Office of Missing and Murdered Black Woman and Girls Justice & Advocacy Research Analyst Justice & Advocacy Research Analyst

The State of Minnesota Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls is seeking a dedicated Research Analyst to support its critical mission of addressing systemic inequities and violence affecting Black women and girls. As the primary data collection and reporting expert, the position of OMMBWG Justice & Advocacy Research Analyst is responsible for creating, building, and coordinating data reporting structures and strategies that enable management to address and interrupt the prevalence of missing and murdered Black women and girls. Design collection systems/forms that support reporting on measurable outcomes achieved, along with specific objectives and outcome measures for the following year. The Research Analyst will work collaboratively with stakeholders, community organizations, and government agencies to gather and interpret data, ensuring that findings elevate the voices of impacted communities and drive meaningful action. This can be done through the implementation of recommendations by task forces, advisory groups, research, case analysis, evaluation of programs, review of state policies and practices, and other inputs identified by the Director.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To Facilitate proper crediting, please include a cover letter and ensure your resume/application clearly describe your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning month and year for each job held.  Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the qualifications will be considered for this position.

• Three* (3) years of research experience collecting, analyzing, and managing data in criminal and juvenile justice, public health, public policy, social science, social work/human services, victim advocacy/services, or related area.
• Ability to design and conduct quantitative and mixed methods research studies, including the ability to independently conduct basic to advanced statistical analyses and effectively use statistical analysis software (e.g., Stata, SPSS).
• Ability to manage datasets of varying sizes, including the ability to merge datasets, and extract and clean raw administrative data, and the ability to conduct survey research in accordance with established research protocols.
• Ability to communicate research findings to a variety of audiences in a clear and concise manner (e.g., through technical reports, visuals, policy briefs, presentations).
• Experience developing educational material and programs for community awareness and conducting trainings.
• Ability to work with cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities, particularly Black and African communities in Minnesota.

Applicants who meet the above qualifications will be further evaluated on:

• Ability and commitment to maintain data in accordance with state and federal law and a high level of research ethics.
• Ability to review and present data in an unbiased manner and to carefully consider diverse perspectives.
• Ability to effectively design and work on research projects independently, as part of a research team, and with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to identify problems over the course of the research process and develop creative solutions.
• Organization and time management skills to complete research tasks across multiple projects with competing deadlines, and ability to pivot when priorities shift.

*A completed degree that provided sufficient training in statistics/research methods (e.g., data science, public health, public policy, criminology/criminal justice, social work/human services, or social science) from an accredited program may substitute the following:

Bachelor’s: one (1) year of work experience.

Master’s: two (2) years of work experience.

PhD (from an R1 or R2 institution, denoting high research activity): three (3) years of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in program evaluation and providing research/evaluation technical assistance.
• Experience in qualitative research methods, including qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice systems and various areas of crime victim services (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking).
• Experience working effectively (in a research, service, or volunteer capacity) with diverse populations in crime victim service areas, which may include victims of crime, law enforcement, and/or crime victim service providers or other community organizations.
• An understanding of how criminal legal studies intersect with other policy and research areas (e.g., public health, education, child welfare, economics, political science).
• Ability to apply a culturally competent perspective and approach to evaluation and research practice. 
• Knowledge of root causes that led to the disparities of violence experienced by Black women and girls.
• Knowledge of racial disparities, intimate-partner violence, homicide, and human-trafficking prevention.
• Professional work experience with crime victim issues.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally-resonate evaluation practices.
• Demonstrated experience working within multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, includes the following components:

• Criminal history
• Reference check
• Drivers License

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Megan Lund at megan.lund@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Megan Lund at megan.lund@state.mn.us.

About Public Safety Dept 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a diverse, complex agency dedicated to serving communities across the state. DPS has 10 public facing and four support divisions with about 2,200 dedicated employees operating programs statewide that all have one goal: Building a safer Minnesota.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.