Director of Research

Description

This position is responsible for providing the research and associated insights to inform strategic planning and the decision-making processes for Tulsa Regional Chamber’s economic development initiatives. This includes efforts related to business attraction and retention, talent recruitment, workforce analysis, and marketing. The position is responsible for managing essential data resources and delivering high-impact insights that inform internal initiatives, support external stakeholders, and help communicate Tulsa’s economic narrative.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Research and Analysis:

• Leads the development of research deliverables that support strategies for business attraction, retention and expansion (BRE), and talent recruitment.
• Ensures that insights are aligned with organizational goals and provide actionable data to inform decision-making across economic development initiatives.
• Conducts proactive economic updates, industry research, and trend analysis to uncover emerging opportunities and identify potential risks. Uses these insights to inform strategic planning and support decision-making across economic development initiatives.
• Designs and conducts economic impact studies using Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) and related analytical tools. Ensure that methodologies are aligned with best practices and that findings effectively support strategic decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
• Conducts labor analyses and provides insights with the help of Lightcast and other labor databases.
• Creates ready-to-use data packages that support business attraction, retention, and talent initiatives.
• Responds to data requests from Tulsa Regional Chamber teams and external partners by providing accurate, timely, and relevant information tailored to their needs.

Tools and Data Management:

• Recommends appropriate databases and manages vendors/accounts for existing data subscriptions. Ensures tools are effectively leveraged to support strategic research and economic development initiatives.
• Stays informed and investigates new tools that could be used to enhance lead generation, labor analyses, forecasting, and reporting capabilities.
• Ensures that databases are consistently accurate, easily accessible, and strategically utilized across the organization to support informed decision-making and efficient collaboration.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Support:
• Partners with internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver research-based insights and reports that support strategic initiatives.
• Fulfills Requests for Information (RFIs) and assist in crafting compelling business cases for company relocations or expansions.
• Provides credible and timely data points to support the development of media and marketing content that promote the Tulsa region.

Thought Leadership:

• Researches and pinpoints niche markets and emerging sectors that can enhance the Tulsa region’s competitive advantage.
• Creates industry primers, market analyses, and Tulsa-specific benchmarking studies to support business attraction and economic development efforts.
• Represents Tulsa Regional Chamber at relevant conferences and build relationships within the national research and economic development community to stay informed and expand strategic partnerships.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in economics, data analytics, business administration, or a related field.
• Requires 3 years of experience in research, economic development, data analytics, or business intelligence.
• Must have strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word).
• Must have familiarity with public economic and demographic data sources [e.g., Census Bureau, BLS, BEA, National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator)].
• Ability to succinctly communicate in business terms what the data/analyses mean and the impact the Tulsa regional community.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and visualize complex data for a general audience.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to simultaneously work on a variety of projects and requests with short deadlines.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with business executives and industry professionals.
• Demonstrates a strong interest in learning new skills and technologies, including the ability to quickly adapt to and effectively use new software tools.
• Demonstrates openness to taking direction and exploring new approaches, while also contributing ideas and recommending changes when needed to improve outcomes.
• Must have high levels of tact and diplomacy.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, insight into group dynamics, and the ability to develop and foster relationships.

WORK AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work environment: Normally a typical office environment with people, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, with occasional outdoor exposure to heat, cold, and environmental elements.
• Physical demands: Manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment. Able to read, write, and interpret written documents. Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.