Overview
Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice Jobs in Indiana Borough, USA at Human Rights Watch
Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice – United States Program
Human Rights Watch (HRW) seeks a Senior Researcher to lead criminal justice research and advocacy within the United States Program (USP). The role reports to the Director of the US Program and will be based near one of HRW’s US offices (New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, or San Francisco).
Responsibilities
- Monitor legal and policy developments; identify and highlight criminal-legal system human rights trends and emerging issues; analyze abuses within broader context to investigate contributing factors and avenues for change.
- Lead internal policy discussions on relevant issues and make strategic recommendations regarding research and advocacy projects.
- Research, monitor, and analyze policies and practices across the US criminal justice system, including interviewing affected persons, professionals, and experts, and conducting desk research, filing public records requests, and accessing public documents and data.
- Write accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive reports, briefing papers, policy comments, advocacy letters, news releases, op‑eds, and submissions to national and international bodies, using a human‑rights lens.
- Work closely with partner coalitions, building new alliances and ensuring HRW’s contributions align with coalition needs.
- Communicate regularly with a wide range of participants in, and observers of, the criminal justice system, including litigators, to identify reform opportunities.
- Develop advocacy strategies and innovative approaches, including public debate, to change abusive laws, policies, and practices directed at local, state, and federal officials and the media.
- Respond to news events, pose human rights issues, and conduct media interviews on behalf of HRW.
- Liaise effectively with HRW staff nationwide and internationally to coordinate research and advocacy activities.
- Assist in building donor relationships with foundations and individuals; traveling domestically and internationally as required.
- Work flexible hours to accommodate urgent events and participate in organizational meetings and events.
- Perform other tasks as required to support the program.
Qualifications
Education: A U.S. law degree (J.D.) or an advanced degree in U.S. criminal law/policy, journalism, public policy, or a related field is required.
Experience: Minimum of seven years of relevant experience, such as work as a criminal defense attorney or other litigator, investigative journalist, analyst, or advocate on criminal justice policies at an NGO, court, academic institution, or government. Experience in designing and leading complex research projects from inception through publication is essential.
Researchers of color, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, and individuals from communities impacted by the criminal legal system are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are also strongly encouraged.
Required Skills and Knowledge
- Extensive knowledge of criminal and racial justice, civil and human rights issues in the United States, and ability to identify, monitor, and evaluate trends for research and advocacy.
- Demonstrated ability to design and conduct complex, innovative research, including trauma-informed interviews, community-based projects, and policy advocacy with minimal supervision.
- Experience working successfully with communities that have suffered civil or human rights violations, particularly communities of color and economically disadvantaged groups.
- Familiarity with human‑rights research methodologies and both local and international advocacy environments.
- Experience in combating structural barriers to racial and criminal justice and collaborating with communities led by directly impacted people.
- Ability to write and edit accurate, persuasive, analytical, and timely reports and media products; proficiency with images, audio, video, data, and online tools.
- Dynamic public speaking skills in English;
Spanish language skills are desirable. - Strong initiative, follow‑through, and creative, strategic thinking, even on short timelines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate within HRW…
Title: Senior Researcher, Criminal Justice
Company: Human Rights Watch
Location: Indiana Borough, USA
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