Director of Economic Research

Title: Director of Economic Research

Reports to: VP of External Affairs

Interfaces with: Business Recruitment, Marketing, Engagement and Advocacy Teams

Objective: Build, maintain and articulate information gathered for the Charlotte Region for internal teams and CLT Alliance investors.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):

1. Build and maintain a data resource library, perform research, and analyze information pertaining to the Charlotte region using a variety of data sources including proprietary software, federal and state databases, media outlets, and internal data.

2. Help develop and lead the research strategy that promotes the growth of the region’s economy

3. Oversee the preparation of business recruitment project research, including but not limited to workforce analyses, industry demographics, business costs, education outcomes, and real estate developments

4. Supervises the development of data for the Alliance’s research publications, market research, speeches, collateral material and consulting projects

5. Create a strategy for target sector research and annual topics

6. Working knowledge of economic development tools including Lightcast or JobsEQ, federal data sources including U.S. Census, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Federal Reserve databases, State-level data sources, business directory software (i.e. Dunn & Bradstreet Hoovers, Crunchbase) or any other propriety economic software and other tools necessary to find the data needed and share with clients and stakeholders

7. Communicate with the various economic development agencies in the region and North and South Carolina to learn of specific assets that help to market and promote the region

8. Create and present standardized and customized presentations for senior leadership, investors, and the business community

9. Collaborate with local research leaders and economists

10. Confers with business community and prospects in both written and verbal forms to create strategic partnerships surrounding development and use of data.

11. Communicate with investors and additional resource organizations

12. Participate in and initiate special projects as needed

13. Track and report insights on regional economic growth indicators including population, workforce, demographics, and industry trends.

14. Prepares annual budget, with input and assistance of Vice President, External Affairs. Is responsible for maintaining records of the financial activities of the department as well as managing the budget on a day-to-day basis

Handles all other duties as assigned by the VP, External Affairs.

Preferred Skills:

- Knowledge of economic and demographic data sources, including US Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics.

- Advanced experience using Excel and other data organization tools

- Experience using a CRM system such as Salesforce and data visualization software such as Tableau Power BI and Canva.

- Knowledge of databases and tools such as U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lightcast, ArcGIS, Costar, etc.

- Experience with economic impact analysis or related software (i.e. IMPLAN)

- Experience in R, Python or SQL is a plus.

- Creative and leadership minded with demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally with strong writing and oral skills

Job Requirements:

- Extremely detail-oriented with strong oral and written communication skills.

- Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel).

- Candidate must be database-savvy with the ability to learn and adapt quickly to using various databases.

- Bachelor’s degree in economics, geography, statistics or related field, plus five years experience in economic research, economic development, real estate or public administration fields. A master’s in economics, geography, public administration or related field is a plus.

- At least 7 years of experience in a research-related role.

Evaluation of Job Performance:

Bi-annual review with VP of External Affairs.

CLT Alliance

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance champions, serves and works to unite a region comprised of people from all walks of life. We honor diversity, inclusion, and equity internally and externally. We are committed to advancing economic opportunity and prosperity for the Charlotte Region.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person