+ years of relevant experience, or relevant work or life experience in lieu of degree
• Several years of experience supervising interdisciplinary research teams and working with mixed methods research and/or researchers
• Experience conducting applied policy research
• Subject matter expertise including an understanding of current criminal legal systems and policy, particularly in California
• Understanding of relevant administrative datasets and sources
• Commitment to race equity

Nice to have

• Degree in a relevant social science field, like public policy, criminal justice, or sociology
• Direct experience with and/or impact by the criminal justice or immigration system

Benefits

• Merit pay
• Generous paid time off
• Comprehensive health insurance plan
• Student loan repayment benefits
• Professional development training opportunities
• Up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work
• Employer-funded retirement plan
• Flexible time

Before you apply

• Applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, interest and qualifications
• Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details via a phone screen/form
• Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process
• Some searches may include an assessment prior to reference checks

About the company

Vera California aims to advance policies and funding to reduce incarceration and support community-based systems of care in California. The organization uses data and policy analysis to drive change and center racial equity.