Research Associate

Summary/Objective 
Delivers high-quality economic development research and analytical support to internal and external clients, economic development organizations, state, county, and local government entities as well as not-for-profit, for-profit and project clients. Participates in project strategies, planning, development, coordination, and management. Conducts advanced data analyses, synthesizes insights, and supports project management through accurate tracking and reporting. Interacts professionally with all internal and external customers using strong customer service skills. Overall, this role supports Team NEO’s business outreach efforts and strategic initiatives that advance the Vibrant Economy indicators, as well as our commitment to leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Key Responsibilities
Project and Partner Related Research 
• Incorporate Team NEO databases and new and emerging technologies (e.g., AI, predictive analytics) into research processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and insights—strengthening Team NEO’s business outreach efforts with compelling data-driven analysis.
• Assist with analytical work for active client projects with project team members. Provide data and presentation materials and actively participate in client presentations, as appropriate.

Analyze, Interpret and Present Data
• Gather business and industry intelligence by utilizing a variety databases and tools (Moody’s Economy.com, Lightcast, etc.).
• Collect, organize, analyze & interpret a variety of complex data sets.

Data Proficiencies
• Demonstrated competency with Microsoft Excel and other software packages and research tools similar to GIS/mapping (e.g. ArcGIS), and online data and information gathering tools. 
• Familiarity with public data sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), etc.
• Experience cleaning, analyzing, and summarizing data from large datasets using R or a similar coding language.
• Familiarity with Lightcast Analytics preferred but not required.  

Other Expectations 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure research outputs inform strategic priorities and meaningfully advance Team NEO’s Vibrant Economy indicators.
• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and narrative of key Team NEO strategic publications, including Aligning Opportunities and Developing Opportunities.
• Support the development of targeted industry research strategies; ensure the effective integration of the research function by applying best practices, mastering research tools, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• CRM/Salesforce system input and reporting.
• Proactively seek partner input/feedback as it relates to industry and research development.
• Complete special projects as assigned – this will be a large function of the research role

Core Competencies Valued
• Analytical: Approaches a complex task or problem by breaking it down into its component parts and critically thinking about each part in detail
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and can be easily understood in a variety of communication settings and styles
• Initiative: Identifies what needs to be done and acts before being asked or required
• Prioritizing: Can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal
• Dealing with Ambiguity: Can shift gears comfortably

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk or hear and perform work duties in front of a computer monitor.

Travel
Travel is primarily in-region for Team NEO’s 14-County footprint, during the business day, although some early morning and after-hours travel may be expected. Quarterly trips to Columbus anticipated.

Education Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field, including data analytics or data science, economics, public administration, public finance, planning, finance, geography, urban studies, computer science, information systems, or similar field. Master’s degree preferred.   This is an entry-level role. 
• Prior academic experience in research, research design, quantitative and qualitative analysis, data collection, database design, or report writing.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn the tools and techniques necessary to perform the work of the Research Analyst include, but are not limited to: 
o Economic & Census Research 
o Employer/Industry Research  
o Competitive Landscape Analysis 
o Occupational Research 
o Supply Chain and Logistics 
o Spatial Analysis 
o Additional knowledge of economic development data sources, including demographic and federal/state/local web-based sources, is preferred
o Basic Coding Languages of programs like R, Python, etc. is preferred

• Proven ability to manage projects, effectively prioritize workloads, adapt to shifting needs, and deliver high-quality results on time. Ability to work under tight deadlines and maintain work quality/attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including group presentations and public speaking experience. 
• Ability to lead group projects and discussions, demonstrating leadership skills is expected.
• Strong analytical and qualitative skills.