Research, Policy, and Quality Assurance Manager
- Salary: $116,251.20 - $161,012.80 Annually USD
- Full Time
- Administration and Management
- Administrative Analysis and Research
- Clerical and Administrative Support
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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
RESEARCH, POLICY, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER
(Law Enforcement)
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
This recruitment is open to the public and is being held to establish an eligible list to fill current/future Research, Policy, and Quality Assurance Manager vacancies. The current vacancy is with Orange County Probation. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the recruitment will close on
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PST)
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and the successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
PROBATION DEPARTMENT
OC Probation assists the criminal justice system in Orange County, California by making a safer Orange County through positive change. Under the direction of the Chief Probation Officer, the Probation Department is comprised of three bureaus: Adult Operations, Juvenile Operations, and Operations Support. As a public safety agency, the Department serves the community using efficient and research-supported corrections practices to reduce crime, assist the Courts in managing clients, promote lawful and productive lifestyles, and assist victims. You can learn more about the OC Probation Department by clicking here .
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Research, Policy, and Quality Assurance Manager is a key leadership position in the Strategic Development Bureau. This role leads department-wide efforts in research, legislative analysis, policy development, and records transparency. The manager oversees the development and maintenance of the department’s policy and procedure manuals, coordinates responses to Public Records Act (PRA) requests, and supervises the implementation of research-informed practices and legislative compliance. This position is critical to shaping department strategy through data-driven policy, monitoring the impact of legislation, managing high-stakes public records workflows, and supporting a culture of continuous learning and legal alignment. The manager collaborates closely with the CQI Administrator, Information Technology, and Training units to ensure that research findings, legislative updates, and policy changes are effectively integrated into performance improvement efforts, system workflows, and staff development initiatives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Develop, revise, and maintain department-wide policies and procedures in collaboration with executive leadership and operational divisions
- Conduct policy audits to ensure consistency with legal mandates, best practices, equity goals, and departmental priorities
- Track and analyze new legislation at the state and federal levels; provide impact summaries and recommendations to executive leadership
- Lead the development of equity impact analyses to assess and address potential disparities in policy, program implementation, or legislation
- Serve as the Department's liaison for legislative inquiries, board items, and coordination with County Counsel
- Manage responses to Public Records Act (PRA) requests in coordination with legal, operational, and communications staff to ensure accuracy, transparency, and legal compliance
- Design and oversee applied research projects, including program evaluations, process improvement studies, fidelity reviews, and outcomes reporting
- Utilize technology platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, SPSS, R, and case management systems to collect, analyze, and visualize data to inform decision-making
- Develop technical reports, policy briefs, dashboards, and presentations tailored to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, board representatives, and community stakeholders
- Collaborate with the CQI Administrator, Information Technology, and Training Unit to ensure alignment between research findings, system functionality, policy updates, and staff training initiatives
- Represent the Department in multi-agency research, policy, and legislative working groups to promote alignment, share best practices, and advance cross-system reforms
- Supervise professional staff responsible for research, policy development, legislative tracking, PRA coordination, and data analysis
- Support strategic planning and continuous quality improvement by integrating research, legislation, and policy review into departmental goals and initiatives
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will have four years' experience conducting applied research in criminal justice, behavioral, and/or social science setting. A Master's or Doctorate degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or other related social sciences field is preferred.
Policy & Legislative Expertise- Deep knowledge of policy development frameworks, legislative analysis, and regulatory interpretation
- Demonstrated success translating law and policy into operational procedures and department-wide implementation plans
- Experience managing PRA request workflows and promoting transparency in a public-sector setting
- Familiarity with equity impact assessments and applying a justice equity lens to policy development
- Research & Strategic Analysis
- Skilled in designing and executing applied research, performance evaluations, and outcomes studies
- Proficient in data interpretation, statistical reporting, and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations
- Experience working with dashboards, case management systems, and justice performance metrics
- Familiarity with criminal and juvenile justice trends, evidence-based practices, and probation system operations
- Proven ability to lead interdepartmental projects, supervise multidisciplinary staff, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
- Ability to balance strategic vision with operational follow-through and accountability
- Strong interpersonal, presentation, and facilitation skills with experience communicating across all organizational levels
- Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration, drive results, and lead teams through change management processes
- Proficiency in MS Office, Lexipol, legislative tracking systems (e.g., FiscalNote, PoliticoPro), and data platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, SPSS, R, and Excel
- Skilled in drafting clear, concise, and impactful documents, including executive summaries, policy briefs, and technical reports
- Comfort with presenting data and policy updates in public forums or to executive decision-makers
PLEASE NOTE: The competencies listed above and in the job classification description under minimum qualifications will be used to select the ideal candidate. Your application and answers to the supplemental questions should be descriptive and concise, and highlight the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific competencies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the Research, Policy, and Quality Assurance Manager classification spec/job description.
License Required:
For some positions, possession of a valid California Driver's license Class C or higher may be required by the date of appointment.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
The Probation Department requires that all candidates undergo an extensive background investigation process to the satisfaction of the Department. Candidates must successfully clear prior to the start of their employment. All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified candidates. After the screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment. Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those candidates who meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step. Resumes will not be accepted and/or screened in lieu of applications during the application screening step; therefore, you will need to demonstrate your qualifications on your application.
Application Appraisal Panel | Application Rating (Weighted 100%)
An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and rate all application materials for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. (The information you provide will be used as a scoring device, so please be descriptive in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.) Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Aerie de la Cruz at (714) 645-7051 or patricia.delacruz@prob.ocgov.com .
EEO INFORMATION
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits -- such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays -- we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:- Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information . - Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
- Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
- Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
- Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
- Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
- 457 Defined Contribution Program
*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 7/30/2025 12:00 AM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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