Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 48125
Closing Date: 09/12/2025 11:59 p.m.
​Agency:  Department of Corrections - 60 W VanBuren, Chicago, IL 
Class Title: RESEARCH ANALYST - 92120 
Skill Option:  None 
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $5000 a month; Full Range $5000 - $6667 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
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Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:  None
Merit Comp Code:  

****A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Department of Corrections must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council (SPAC) is seeking to hire a senior policy advisor to work on our policy education team to assist lawmakers and stakeholders in developing data-driven sentencing and corrections policies. The position will work with the policy education team to research legislation and criminal justice policies, create and design infographics, and write memos and reports to support the development of data-driven criminal justice policies.

Essential Functions

• Analyzes specialized professional information; presents research results and policy analysis to all levels of state and local policy makers.
• Develop and prepare special reports or briefings. Participate in obtaining and coordinating information from various entities which is needed to support SPAC's work.
• Analyze and interpret academic articles, government reports, publications, and other applicable research resources related to sentencing, crime trends, and existing correctional resources to support legislative and executive action affecting the use of correctional resources on the State and local levels.
• Research and draft answers to questions raised by legislative, executive, and judicial branch actors regarding sentencing policy and practices.
• Provides support at meetings regarding research, fiscal analysis and implementing evidence-based sentencing policies with federal criminal justice organizations and national stakeholder groups, research communities, including the state and local criminal justice agencies, academic communities.
• Participate in SPAC meetings regarding research, fiscal analysis, and implementing evidence-based sentencing policies with criminal justice organizations and stakeholder groups. Make presentations on the Council's research methodologies and reports to state, local and national interest groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of bachelor's or other advanced degree in data analysis, policy analysis, or criminology.
• Requires ability to effectively communicate technical information to lay audiences in writing and through presentations or verbal communication.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in criminal justice or state budgeting.
• Requires one (1) year of professional experience with applying social science methodology to research and/or policy analyses.

Work Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Work Location: 60 E Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Agency Contact: Shawna Burris
Email: [email protected]
Posting Group: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Revolving Door:
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

The Sentencing Policy Advisory Council (SPAC) is the sentencing commission for the State of Illinois. We are a small, collaborative team with work that ranges from system-wide fiscal impact analysis to producing research reports to answering questions from policymakers, the executive branch and judicial branch, and other criminal justice stakeholders. SPAC is non-partisan and does not support or oppose specific criminal justice policies.

As an IDOC employee, you are entitled to a robust benefits package that includes:
· Flexible work schedule in some program areas (Flexible time and hybrid options)

· Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
· 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
· Pension Plan – vesting at 10 years for Tier II
· Full 20‐ year retirement awards free health insurance during retirement.
· Deferred compensation and other pre ‐ tax benefits programs
· Paid state holidays 13‐14 days annually
· 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
· 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
· 10‐25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually ‐ (10 days in year one of employment)
· Personal, sick, and vacation rates modified for 12‐ hour work schedules. (As applicable.)
· Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources
· For more information about our benefits please follow this link:
For Benefit Information Click Here

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