Research Analyst

JOB TITLE:                 Research Analyst

 

REPORTS TO:            Senior Director of Research

 

DEPARTMENT:          Economic Development

 

PAY STATUS:             Non-exempt

 

JOB TYPE:                  Full Time

 

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce (AACOC) is a member organization of business and community leaders dedicated to building community through business by growing jobs, advocating for a business-friendly environment and helping businesses thrive.

 

The Economic Development Department of the AACOC supports the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC). The EDC is a public-private partnership committed to creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, high growth entrepreneurship, research, and recruitment. The Economic Development Department of AACOC serves as staff for the EDC.

 

Provides administrative and research support to the Senior Director of Research by gathering, compiling, and analyzing economic, community, and market data.

 

 

·        Collects data and creates graphics for research projects.

 

·        Assembles, prepares and maintains a variety of fact sheets and website resources.

 

·        Organizes and assembles information for publications. Works with publication sponsors and designers or creates design products in-house.

 

·        Conducts Cost of Living Index survey, including office and field activities, 2-3 times per year.

 

·        Under supervision, plans and organizes annual research events, including the Asheville Metro Economy Outlook and the Annual Metro Growth Breakfast.

 

·        Assists Senior Director of Research in fulfillment of all information and research requests. These include support for Economic Development requests for proposals (RFPs), focus reports, writing and editing of research content, PowerPoint presentation creation, synthesizing research reports into publications and marketing materials, and responding to requests from Chamber Members, Investors and Sponsors, and the community. 

 

·        Assists with the collection, organization, and assembling of information from staff to develop and produce the EDC’s Annual Report. 

 

·        Conducts survey of industry and major employers, maintains database, and creates the Asheville Metro Business & Industry Directory.

 

·        Performs other duties as assigned.

 

 

·        Knowledge of research principles and the ability to collect, assemble and analyze a variety of data.

 

·        The ability to accurately work with statistics and databases. 

 

·        The ability to apply sustained and focused attention to writing and data manipulation.

 

·        A minimum of intermediate-level proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. 

 

·        Experience with InDesign or other design and data visualization tools is preferred.

 

·        Knowledge of economic and demographic state and federal data sources is preferred.

 

·        Presentation skills are preferred.

 

·        Knowledge or experience with Tableau is preferred. 

 

·        Must be able to work independently and follow oral and written instructions. 

 

·        Knowledge of AACOC personnel, organizational structure and sources for information. 

 

·        Clear communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public.

 

Prior work experience of at least one year in a research position or equivalent combination of education and related experience would be required to prepare for this position. One year in the job would be necessary to become proficient in most aspects of the position.

 

This position has frequent contact with co-workers. External contacts include Workforce Development Boards, Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina Department of Commerce, realtors, utilities, universities, and other sources of primary and secondary data. All contacts are for the purpose of exchanging or providing information and require tact, courtesy and professional decorum.

 

This position has access to management discussions, inter-departmental communication, and membership information which are considered confidential and would not be in the Chamber’s best interest to disclose.

 

Works with exact figures and amounts where a high degree of accuracy is required. Errors may be detected through proofing and computer systems in place. Undetected errors could range in severity from slight to far reaching.

 

The degree of concentration varies from slight to intense depending on the task being performed. Position is subject to frequent interruptions, which require varied responses. While performing duties of this job, incumbent is routinely required to be mobile, lift, sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Requires visual acuity and manual dexterity. 

 

Initiative and resourcefulness are required to accurately complete job assignments, maintain database information and design the layout of publications.

 

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary. Additional benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) plan, life insurance, disability insurance, 10 paid holidays and PTO leave.

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume and a writing / work / presentation sample. Applications will be accepted until 5PM, March 19, 2021.

AACOC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics.