What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Research & Intelligence position at GREATER MSP?
JOB TITLE: Director, Research & Intelligence
REPORTS TO: VP, Business Investment
STATUS: Salaried, Exempt
GREATER MSP PARTNERSHIP
GREATER MSP is a cross-sector partnership of more than 300 leading businesses, cities, universities, counties, foundations, and community organizations. The mission of the GREATER MSP Partnership is to grow the economy of the 15-county Minneapolis-Saint Paul region and create economic opportunity for all residents of the region. To do this, our partnership is executing a comprehensive regional economic development strategy focused on growing jobs, talent, and capital across the region. Learn more about GREATER MSP at greatermsp.org.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
This Director position’s objective is to ensure that GREATER MSP’s research and intelligence capabilities are effectively framing and furthering projects across the enterprise and supporting the mission of increasing regional competitiveness and inclusive economic growth. This position plays a critical role in expanding the frontier on economic research, supporting partners with data, analytics, insights, and intelligence to accomplish enterprise goals.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build and execute the Research & Intelligence platform’s annual project workplan
- Identify the current and emerging issues relevant to GREATER MSP initiatives and platforms that will inform strategy and execution of projects
- Collaborate with platform leaders to identify opportunities to utilize research and intelligence to inform project development
- Conduct briefings and deliver presentations to partners about regional economic competitiveness issues and economic trends
- Lead execution of the Regional Indicators Dashboard, including partner engagement, contractor management, data collection and analysis, visualization and presentation
- Oversee and evaluate effectiveness and maintenance of research resources, including proprietary and third-party databases and subscriptions, research tools, online resources, and electronic files
- Oversee and maintain data and insights used on the GREATER MSP website
- Manage process and response to staff, partner, and key constituency data/research inquiries and requests. Initiate communications with these parties as appropriate
- Balance multiple priorities, working independently or participating as a part of a cross-functional team, keeping others informed through clear written and verbal communication, while maintaining a high level of productivity
- Support and provide technical assistance for economic development competitive grant applications by GREATER MSP and with our partners
- Negotiate, manage, and coordinate outside research vendors to conduct specialized research projects
- Supervise, and direct the work of research analyst/coordinator and manager positions
- Interact with internal and external partners to develop research strategies and priorities to support organizational goals
- Contribute to the efficiency of the organization by performing other duties and participating in special projects as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
- 5-10 years of professional relevant experience required
- 3-5 years of leadership experience working with diverse teams
- A passion for solving challenges the economic development space; content knowledge and existing relevant relationships a plus
Education
- Undergraduate degree in business, economics, data science, urban and regional planning, statistics, or related field required.
- Continuing education or Graduate degree strongly preferred
Required Skills
- Strong analytical skills and creative thinker who can develop innovative solutions using research and analytics
- CRM proficiency and process improvement mind-set
- Excellent organizational, planning, problem solving, quantitative, and strong critical thinking skills with the flexibility to respond to shifting priorities and new opportunities
- Familiarity with economic and community development issues, tax policy, business site location issues, economic modeling, local government/civic agency structure preferred
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and database software, project management
- Mapping (GIS) and data visualization (Tableau or other) software skills a plus
- Experience working with data.census.gov and ACS Public Use Microdata a plus
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Proven ability to form relationships and credibility with a diverse set of people. Strong executive leadership skills, including ability to influence others without direct authority
Cultural Competencies & Commitment
- Entrepreneurial spirit
- Exhibits high integrity
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate, be proactive and take initiative
- Experience and training in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices
- Success working in teams
- Hardworking, humble approach to work providing quality results
- Demonstrated cross-cultural competency
- Highly motivated by challenges and added responsibilities
- Value and vision driven
- Positive, can-do attitude and approach to problem-solving
- Well-organized habits
- A ready to help disposition
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
Physical Demands
- Have the ability to lift/move <30 lbs.
- Have the ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time.
- Have ability to use a computer and converse on phone for extended periods of time.
- Have the ability to get to and from meeting sites.
Office Environment
- The noise level is typical for an office environment.
- The office environment is temperature controlled.
Travel Requirements
- Access to a reliable vehicle to commute to and from meetings often within 30 miles.
- There may be national/ international travel required to events/conferences as needed.
Health & Safety
- GREATER MSP is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace in accordance with the CDC and Minnesota State health advisory guidelines. Please contact Human Resources at 651-287-1300 for policies and protocols.
APPLICATION PROCESS
A background check is required prior to the first day of employment. A background check may consist of, but not limited to, a criminal history check, employment reference check, social security and address verification, drug tests and an education verification. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, disability, sex, age, ethnic/national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or presentation, pregnancy, genetics, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
By completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding service to our regional partnership. Equal access to employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact Human Resources.
Please submit a cover letter and resume at www.greatermsp.org
GREAT MISSION. GREAT PEOPLE.
GREATER MSP connects top talent with engaging career opportunities by offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a generous benefit package.
GREATER MSP PARTNERSHIP VALUES
Accountability | Alignment | Inclusion | Innovation | Transparency
GREATER MSP Partnership is an Equal Opportunity, ‘At Will’ Employer that maintains a drug free workplace and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Together we are greater.
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