Lead Research Analayst

Agency

Adult Correction

Division

COO - OPS - Inst-Admin Prgms Standards

Job Classification Title

Program Analyst II (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC19

About Us

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention protection and preparation as well as the care custody and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody healthcare and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration Health Services Rehabilitation & Reentry Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters!

Description of Work

The Lead Research Analyst supports the Innovation and Analysis Section within the Organizational Performance Division leading mixed-methods research to advance data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement across the agency. This role designs and executes complex research studies develops surveys and integrates quantitative and qualitative findings to inform policy and program strategies. It also mentors junior analysts collaborates with internal teams and external research partners and ensures rigorous standards for data integrity and actionable insights.

Key Duties Include:
- Design and implement mixed-methods research studies aligned with departmental strategic objectives.

- Develop research protocols including interview guides focus group questions and survey instruments.

- Conduct qualitative data collection through interviews focus groups and document analysis.

- Perform quantitative data collection and analysis using statistical software (e.g. R Python) and version control tools (e.g. GitHub).

- Integrate qualitative and quantitative findings to produce actionable insights for policy and program improvements.

- Mentor and guide junior research analysts ensuring adherence to research protocols and quality standards.

- Monitor and coordinate with external researchers to maintain alignment with departmental objectives.

- Prepare reports executive summaries and presentations for leadership policymakers and external stakeholders.

- Collaborate on publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.

- Engage with stakeholders to identify research needs and foster collaborative partnerships with academic and community organizations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $64621- $113088

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

The Posting Will Close At 11:59 P.M. The Night Before The End Date

Is An Anticipated Vacancy.

This Position Is Pending Reclassification

About the Innovation and Analysis Section

The Innovation and Analysis Section is located within the Organizational Performance Division. Its primary mission is to drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement across the agency. It leads the implementation of the Priority Questions Research Agenda conducts agency-wide statistical analysis and manages dashboards and data visualization tools to support staff access to actionable insights. The team also responds to data requests researches best practices collaborates on innovative initiatives and evaluates programs and processes to identify opportunities for improvement.

Compensation and Benefits:

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options standard and supplemental retirement plans and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation sick and community service addition paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit the website forState Benefits.

Supplemental Contact Information

North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections (NCDAC) uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications internal equity and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. For more information about NCDAC please visit us at our website.

Application Process
Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas to include the following: Education including high school and all degrees obtained Work Experience and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions you must provide supporting information within the Work Experience section of the application to support your answers.

• If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the night before closing date.

• Applicantsmaybe subject to a criminal background check.

• If applying for a position certified through the NC Dept. of Justice - Criminal Justice Standards Division click this link for specific certification requirements:Correctional & Probation/Parole Officer Certification.

• The NC Dept. of Adult Correction must adhere to the US Dept. of Justice Final Rule on the National Standards to Prevent Detect and Respond to Prison this link for information on hiring and promotion prohibition requirements for all positions in the NC Dept. of Adult Correction: PREA Hiring and Promotion Prohibitions (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader).

• Due to the volume of applications received we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application please log in to your account. The hiring process may take several weeks.

• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.

  • For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service please visit the NACES membership website at Credit Verification

    Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

    Veterans and National Guard Preference

    • Applicants seeking Veterans Preference must attach aDD-214 Member-4 Form(Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.

    • Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS) along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

    • Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22 along with the state application.

    ADA Accommodations

    Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) NCDAC is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment NCDAC will ensure that people with disabilities or known limitations covered by the PWFA are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please contact the person indicated below.

    Minimum Education and Experience

    Some state job postings say you can qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience. If that language appears below then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

    Bachelors degree from an appropriately accredited institution and five (5) years of progressively experience related to the area of assignment

    OR

    An equivalent combination of training and experience

    EEO Statement

    The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination harassment or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs observances and practices.

    Recruiter:

    Scot Timothy Watanabe

    Email: