Job Description
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE : Research Analyst
DEPARTMENT : Information Services, Research & Evaluation
GRADE: 22, Step 426
STATUS: Exempt
SALARY: $88,434
LOCATION: As assigned
JOB SUMMARY AND DUTIES The Research Analyst position for the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County supports the court’s research and program evaluation needs. The primary role of this position is to manage research and evaluation activities which are designed to support and improve court operations. The Research Analyst’s duties include management and analysis of court data in criminal, civil, and juvenile areas of law that support understanding court performance and guiding decision making around court operations and policies . The Research Analyst works under the direction of the Director of Research for Probation and Pretrial Operations and Director Research and Evaluation Unit, Office of the Chief Judge.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Specific responsibilities of the Senior Research Analyst may include but are not limited to the following:
- Management and curation of court administrative electronic records (i.e., coding and preparation of analytic files for internal use and external partners)
- Analysis and reporting on court activities and policy for internal and external publication
- Monitoring external research in areas relevant to the court (e.g., criminal and juvenile justice policy, practice, and programs)
- Developing regular and ad-hoc analysis reports and briefings for court leadership
- Managing relationships with external research partners
- Work with interagency and community research partners to meet regular reporting requirements and compliance with grants and other mandates
- Grant development, implementation and management of grant funded programs, coordinate program data collection to meet grant funded reporting requirements
- Assists with budget preparation and financial management with respect to grant funds and seeks additional funding sources
- Meet productivity standards as established by the Director of Research and Evaluation Unit
The duties listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the duties to be performed under the job title.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s Degree in criminology, public policy, or other related social science field.
- Minimum of one year of experience related to court or criminal justice system(s) focused research. At least one year of experience in statistical programming using SPSS , R, or Python, preferably with criminal justice or civil law data.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- An understanding of the courts and/or criminal, civil, or juvenile law
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, especially for description and interpretation of quantitative data
- Ability to understand and present data clearly and usefully.
- Experience with visual presentation of data
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, online collaborative tools, and overall computer skills/technical aptitude
- Excellent organizational skills; ability to handle multiple tasks and coordinate complex projects
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to engage with differing opinions and build consensus
- Ability to prepare and design clear and accurate reports for management and stakeholders
- Ability to meet deadlines on detailed and task-oriented project.
- Key Personal Attributes:
- Building Relationships: Creates and cultivates relationships to garner support, raise awareness and gain cooperation.
- Organizational Savvy: Ability to manage up, as well as delegate.
- Problem Solving: Uses critical thinking, analytical skills, and a solution-focused approach to address challenging or difficult situations.
- Self-Management: Demonstrates dependability, flexibility, responsibility, and accountability in all aspects of one's work.
- Stewardship: Committed and adheres to policies that recognize the responsible use of County resources.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: - On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for long periods in front of a computer screen
- Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk
- Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation
- Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds
- Use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis
This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.
Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page .
THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Revised: April, 2025
Job Tags
Full time, Trial period,