Research and Evaluation Specialist II

Specialist II, Research and Evaluation
Any CEO Office Location
Hybrid - 2 days/week in Office

Anticipated deadline to submit application: April 14, 2025 before 5pm EST. Position may close early if application limit is met. Apply promptly for full consideration.

The Opportunity

The Specialist II, Research and Evaluation plays a pivotal role in leading the design, execution, and interpretation of sophisticated research projects, providing strategic insights and evidence-based recommendations to advance CEO’s mission and enhance program effectiveness. This senior-level position requires collaborating closely with internal teams, senior leadership, external researchers, and other stakeholders to identify critical research needs, develop robust program evaluation frameworks, and implement innovative methodologies. The Specialist will leverage their expertise in inferential statistics and experimental design to ensure that CEO’s research efforts produce valid, reliable, and impactful results, significantly contributing to the broader field of reentry research.

Additionally, the Specialist designs and delivers comprehensive training programs to enhance organizational competencies in research design and statistical analysis, empowering staff to utilize data effectively for decision-making. This role champions data-driven storytelling, clearly communicating the impact of services on participants and informing continuous program improvement. By proactively engaging with and consulting for various stakeholders, the Specialist fosters a culture of evidence-based excellence within CEO. Mastery of inferential statistics, advanced data analysis, and rigorous research methodologies are essential to success in this position. The ideal candidate is not only proficient in quantitative and qualitative data analysis but also experienced in consulting roles, adept at translating complex findings into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

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 Are

The 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 at least 7+ years of progressive experience in a research analyst or consulting role, with demonstrated expertise in inferential statistics, advanced research methodologies, and program evaluation.
• You have proven experience consulting with and influencing senior organizational leaders and diverse stakeholder groups.
• You have extensive experience managing multiple, complex research projects and cross-functional teams effectively.
• You have mastery in inferential statistics, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, and program evaluation design.
• You have exceptional communication skills, able to translate complex statistical findings into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.
• You have the proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects, meeting deadlines consistently.
• You are a skilled facilitator and collaborative leader, experienced in engaging stakeholders and driving action through evidence-based recommendations.
• You have advanced proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS, STATA), data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau), and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• You are an adaptable problem-solver, continuously curious, and committed to advancing the field of reentry through rigorous, innovative research.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Key responsibilities of the Specialist II, Research & Evaluation include but are not limited to:

Research & Evaluation:

• Conduct sophisticated statistical analyses and program evaluations, utilizing mastery-level knowledge of inferential statistics and rigorous research design methodologies.
• Lead original research initiatives, ensuring methodological rigor and alignment with current best practices in reentry research.
• Consult and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including seni