Program Research Specialist 1

Duties Description

Under the general direction of the Senior Research Manager assigned to Planning, Research & Development, the incumbent will:

Under the general direction of the Senior Research Manager assigned to Planning, Research & Development, the incumbent will:

• Synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed research, gray literature, and practice-based sources to translate evidence into actionable insights that support organizational programs, policies, and operational improvements.
• Plan, design, and conduct research and analytic studies supporting Section and Division priorities.
• Identifies, researches, and evaluates software, technologies, products, and services through market research, product demonstrations, technical documentation, and stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with agency needs and support acquisition and implementation.
• Collect, validate, and manage data from multiple sources; assess reliability and methodological integrity.
• Apply qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and assess outcomes.
• Interpret and synthesize findings to inform decision-making and adjust project objectives or methods as needed.
• Prepare and deliver reports, statistical summaries, white papers, policy briefs, and professional publications appropriate for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop and present briefings, visual products, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for program, policy, and operational improvements.
• Coordinate research activities, timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement across internal and external partners.
• Respond to internal, external, and public information requests related to research, projects, and initiatives.
• Maintain comprehensive, organized, and detailed project records, files, and documents to support transparency, reproducibility, and institutional knowledge.
• Analyze internal feedback and suggestion programs to identify issues and develop actionable solutions.
• Review project deliverables products for quality, clarity, feasibility, and alignment with objectives.
• Maintain operational knowledge of crime, personnel, and other administrative data systems and associated reporting protocols
• Serve as liaison to Division sections and external partners for assigned projects and initiatives.
• Support purchasing and procurement activities in compliance with New York State requirements.
• Support grant activities, including opportunity identification, proposal and budget development, compliance monitoring, reporting, documentation, award management, and coordination with internal and external partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Planning Section leadership.

A bachelor’s degree or higher in any field with coursework in applied qualitative or quantitative research methods or a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience working in a professional research or analyst environment.

Preference may be given to candidates with the following qualifications:

• Master's (M.A. or M.S.) or equivalent degree, or current enrollment in a master's program with an expected degree completion prior to or shortly after appointment.
• Recognized strong organizational skills, as well as superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and/or research methods.
• Demonstrated experience in information analysis with particular emphasis in crime data.

Minimum qualifications must be met by the time of appointment.

Resumes will be evaluated to determine whether candidates will proceed to the interview phase of the process.

The New York State Police will not offer permanent employment to any candidate unless the candidate provides documentation that they are authorized to accept work in the United States on a permanent basis. It is the policy of the New York State Police not to hire F1 or H1 visa holders for permanent employment or to sponsor non-immigrant aliens for temporary work authorization visas or for permanent residence.

The New York State Police values a diverse and inclusive workforce…