Research Project Manager

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.

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 project manager, is on the Arizona Competitiveness Team (ACT), which provides the ACA with insights into and expertise on how Arizona’s overall tax and business climate stacks up against other states, with the goal of strengthening Arizona’s ability to attract businesses in targeted industries.

Working under general guidance, the project manager will play a crucial role in evaluating Arizona’s competitive position as it relates to tax, policy and business climate. This role involves working on short-term research projects and analyses as well longer-term projects and strategic initiatives, both independently and in collaboration with senior team members and other departments. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical background, excellent communication skills and a passion for economic development and public policy.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze data and information related to taxes, incentives, regulations, business policies and overall business climate for Arizona and competing states.
• Prepare in-depth and ad hoc reports, presentations and other deliverables to effectively communicate findings to ACA leadership, business development and clients.
• Respond to requests for information from companies, site selectors and other ACA departments as needed and often on short turnaround.
• Develop and maintain systems, databases and tools to track and record relevant data and information for ready use on short notice.
• Prepare ad hoc models that compare a company's costs across locations, before and after incentives, to support active attraction projects.
• Stay current with federal and state legislative and policy changes and their potential impact on Arizona's competitiveness.
• Monitor and analyze market trends and economic indicators nationwide to provide actionable insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Public Policy, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in economic research, public policy analysis, economic development or a related field.
• A Master’s degree or additional related experience is preferred.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills coupled with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner, both in writing and verbally.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in other Microsoft products such as Word and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency with R, Python or other programming languages is a plus.
• Extreme attention to detail regarding accuracy, style and organization, often while working under tight deadlines.
• Experience with geographic information systems software and/or data visualization tools and techniques is highly desirable.
• Positive, independent, self-motivated team player with an innate desire to do work that matters and helps others.
• Annual compensation for this role is between 70k - 85k, dependent on experience.