Research Analyst

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy.

The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.

Do you derive sweet satisfaction from developing the just-right answer and having the receipts to prove it? Do you pirouette through pivot tables and dazzle your friends with elegant Excel formulas? Do you enjoy spelunking through data AND footnotes? Did your teachers praise your critical thinking skills and attention to detail when you were growing up? Are you fast and careful and collaborative in your work? Are you looking for a job that is more than “just” a job but less than a lifestyle?  If so, you might be the researcher we’re seeking. 

ABOUT THE TEAM & ROLE:

ACA’s research operation is composed of two teams that, together, aim to be “the authority behind the (Arizona Commerce) Authority.” This position, research analyst, is on the Economic Development Research Team, which acts as ACA’s knowledge center, home to accurate, relevant data and information on a vast range of topics such as ACA’s target industry sectors, business supply chains and a plethora of economic data. The team also researches, compiles and organizes reports on emerging trends and technology topics such as artificial intelligence, power generation and transmission, space tech and cybersecurity.

The Research Analyst gathers, analyzes, interprets and summarizes economic data for reports, proposals, and presentations and in response to sometimes-quirky questions from important people. An analyst must be good at finding data, doing math and developing incisive analysis. An analyst also must be great at explaining all that to less technical audiences, generally in writing. Although we do a lot of interesting analysis, this is not a big-data job for a data scientist.

Education needs are flexible. Several of our folks have social science degrees with experience combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches (such as economics, math, urban planning, sociology, political science and public policy).

At the end of the day, the analyst’s efforts boost ACA’s efforts to increase employment opportunities for Arizonans and strengthen the state’s economy. We think that feels pretty good. If it sounds intriguing to you, please apply!

 This is a full-time, primarily in-office role, operating from ACA’s office in Phoenix, AZ. We work hard, but we have lives outside of work, as well.

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Gather and analyze statistical data on workforce and the economy from federal data sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among others.
• Use Excel in sophisticated ways (complex formulas, XLOOKUP etc.) to tease out useful findings in data.
• Inform economic development strategy related to a variety of subjects, such as using data to show how increasing automation will change job markets in the future, or how companies shift supply chains in response to various prompts.
• Research and provide in-depth commentary helping non-experts understand critical trends and emerging technology and the implications for Arizona and our economy.
• In collaboration with team colleagues, develop systems to track and record the above information for ready use on short notice.

 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sparkling record of managing multiple projects simultaneously. This includes knowing when to reprioritize tasks because of shifting priorities—and being comfortable doing so.
• Ability to work well with others and/or to work independently, as the situation requires.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. This includes demonstrated ability to write clear, concise reports, memos and emails with technical elements, such as financial, tax or demographic data.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite and web-based technologies.
• Minimum two (2) years of directly related work experience in research or business economics and using diverse data sets for analysis; internships may count towards professional experience.
• Extreme attention to detail, including with regard to accuracy, style and organization—often on tight deadlines.
• Self-starter interested in contributing to a dynamic and growing program with a rigorous though non-traditional approach to research.
• Positive, independent, self-motivated team player with an innate desire to do work that matters and helps others.
• Base compensation for this position is between $65,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience; we offer competitive benefits including Dental, Life, Medical, Paid Time Off, Retirement, and Vision.