a good summer research job at the council on crime and justice

Research Coordinator
Organization:
The Council on Crime and Justice is a non-profit agency committed to building community capacity to address the causes and consequences of crime and violence through research, demonstration and advocacy.

Research Project:
As part of our 50th anniversary we are conducting a two-stage research project. First, we are identifying the most important developments in the past 50 years that have affected public safety and the justice system. These developments are being identified with input from elected officials, ex-offenders, victims, direct service providers, and so forth. Once these key developments are identified an in-depth examination of the literature (both locally and nationally) regarding these topics will be conducted. Additional analysis of each key development will also be undertaken (such as examining the effects of demographic changes on the key developments, cost/benefits analyses of the developments, and the impact of the developments on the community).

Second, based on the findings from the retrospective analysis we will examine the future of the justice system. If the criminal justice continues to operate as it is now, what will the prison population look like? How many people will have criminal records? What will the demographics of those involved with the justice system look like? How can projections be mitigated and to what extent? The prospective analysis will be accompanied by demographic predictions provided by Hazel Reinhardt (former state demographer).

Based on these future predictions, key recommendations will be developed in order to enhance public safety while reducing racial disparities. These key recommendations (along with the results of the retrospective and prospective analyses) will be the basis for a community forum in September. Last year the Council’s forum was attended by over 700 lawyers, elected officials, community leaders, direct service providers, representatives from the press, and government organizations.

Position Responsibilities:
The Research Coordinator will have direct responsibility for completion on the following:
1.) A review of all “key developments” as identified by focus groups (including a literature review of local and national research),
2.) A projection of the future of the justice system based on the findings in step one,
3.) Facilitation of focus groups to identify key recommendation based on the research findings, and
4.) A written report for September’s forum.

Qualifications:
Graduate studies and relevant experience in the criminal justice or related field, including project management in academic, non-profit or government settings required. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Skilled in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Experience in project development and management. Community research or action-oriented research experience is preferred. Has an understanding of racial disparities and institutionalized racism. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficient in SPSS, Word and Excel software programs. Ability to work effectively across cultures and demonstrate sensitivity to ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability and faith. EEO/AA

Hours: Full Time, Exempt, Temporary (May – August 2007)
Salary: $640 – 800 per week
Deadline: Open Until Filled

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter to: hr@crimeandjustice.org
Or Council on Crime and Justice Attn: Human Resources
822 South Third Street, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55415