GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Research Analyst, Economics

POSITION CLASS: Full-time, FLSA classification - Exempt

DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Research Department

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Research

INTERNAL CONTACTS: Partnership Executive Officers Partnership Team Members in all Divisions

EXTERNAL CONTACTS: Research professionals in companies, government organizations and academia Business professionals from varied industries

POSITION OBJECTIVES: Support the Partnership’s current overall Action Plan and Budget by monitoring local, state and national economic and demographic data, analyzing those data, and incorporating the analysis into Partnership publications, proposals, press releases, web pages and speeches.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: The following responsibilities are essential to job performance:

1) Serve as an authority on the region’s economy, including a) Monitoring economic and demographic data on a daily basis, b) Providing analysis and interpretation of Houston economic and industry-specific trends, c) Participating in preparation of reports and commentary on the economy, d) Briefing staff and clients on the region’s economy, e) Developing background papers for GHP executives to use when dealing with the media, members, governmental officials, investors, etc., and

2) Serve as an authority on business issues as they relate to the GHP’s Program of Work, which includes a) Analyzing and interpreting economic, demographic, business and trade data, b) Preparing reports and proposals for relocation prospects, c) Developing city-to-city comparisons of key economic and demographic indicators—population, workforce, infrastructure, business costs, etc.

3) Maintain a set of detailed spreadsheets containing historic and current economic and demographic data on in the local, state and national economies.

4) Update basic fact sheets used by the GHP to post economic and demographic information to the web, prepare proposals, and answer generic information queries.

5) Create maps using a Geographic Information System (GIS).

6) Develop strong relationships with peer-level economists, demographers and analysts at the national, state and local levels.

7) Respond to information requests from staff, members and the general public.

8) Serve on various external committees and boards as assigned.

9) Fact check publications, speeches, press releases and Web pages in area of expertise. Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS: The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are desirable for job success. • Minimum of 5-10 years business research experience, economic, marketing or a related field, in a public, private or non-profit organization, or a combination of the above type experience and training. • Minimum requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in economics or marketing a relevant field, advance degree preferred. • Excellent verbal, written, analytical, presentation and interpersonal skills. • Above average statistical skills; good “numbers sense”. • Experience working with economic and demographic data and the demonstrated ability to understand the implications of data. • Expert-level knowledge of basic macro and micro economic theory • Knowledge of census geography. • Familiarity with federal, state and local agencies and policy development organizations • Ability to address broad and changing mix of issues. • Ability and maturity to manage large projects and work with people at all levels. • Balanced judgment and tact. • Excellent research, Internet and computer skills, to include an advanced level proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) • Knowledge of mapping software a plus. • Professional appearance. • Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines, with minimal supervision. • Flexibility to work some overtime, as necessary.

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Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel of classification.

The Greater Houston Partnership is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of, by and for local governments, and was established to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit, and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions. NCTCOG serves a 16 county region of North Central Texas, which is centered around the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. NCTCOG has over 230 member governments including 16 counties, numerous cities, school districts, and special districts.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is seeking a Senior Modeler for their Research & Information Services Department.  Position would serve as an expert practitioner and manager of specific land-use, economic, demographic, and other modeling tasks.  Duties include participating in the collection and analysis of data for multiple projects, developing and utilizing predictive models, investigating the development of new processes in model development and application-related projects and activities, managing the implementation of specific tasks, and supervising staff.
Work requires broad knowledge in a professional or technical field normally acquired through six years of college resulting in a Master's degree with a minimum of five years of modeling experience including model development.  Must possess advanced math and analytical skills and an ability to apply fundamental concepts of theories.  Superior interpersonal and communication skills are also required including the ability to interact with other technical and non-technical staff and the ability to express technical topics in non-technical ways.  Position will utilize various software programs including Excel, Access, SQL, and SAS, so a high degree of competency with these products is necessary as is an ability to learn other software programs.  Ideal candidate will have experience with land use and econometric models and will be proficient in standard techniques used in socioeconomic modeling and forecasting and possess a good understanding of the factors influencing urban growth and development.  Familiarity with models such as UrbanSim, PECAS, and TRANUS is a plus. 
To apply for this position or for additional information about our agency or other job opportunities, please visit our career site by clicking on the “Careers at NCTCOG” link on our website, www.nctcog.org.
NCTCOG offers a very competitive salary and benefit package to include a 12% match on a 401 money market retirement account.  We offer 100% tuition reimbursement beginning the first day of employment and also pay 100% of the employee's premium for health insurance and have generous cost sharing for dependent health coverage.  NCTCOG is an equal opportunity employer.  All candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and national criminal background check in order to receive an employment offer from NCTCOG.

Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.