Job: Research Analyst @ Austin’s Office of Police Oversight
In a nutshell
The City of Austin’s Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is seeking a Research Analyst to review current and proposed APD policies, practices and procedures to determine whether they are aligned with best practices and community values as laid out in citywide initiatives.
We are looking for an experienced writer and researcher with strong analytical skills to assist our collaborative team with both long- and short-term projects.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with policy or legal experience related to criminal justice and policing, and demonstrated experience authoring and presenting written deliverables to varied audiences.
What will you be working on?
You’ll have the chance to help develop OPO’s policy portfolio and assist our office in facilitating a complete rewrite of APD’s policy manual. Some of the policies you’ll work on may include:
· Search and Seizure
· Use of Force
· Racial Profiling
· Interpreter Services
The best way to learn about our team is to review our existing policy work, including:
About the role
This role is full-time, pay is commensurate with experience.
About #TEAMOPO
The City of Austin’s Office of Police Oversight was established in November 2018 and is responsible for providing impartial civilian oversight of the Austin Police Department. We are a small team that embraces collaboration, openness, and a commitment to transparency and accountability. Our team is comprised of three divisions — Complaints, Communications/Community Engagement, and Policy & Research — all working in concert towards a common goal of providing impartial oversight, increased transparency, and building sustainable partnerships.
We embrace mature frameworks, with an eye towards maintainability and long-term stability. We love providing the community with research- and data-driven recommendations to get things done!
You should apply if any of these items describe you:
· You are naturally curious with strong attention to detail.
· You have experience writing pieces driven by complex research and data analysis.
· Relevant graduate-level degree related to law or policy.
· Applicants must have advanced research, writing, and analytical skills. Applicants should also have demonstrated experience confidently communicating complex topics to varied audiences both verbally and in writing. Applicants should also demonstrate good diplomacy skills.
· For candidates applying from outside of Central Texas, be sure to include your date-specific relocation details in your cover letter.
Ready to apply? Apply on the City of Austin website [link] by [date].
In addition to the online application [link], please include:
· A résumé is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please include contact information from previous employers. Statements such as “see resume” will not be accepted.
· A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
· A writing sample is also required. The writing sample should be no more than 5 pages and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to critically analyze data and/or policy positions and discuss key findings.
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974–9090 or TTY 711.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.
