Research Director
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Research Director
Salary
$65,713.00 - $129,684.00 Annually
Location
Lansing, MI
Job Type
Unclassified
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
0317-02-2026
Department
Legislative Council
Bargaining Unit
N/A
Job Description
The Research Director will conduct and oversee the Michigan Sentencing Commission's research program, including research that is required by its enabling legislation or is otherwise relevant to its work. As part of this, the Research Director will draft or oversee the drafting of reports on subjects such as sentencing practices and trends, sentencing disparities, prison population and cost trends, and other areas that are relevant to the Commission's work.
The Research Director will also oversee the Commission's data and its data collection program, including its data sharing agreements with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) and other public institutions that maintain data important to the Commission's work. This position reports to the Chief of Staff of the Michigan Sentencing Commission.
This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday. The Research Director serves in a nonpartisan role with the Michigan Sentencing Commission and the Legislative Council.
About the Michigan Sentencing Commission
The Michigan Sentencing Commission (MSC) was created in the Legislative Council by Public Act 273 of 2024. The duties of the MSC, which are described in MCL 769.34b, include making recommendations for modifications to the sentencing guidelines and conducting research on the sentencing guidelines and state and local sentencing and release policies. Additionally, the MSC has the authority to "recommend modifications to any law that affects sentencing or the use and length of incarceration."
Position Description (https://MCSC.state.mi.us/AgencyPDFs/MSCResearchDirectorPD.pdf)
Required Education and Experience
Minimum of a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a similar discipline is required. Graduate training in statistics and/or data science is preferred.
Must have experience with data management and data analysis using statistical software (e.g. Strata, R, SAS, and/or SPSS).
Must be able to analyze data from multiple sources with strong attention to detail, the ability to work with technical staff at data custodians such as MDOC, the ability to maintain appropriate data security, and the ability to negotiate, comply with, and manage data sharing agreements.
Must have strong writing and editing skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively to a broad range of audiences.
Must have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system in Michigan, especially of Michigan's felony sentencing system and Sentencing Guidelines.
Must be willing and able to work overtime as required.
Additional Requirements and Information
Online applications only are being accepted through the State of Michigan's NEOGOV job posting website athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan.
Applicants must include the following three items as separate attachments in the online application for full consideration:
The deadline to apply is 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
The Legislative Council is a nonpartisan legislative information and service agency. This is an unclassified, non-Civil Service position in State government. All Legislative Council employees are considered "at-will," except for LSB Printing Division union members. Employees are required to be non-partisan and maintain confidentiality.
This job is located at Boji Tower, 124 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan.
For job-related questions, call the Legislative Service Bureau Human Resources Office at (517) 373-9643.
For technical support with your online application, call NeoGov Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact theADA coordinator (https://www.michigan.gov/ose/-/media/Project/Websites/ose/Contact/RACs.pdf) for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment benefits include everything from health insurance to retirement income and are worth about 40% of your salary. Employee premiums shares are required for most insurances.
This page gives a brief explanation of some of the benefits that are provided by the Legislative Council. See details on these and other employment information.
Leave Time
Full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 vacation leave days per year and13 sick days per year.
Holidays
Legislative Council employees receive 13 scheduled holidays each year.
Alternative Work Schedules
Flexible work schedules are available in some jobs. Flexible schedules may be limited to certain time periods per year.
Insurance and Other Benefits
Insurances include health, vision, dental and life. Employees also have the option to purchase voluntary insurances for additional life, accidental death, long term disability, long term care, and legal services, to name a few. Premiums vary for these insurances. Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses and child care are also available.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may invest income in a tax-deferred retirement investment program. The state offers two optional deferred compensation plans, the 457 and 401(k). Employees decide the amount deducted from each paycheck.
Retirement
Employees receive a minimum 4% state contribution toward their defined contribution retirement fund. If an employee elects to contribute more, the state will match that percentage (up to 3%).
Employer
State of Michigan
Department
Legislative Council
Address
[email protected]
124 W. Allegan Street, 4th Floor
Lansing, Michigan, 48909
Phone
517-373-0212
Website
http://council.legislature.mi.gov/CouncilAdministrator/Index
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