Position: Research Analyst 

Reports to: Director, Economic Development and President & CEO

Instructions to Apply:
1. Complete Employment Application – Download Here
2. Send completed Employment Application, Cover Letter, and Resume to [email protected]
Incomplete applications will not be considered 

Nature of the Position:

Job duties include serving as the primary lead contact for research and data inquiries, maintaining and compiling building and site database, updating community marketing information, supporting the ED team in response to project inquiries and RFIs and compiling monthly and quarterly reports. Supporting the team and community by gathering and tracking and analyzing data trends to support and promote new business development, product development, existing industry, workforce, marketing, and community/investor partnerships.  The ideal associate should be a self-starter and able to work without direct supervision to complete assigned projects. Attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment are required.

Primary Responsibilities: 

Project Support 

  • Assists and coordinates with staff on new project inquiries and RFI by preparing research, data, and responses to project inquiries
  • Prepares response to project inquiries and RFIs marketing packages to compliment project inquiries and Requests for Information
  • Maintains Buildings and Sites Database with the State and for Iredell EDC’s featured property page on the website. Updates building information as needed, as well as produces supplemental information for each building such as maps, demographics, etc.
  • Interprets aerial photography, land records and drawings to determine effective presentation of Information through GIS software
  • Supports staff with packaging information for client visits and meetings
  • Maintains state database with primary buildings and sites in Iredell County
  • Runs reports from Podio and other sources to report on project tracking and trends
  • Tracks new and expanding investments, jobs, and buildings in Podio and website and submit the quarterly Community Investment Report to the state
  • Assists with preparing information for client visits, coordinating ground-breakings and ribbon cutting events
  • Coordinates monthly board reports with team support
  • Tracks general inquires and requests for general information in our CRM (Podio)

Research 

  • Develops reports, presentations, and proposals to assist the team and community
  • Tracks and maintains awarded incentives, contracts, and payouts at the local and state level Support the county and municipalities by providing reports on yearly incentive payout projections
  • Tracks and maintains new projects/announcements to include investment, job creation, and square footage. Includes monthly reporting in board report, investor quarterly reports and annual report
  • Research and analyzes key labor market, demographic data, real estate data and trends, to update (monthly, quarterly, and annual basis as scheduled) on EDC’s website, marketing materials, grant applications, and other reports or communications
  • Keeps website, master slide deck and market overview updated with key information and data points.
  • Develops and maintains strong knowledge of key partners and research resources to aide in answering questions on taxes, permitting, incentives, workforce, building & sites, and community information.
  • Utilizes tools to access data and research, create visual presentations, and maps
  • Utilizes various research resources and data tools that are available to provide the most accurate data points and research.

Other

  • Maintains Key Performance Indicators in CRM system and prepares board and investor reports
  • Assist ED team Board of Director Meetings, Investor Meetings, and other ED related meetings as needed
  • Participates in regional and state economic development research events, webinars and forums and shares insights with the team.
  • Performs other assignments as directed

 Qualifications: 

  • Requires a bachelor’s degree or higher, with at least 2 years’ experience in research, marketing, real estate, community or economic development, government; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent computer, research, and social media skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build solid relationships and support among a broad range of people and positions.
  • Establishes priorities and meets deadlines.
  • Takes initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and simultaneously.
  • Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
  • Knowledge of how to prepare materials, comparative and statistical reports, proposals, marketing materials and correspondence.
  • Utilizes internet resources to obtain needed information.
  • Adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines.
  • Knowledge of the municipal plans, projects, policies and staff to call on.
  • Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, ability to think creatively, ask insightful questions, and bring forth solutions
  • Resilient, adaptable, open to change that result in efficiency and quality to support the organizations goals