Principal Court Research Associate

The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) is an independent, non-profit court improvement organization. NCSC's services-research, information services, education, consulting, association management and technical assistance-are focused on helping courts plan, make decisions, and implement improvements that save time and money, while ensuring judicial administration that supports fair and impartial decision-making. For additional information, visit NCSC.org
The Principal Court Research Associate is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting research for improving various aspects of state court administration and disseminating research results. Work includes identifying and developing research initiatives; obtaining research grant funding; managing projects; conducting research on the subject initiative; disseminating research results through written products, presentations, and technical on-site assistance.

• Collaborates with and incorporates other research organizations and partners to provide consultation, technical assistance, and training to staff of state court systems, government agencies, academic institutions, media, and other organizations.
• Develops new research projects for funding; identifies, through various means, emerging issues of significance to the state court community; Monitors emerging developments, practices, and initiatives for new business development opportunities; Selects issue(s) and prepares proposals with budget projections for submission to funding agencies.
• Markets NCSC services by representing the NCSC at speaking engagements, national meetings, and conferences; presents and publishes research findings in journals of professional and academic associations (e.g., ABA, ASC, LSA); presents results through facilitated workgroups or conferences to individual courts, administrative office of the courts, court-related leadership organizations (e.g., NACM, COSCA, CCJ); and designs products that effectively communicate research findings to diverse audiences (e.g., data visualization).
• Conducts and directs empirical and applied research endeavors including:
  • Overseeing the design of qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments, designing research methodology and statistical analyses.
  • Facilitating dialogue and information gathering with court constituents (i.e., interviewing, focus groups, observations).
  • Designs and develops empirically-based products and tools.
• Manages and oversees project teams, including assigning tasks to and reviewing work of project staff and consultants to ensure consistency and quality; overseeing progress; establishing project work schedule and timelines.
• Supervisory functions include interviewing, onboarding, training, timesheet approval, time off approval, workflow oversight, establishing goals, performance management and managing performance improvement plans when needed.
• Facilitating dialogue and information gathering with court constituents (i.e., interviewing, focus groups, observations).
• Demonstrates conduct that upholds the basic Core Values of NCSC.
• Manages projects including effectively managing project resources, scope, quality, and budget using project management tools, applying project management techniques (e.g., identifying risks, forecasting scheduling conflicts), and monitoring compliance with grant/contract requirements; managing client/funder communications.
• Overseeing the design of qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments, designing research methodology and statistical analyses.
• Designs and develops empirically-based products and tools.

• 8+ years of experience in conducting applied social science research.
• Demonstrated national expertise in topics relevant to state courts.
• Ability to travel up to 12 times per year.
• Demonstrated competency in research design, approaches, and techniques for conducting applied research.
• Position requires a college or university Master’s degree in social science, law, public policy, or a related discipline; Doctorate (PhD or JD) degree preferred.

• Ability to think strategically and creatively, adjust to changing circumstances and priorities, remain attentive to details and identify resources for projects.
• Ability to think conceptually, synthesize data, and draw conclusions relevant for the court community.
• Represent NCSC in a professional manner; including an ability to establish credibility and to interact productively with staff across the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel to court and funder locations, meetings and/or conferences throughout the United States.
• Familiarity with the policy issues impacting local and state judicial systems as well as local and state governments, relevant to specialized areas of this position.
• Proficient in MS Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated time- and project-management skills, including an ability to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization while managing several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment and independently.
• Ability to comprehend and assess the impact of contemporary issues on the state courts.
• Demonstrate use of sound judgment in practical matters and critical decisions, choosing wisely after contemplating various options.
• Ability to communicate ideas, thoughts, and concepts clearly, concisely, and in a compelling way, both in writing and orally with a clear, effective writing and presentation style to diverse audiences (court-related leadership organizations, practitioners, and lay people).

The annual starting salary for this role is between $100,000 - $124,000, factors which affect starting pay within the range include skills, education and experience and other qualifications as it relates to the position.

This position closes on August 30, 2023. Please submit your resume and cover letter in addition to your completed NCSC application. For the reference section, include professional references only with at least one previous or current supervisor.

Trusted Leadership. Proven Solutions. Better Courts. Come join the NCSC Team.