osition Status: Full-time / Exempt / Hybrid
The Urban Systems Team works on a variety of economic research studies and evaluations related to housing, real estate analytics, urban planning, economic development, transportation economics and/or fiscal analysis in order to provide independent analysis and recommendations to public, private, and non-profit clients. The California Associate would support the Urban Systems Team with a technical analysis and project management responsibilities, and would have a keen focus on assisting with California projects and clients.
For examples of past ECONorthwest projects, please see the projects section of our website:
Associates own a work stream in a larger project and may be primarily responsible for delivering smaller projects, under the guidance of a Project Director and / or a Project Manager. Associates structure their own analysis, and delegate work to Research Analysts and Senior Research Analysts as needed. They create sections of client presentations and report documents and may create entire presentations and reports for smaller projects with limited direction. They are responsible for tracking scope and budget. They often interact with the client on a day-to-day basis. Associates manage upwards to the senior team members in the firm and may coordinate with others on business development activities. Associates may work on or manage multiple projects and proposal efforts simultaneously, balancing time and resources across projects.
Purpose:
§ Has primary responsibility for delivering smaller projects, under the direction of a Project Director, including oversight of scope and budget
§ Under the guidance of a Project Director or Project Manager, is responsible for leading analysis and producing deliverables (or sections of deliverables) for a work stream in a larger project
§ In collaboration with a Project Director or Project Manager, facilitates team delivery of project work, including team communications, delegation of tasks, and management of project budget and scope.
§ Proactively reports concerns and progress to the Project Manager and / or Project Director
§ Conducts research, in accordance with standard methods and research best practices
§ Ensures appropriate use of sources of information to collect, record, analyze, and evaluate facts, and documentation of sources and assumptions
§ Synthesizes and characterizes findings and analysis as appropriate to project needs; raises any concerns about how a research process addresses issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, or any other concerns or issues with research alignment with ECONorthwest’s mission and statement of research integrity
§ May communicate directly with clients and present findings to clients and stakeholders, as appropriate
§ Assists practice leads and Project Directors with business development efforts
§ Related duties, as assigned
Required Competencies
Technical Competencies
§ Ability to lead small projects or a work stream in a larger project through either (1) consistent ability to independently produce specialized technical analysis (such as statistical analysis or spatial analysis; and / or (2) the application of specialized content expertise (such as knowledge of planning or natural resources policy context)
§ Knowledge of and ability to apply the key analytic and research frameworks used at ECONorthwest (datasets and their application; analysis using database, spreadsheet, and / or statistical software; economic and planning theories and principles; other quantitative and qualitative research methods). Understanding of when to apply these principles and tools given project and client needs. Understanding of the implications of data limitations, including how they may over- or under-represent some populations
§ Ability to incorporate existing knowledge into project work and to learn and adapt new principles
§ Ability to understand and implement established policies, procedures, and corporate tools
§ Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
§ Ability to write clearly about technical information
§ In collaboration with project leadership, understands and communicates the strategic and political implications and consequences of work
Project and Team Management Skills
§ In collaboration with a Project Director or Project Manager, anticipates project and team needs and proactively addresses sensitive issues with emphasis on collegiality, sound judgement, and initiative
§ Consistent demonstration of ability to meet deadlines and produce quality written deliverables and / or analysis
§ Seeks appropriate direction from project leadership on project execution
§ Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in team environment
§ Ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
§ Ability to develop a professional network
§ Ability to manage competing priorities effectively
§ Understanding and ability to apply project management skills, such as developing scopes, monitoring budgets, delegating work, and managing teams
§ Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
Personal aptitudes/interpersonal skills
§ Proactively contributes to a collegial and inclusive work environment
§ Intellectual curiosity and the desire to seek out new ideas and new solutions
§ Enables effective and inclusive teamwork across diverse team participants
§ Ability to self-assess and course correct
§ Open-minded approach, flexible when needed
§ Motivated to produce high quality, relevant work
§ Adaptability
§ Takes responsibility for own work
§ Reliability, timeliness, and efficient management of time and workload
Qualifications
§ Degree in economics, mathematics, planning, political science, or a related field (Masters generally preferred)
§ Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in consulting or related context (Masters may substitute for one year of experience)
§ Knowledge of California-specific government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
§ Create graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density
§ Strong skills in written and oral presentation
§ Understanding of economic methods, theory, and practice
Experience using relevant qualitative, quantitative, and/ or statistical methods and the ability to synthesize the key results for client deliverables
Experience working with California or with California clients is a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
§ Ability to work for long periods at a computer.
This job description is a general description of the duties and requirements of the position. It is subject to revision by the management of ECONorthwest, as needed.