Job Description

Position Description: Opportunity

The Research Associate is responsible for day-to-day research tasks as a part of a team of economic development professionals using informed data analytics to attract investment and jobs into the state of Illinois. This positions primary responsibility is to conduct research for projects, marketing materials, and partner communities (among other internal and external partners). The associate works to expand the teams understanding of Illinois economy, the regions competitive assets and other topics. This junior level position reports to the Research Director and works closely with the business development, corporate relations, executive and marketing teams; the position is also eligible to receive a performance based year-end bonus.

Responsibilities
Conduct research including labor analytics, business information/market research, public data collection and synthesis, economic indicator monitoring, and customized research, and catalogue these findings
Collaborate closely with Intersect Illinois business development, and marketing teams
Assist in the administration of specific research tools (such as GIS Planning) to maintain high-quality database, create new users, train partners on system, and analyze system usage
Assist in administration of (CRM) Dynamics365 through building system improvements, creating and consolidating attribute fields, among other related tasks
Initiate and conduct market research and comparative analyses to showcase Illinois assets to businesses with growth or expansion potential
Interact with network of research partners including the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and other collaborators throughout the state
Manage research interns, including teaching the use of programs and databases
Explore programs and tools that would add to the services and data that Intersect provides
Perform other special projects and duties as assigned

Knowledge/Experience
Functional knowledge and passion for: public data collection, labor analytics, business information/market research, quantitative analytics.
Highly proficient in: Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel), utilizing public data sources (i.e. BLS, BEA, Census, FAA, BTS)
Experience: knowledge of ESRI mapping software, or python/sql/r experience or interest welcome
Attributes: strong intellectual curiosity/desire to learn new things; ability to find solutions to problems as they arise and taking ownership of assigned work; able to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet time-sensitive deadlines; proven ability to learn quickly and work with limited supervision; team-based approach towards work
Skills: exceptional critical thinking skills; appetite for synthesizing large amounts of data into compelling facts and figures; superb communication and interpersonal skills; excellent professional judgement
Degree: Bachelors degree in economics, geography, public policy, statistics, urban planning or related field required
Preference to candidates who have an understanding of economic development and the role research plays in economic development/business attraction

Position Responsibilities: Responsibilities

Conduct research including labor analytics, business information/market research, public data collection and synthesis, economic indicator monitoring, and customized research, and catalogue these findings
Collaborate closely with Intersect Illinois business development, and marketing teams
Assist in the administration of specific research tools (such as GIS Planning) to maintain high-quality database, create new users, train partners on system, and analyze system usage
Assist in administration of (CRM) Dynamics365 through building system improvements, creating and consolidating attribute fields, among other related tasks
Initiate and conduct market research and comparative analyses to showcase Illinois assets to businesses with growth or expansion potential
Interact with network of research partners including the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and other collaborators throughout the state
Manage research interns, including teaching the use of programs and databases
Explore programs and tools that would add to the services and data that Intersect provides
Perform other special projects and duties as assigned

Additional Information: Please send resume, cover letter, 2 professional/educational references and research or writing sample to: Josh Weidenaar, with subject line reading: Research Associate | {Candidate Name} None -