Research Analyst (Data Visualization & Design)

New York, NY
Full Time
Mid Level

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve Constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think-tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.    

The Brennan Center is seeking a talented Research Analyst (Data Visualization Design) to conduct research with Brennan Center program project teams and as part of the Research Department.  

Position Overview:  
The Research Analyst will work with colleagues across Brennan Center, and with external partners, on a wide range of projects. The Research Analyst will have a particular responsibility for partnering with researchers and communications experts in creating data visualizations to effectively communicate research on democracy and justice.  

Reporting to the Director of Research with a dotted line report to Communications, the Research Analyst will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across all Brennan Center programs and departments.   

Note: Brennan Center employees adhere to a hybrid schedule that is subject to change, with employees currently required to work in the office a minimum of three days per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. While most employees follow this in-person schedule, there may be some positions that require additional in-office days. This position is based at our headquarters in New York City.   

Responsibilities:   

  • Design and produce effective data visualizations. 

  • Collaborate with researchers and staff across all Brennan Center programs and departments to better leverage data visualization in the pursuit of our mission.  

  • Collaborate with communications professionals and external partners on data visualizations related to democracy and justice. 

  • Apply knowledge of research methods and data visualization practices to inform the design of research, collection and cleaning of data, data management, and statistical analysis. 

  • Conduct empirical research and data analysis for Brennan Center policy and legal advocacy efforts and public communication efforts. 

  • Draft and edit writeups of research output, including reports, academic journal articles, and other public communications as needed. 

  • Critically evaluate research and communicating the strengths and weaknesses of research to diverse audiences. 

  • Develop and maintain a high level of practical expertise on best practices for data visualization and research methodology. 

  • Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of substantive research on democracy and justice. 

  • Provide mentorship and training for staff in areas of expertise as appropriate. 


Qualifications:   
The ideal candidate will offer some combination of the following experiences and qualifications. We recognize that many excellent candidates may not have all these experiences and qualifications and we will provide support for the successful candidate to acquire additional skills. We hope that you will apply as long as you believe you could contribute to our organization and our work.  

  • A master’s degree and at least two years of research experience in data visualization.  

  • Demonstrated expertise in and portfolio of data visualization projects.  

  • Experience with the development of data visualization at multiple stages of the research process and as part of a broader communication strategy reaching multiple audiences, including the public, policymakers, advocates, and for academic or technical audiences.  

  • Experience developing data visualizations appropriately tailored for public communication strategies on varied media, including but not limited to print reports, op eds, websites, social media, and interactives.  

  • Experience working on data visualization of geographic data, data visualizations that effectively visualize statistical uncertainty, and the use of appropriate data visualization for advanced statistical research.  

  • Familiarity with commonly used data visualization tools and software such as Datawrapper, D3, Flourish, and Tableau, or others.  

  • Strong fluency with data science techniques, and advanced experience using R, Stata, or another comparable data analysis programs. Substantial experience in dataset management.   

  • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all work, with proven ability to plan for rigorous arms-length research review and other techniques for bulletproofing findings.   

  • Understanding of how to engage in research through a racial equity approach and experience working with data visualizations that effectively portray the diverse experiences of Americans in our systems of democracy and justice.  

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in designing and implementing research and to communicate technical research findings to broad audiences.   

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including proven ability to work effectively within teams, and to work collaboratively with editors, other staff, and outside partners.   

  • Commitment to the mission and values of the Brennan Center.   

  
The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace.  We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging.   As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.  In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.    

Application Instructions:   
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found. To apply, visit <<THIS LINK>>.  Please upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, (3) samples of data visualization work you created or provide link(s) to an online portfolio or examples of prior data visualization work, and (4) contact information for three references.  

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Research Analyst (Data Visualization & Design)” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.    
 
Compensation and Benefits:    
The salary range assigned for the scale is $80,000 - $98,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.  

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.     
 
Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.    

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

  • Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
  • Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
  • Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
  • Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
  • Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.
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