JOB
Research Manager
Full Time | Permanent | WMS Band 2
Salary Range: $113,538 - $126,292 Annually
This is a telework/hybrid position. The candidate of choice may work from anywhere within the state of Washington with a reliable internet connection. Travel to the Headquarters office in Tumwater, WA may be required as well as travel to facilities throughout the state.
Are you passionate about using research and data to drive meaningful change? The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a Research Manager to lead complex, high-impact projects that inform policy, strengthen programs, and advance evidence-based practices that improve lives and enhance public safety.
As a key member of an innovative and progressive agency, you will serve as both a project lead for internal research initiatives and a representative of DOC in partnerships with external researchers. Working under the direction of the Senior Research Manager, you will lead research projects aligned with agency priorities and provide practical, data-driven recommendations that support the department’s strategic goals.
This role requires broad knowledge of research methodologies, correctional practices, and business operations, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders. You will proactively identify solutions with statewide impacts on policy, programs, and procedures while providing expert consultation to department leadership and research partners. In addition, you will help bridge project needs with agency resources, oversee key deliverables, and ensure research efforts align with the priorities of DOC leadership and the Research Review Committee.
Through your expertise and collaborative approach, you will play a vital role in advancing evidence-based decision-making and supporting the Department of Corrections’ mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
A completed application packet will include:
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A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
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A detailed resume
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Three professional references
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service and are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As a Research Manager, some of your duties will include:
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Designing, managing, and implementing rigorous research and analyses to assess the impact of DOC policies, programs, and practices on individuals under the jurisdiction of DOC, DOC staff, and the larger criminal justice system to include:
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Leading projects including development, preparation of analyses, and recommendation of data and business rules that support data needs, summaries, and reports
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Working with stakeholders to establish data sources, research questions, methodology, data requirements, analysis plans, timelines, and deliverables
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Ensuring appropriate documentation of project, including purpose, design, timeline, data sources, counting rules, program code, and associated products
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Obtaining appropriate research pre-approval though the Research Review Committee and Washington State Institutional Review Board
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Reviewing deliverables to ensure accuracy and format appropriate for department use
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Building custom datasets using Statistical Analysis System (SAS)/Structure Query Language (SQL) programming and testing program/code to ensure accuracy, and documenting program or code as to logic and reasoning for program design
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Managing portions of the external research project portfolio to align with DOC strategic initiatives to improve processes, programs, and public safety outcomes which could look like:
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Working with stakeholders as DOC’s representative, bringing requisite and available resources to projects to establish data sources, research questions, methodology, data requirements, analysis plans, timelines, and deliverables
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Managing external research related to policy changes and process improvements
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Developing Data Share Agreements (DSAs) and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for external partnerships on research that minimizes risk and maximizes impact on agency-/institution-wide programs and policies
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Building custom datasets using SAS/SQL programming that align with external research project needs with consideration for data integrity and security
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Oversee process improvement efforts within research and RDA to maximize impact of research projects on agency goals and objectives including:
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Formulating strategies to link external research to agency-/institution-wide process improvements, integrating research practices to facilitate organizational change
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Consulting with and facilitate communication between DOC subject matter experts and external partners regarding business and research needs/requirements through project duration
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
Our Core Values:
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Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
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Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
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People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
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Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
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Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
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DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
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DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
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Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references. -
A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
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Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
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We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
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Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
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Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
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Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
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Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
Telework Details
This position may be allocated for telework. If authorized for the role, work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
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Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
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Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
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8 hours of paid sick leave per month
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12 paid holidays a year
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Generous retirement plan
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Flex Spending Accounts
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Dependent Care Assistance
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Deferred Compensation and so much more!
PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email
[email protected] or call us at 509-630-9160. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
