Community Research and Engagement Director

Position Overview

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is seeking a strategic and visionary leader to serve as its next Community Research and Engagement Director. This pivotal role will drive data-informed policy solutions and community-centered research to advance equity within the criminal justice system.

As a key leader within ICJIA’s Research & Analysis (R&A) Unit, the Community Research and Engagement Director will oversee high-impact research initiatives, foster collaborative partnerships with policymakers, community organizations, and academic institutions, and ensure that research findings are accessible, actionable, and transformative.

This position requires a proven leader in research, policy analysis, and community engagement, with expertise in advancing racial equity through participatory research methods. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in conducting and disseminating research that informs public policy, develops innovative solutions, and promotes transparency in criminal justice reform efforts.

If you are a dynamic professional with a passion for data-driven change, community engagement, and policy impact, we invite you to apply and be part of a team dedicated to shaping a more just and equitable future for Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Community Research and Engagement Director for the Research and Analysis unit
• Serves as full-line supervisor
• Develops, updates, and maintains policies and procedures for the establishment of a Center for Race and Equity
  that is focused on conducting and disseminating research that advances racial equity within the criminal legal
  system in Illinois
• Leads the unit in efforts to increase transparency and engagement activities with the public and the legislature
• Identifies and oversees opportunities for collaboration with policy stakeholders to drive criminal justice reform in
  Illinois
• Provides staff development opportunities, including training and mentorship, to build the team’s capacity for
  innovative and impactful research
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated
  above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college
  with coursework in public administration or business administration
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or
  business organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers 5 years’ experience in community-based research analysis
• Prefers a PhD in areas such as criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, political science, or public
  administration
• Prefers at least 3 years’ experience developing programs and community-based events from an equity lens
• Prefers 10 years’ professional experience in community justice reform
• Prefers 2 years’ experience developing organizational policies designed to guide and clarify organizational activities

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate
• Requires ability to pass a background check
• Requires the possession of a valid driver’s license
• Requires the ability to work remotely and in-person as operational needs require

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job
description.