Research Analyst, Louisiana

About the Role

Vera Louisiana is seeking a full-time Research Analyst to provide support for ongoing projects related to jail population reduction, increasing investment in thriving communities, and addressing Louisiana’s carceral impact at the parish and state level. This position offers opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in applied social justice research, using research to advance advocacy goals, and criminal legal systems in New Orleans and Louisiana. The Research Analyst will primarily focus on qualitative research projects, requiring independent coding and analysis, with opportunities to develop skills in this area. The role also involves occasional advocacy and administrative work. The Research Analyst will collaborate with team members to advance project goals, engage in team meetings and program activities, and support Vera’s race equity and inclusion priorities in research methodologies, publications, and communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Analysis:
• Data collection, management, and analysis.
• Support in-person data collection under supervision.
• Clean, code, and manage data (quantitative and/or qualitative).
• Support quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of data.
• Write up of methods and results.
• Field rapid response data requests, producing statistics or identifying existing research for advocacy materials.
• Conduct background research and compile materials, including literature reviews.
• Prepare, format, and draft portions of reports, slide decks, factsheets, and other products.
• Prepare quantitative and/or qualitative data, statistics, background research, and data visualizations for reports.
• Administrative Tasks:
• Support planning, preparation, and note-taking for meetings, conference calls, webinars, and conferences.
• Manage and respond to emails from external partners.
• Schedule and facilitate meetings.
• Data entry tasks, including creating, updating, and maintaining spreadsheets and databases.
• Support logistical/event/research trip planning as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Slack, and Asana or other cloud-based management software.
• Experience in quantitative research.
• Coding experience for data analysis, preferably in R.
• Ability to synthesize complex literature and share findings from existing research.
• Skilled in writing research findings in an easily understood manner for the general public.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
• Developing ability with data visualization and presentation and a desire to learn more.
• Spanish language proficiency a plus.

Qualifications

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in social science, statistics, or computer science + up to 3 years of relevant experience.
• In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, applicable work or life experience may be considered.
• Preferred:
• Experience using mixed methods research in applied settings.
• Experience creating data visualizations or infographics.
• Lived experience as a person directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
• A demonstrated commitment to racial justice, equity, and inclusion.
• Deep understanding of the New Orleans and/or Louisiana carceral system.

Location

New Orleans, Louisiana office. Hybrid schedule, generally 10 days per month in office.

Compensation

$64,000 - $67,000 per year. Actual salaries will vary based on experience and performance.