Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Manager

at The Clean Slate Initiative

🏢 About The Clean Slate Initiative

The Clean Slate Initiative is unique as a national advocacy organization specifically focused on automated record sealing legislation, working across states and Congress to transform how criminal records affect people's lives. Their vision of ensuring people aren't defined by their past records and can fully contribute to their communities makes this work particularly meaningful for those passionate about criminal justice reform and second chances.

About This Role

As Research Manager, you'll lead mixed-methods research projects that directly inform policy advocacy for automated record sealing laws, conducting literature reviews, designing stakeholder surveys, and analyzing data on criminal justice, labor markets, and housing impacts. This role is impactful because your research findings will shape state-level case studies and white papers that establish CSI as the national authority on record clearance policy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing survey data from stakeholders in priority states, drafting sections of a white paper on record sealing's economic impacts, and preparing for focus groups with justice-impacted individuals. You'll collaborate with policy and advocacy teams to ensure research aligns with legislative strategy while managing multiple research projects simultaneously.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Clean Slate Initiative Is Looking For

  • Has 5-7 years of applied research experience specifically in criminal justice, public policy, or sociology with demonstrated ability to translate complex findings into actionable policy recommendations
  • Possesses strong mixed-methods expertise including designing stakeholder surveys, conducting focus groups with impacted communities, and analyzing secondary data on record sealing outcomes
  • Has experience producing high-quality written outputs like white papers and policy briefs that bridge academic research and advocacy needs
  • Demonstrates understanding of how research informs legislative strategy and can synthesize findings for diverse audiences including policymakers and community stakeholders

📝 Tips for Applying to The Clean Slate Initiative

1

Highlight specific research projects where you've studied criminal justice outcomes, labor market impacts of records, or housing barriers for justice-involved individuals

2

Include writing samples that demonstrate your ability to translate complex research into accessible formats like policy briefs or advocacy materials

3

Emphasize experience working with diverse stakeholders including impacted communities, policymakers, and advocacy organizations

4

Show how your research methodology skills align with CSI's needs: mention specific experience with survey design, secondary data analysis of criminal justice datasets, and qualitative methods

5

Demonstrate understanding of automated record sealing policy landscape by referencing specific state laws or CSI's legislative priorities

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience conducting research that directly informed policy change or advocacy campaigns, particularly in criminal justice reform', "Specific examples of mixed-methods research projects you've led involving stakeholder engagement and data analysis", 'How your writing and synthesis skills have translated complex findings into formats that influenced decision-makers', "Why automated record sealing specifically resonates with you and how your background prepares you to advance CSI's mission"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CSI's state legislative victories and current priority states for automated record sealing campaigns
  • → Study the specific research gaps mentioned in CSI's existing publications about record clearance impacts
  • → Familiarize yourself with key criminal justice datasets (like NIBRS, NLSY, or state administrative data) relevant to record sealing research
  • → Understand the political landscape around criminal justice reform in 2-3 states where CSI is currently active
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a research project where your findings directly influenced policy decisions or advocacy strategy
2 How would you design a study to measure the impact of automated record sealing laws on employment outcomes in a specific state?
3 What methodological approaches would you use to engage justice-impacted communities in research while ensuring ethical practices?
4 How would you translate complex research findings about record clearance into a compelling policy brief for state legislators?
5 What existing datasets or literature would you prioritize to establish baseline understanding of record sealing impacts across different states?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting research experience that's purely academic without demonstrating how it informed real-world policy or practice
  • Failing to show understanding of the specific challenges in automated record sealing implementation across different state systems
  • Using generic research terminology without providing concrete examples of mixed-methods projects you've actually conducted

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Clean Slate Initiative!

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