Research Director

Full 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

Requirements

• 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 Information

Online applications only are being accepted through the State of Michigan’s NEOGOV job posting website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan.

Applicants must include the following three items as separate attachments in the online application for full consideration:

1. Cover letter outlining interest and qualifications.
2. Resume.
3. A copy of college transcripts.

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.