POLICE EXECUTIVE RESEARCH FORUM

SENIOR ASSOCIATE 

Are you passionate about improving the policing profession? Do you want to develop best practices and help law enforcement agencies from across the country implement them? 

There has never been a more exciting time to be in this field! The public demands for reform and progress have created opportunities for agencies to evolve and develop. And we at the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) are at the forefront! Come join our team and help the policing profession move into the future. 

PERF is looking for a full-time Senior Associate to help drive the team’s work in researching policing best practices, developing national guidance resources, and providing technical assistance and support to agencies. 

Who We Are

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is a leading national police research and membership organization based in Washington, DC, with a staff of approximately 30 full-time professionals. PERF focuses on addressing the most critical issues facing the policing profession today, including police use of force, violent crime trends and prevention, officer safety and wellness, police use of technology, cybercrime, youth and gang violence, sexual assault and domestic violence, racial bias in policing, police workforce issues, and community policing. By collaborating with police agencies across the nation, PERF has earned a national reputation for identifying emerging trends and developing promising practices for police practitioners. 

PERF has earned a national reputation for identifying emerging trends and developing promising practices that help police leaders stay ahead of the curve. With more than 3,300 members, PERF has an excellent relationship and track record of collaborating with police agencies across the nation and internationally. These relationships provide PERF researchers with an exceptional level of access to conduct meaningful, cutting-edge projects that help move the profession forward. 

Job Responsibilities 

This position will report to a PERF Senior Principal and will be responsible for: 

  • Leading aspects of federally and privately funded grant projects and contributing to project goals and deliverables;
  • Participating in site visits to police departments to conduct interviews and focus groups;
  • Reviewing and analyzing recent research, department policies, and trends in policing;
  • Conducting qualitative research, developing findings, and formulating recommendations for improvement;
  • Drafting and editing publications, reports, and other written deliverables;
  • Planning and managing virtual and in-person conferences of police executives and other policing experts;
  • Survey development and analysis;
  • Assisting with project management duties, including monitoring project budgets and timelines, overseeing consultant contracts, and drafting progress reports; and
  • Drafting and submitting grant proposals. 

Senior Associates must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. They are tasked with completing critical components of projects and must be able to work with limited supervision. 

Please note that PERF staff are currently working a hybrid schedule and some travel will be required. 

Qualifications 

Candidates interested in the Senior Associate position should have a commitment to advancing the policing profession and PERF’s mission. Additionally, the ideal candidate will generally meet the following requirements: 

Experience: At least 3-5 years of professional experience in criminal justice or related field (experience working with law enforcement agencies and/or police researchers is a plus). 

Education: An advanced degree (e.g., JD or master’s degree) in criminal justice, the social sciences, or related discipline. (Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience may also be considered.) 

Skills: Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and analytical skills. Demonstrated experience contributing to research projects using qualitative methods, particularly conducting interviews. Prior experience in report writing and editing is essential. 

Application Instructions 

To apply, please email a letter of interest, your resume, and a writing sample to Senior Principal Alexa Daniels-Shpall at [email protected]. Please indicate “Senior Associate Application” in the subject line of your email. Application review will start immediately and continue until the position is filled. Application packets that do not include the required materials will not be considered. 

Salary is commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The expected pay band for this position is between $65,000 and $90,000. PERF also offers excellent benefits, including a retirement plan, medical insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, etc. 

PERF is an equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. 

For more information on PERF, please see our website at www.policeforum.org.