Director of Research
Charlotte Center City Partners (CCCP) is recruiting a Director of Research to lead the research initiatives for the organization. The person in this role frames research questions; collects, interprets, and analyzes data; and communicates information and research to support the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. As a result of tracking central business district trends from a global to local level and working with insights about the past, present, and future, the Director of Research is CCCP’s in-house expert for understanding Center City. The person in this role will be curious, driven, and love working across teams to help craft compelling questions and answer them. The Director of Research also collaborates and strengthens relationships with external research partners, organizations, and stakeholders.
The Director of Research will report to and work closely with the SVP of Economic Development as well as collaborate with all members of the CCCP team.
Core Responsibilities
- Frame research questions to best understand Center City and inform CCCP’s initiatives, programs, and strategic direction
- Collects, organizes, and analyzes data and information about the functions of central business districts, including but not limited to office; residential; commercial; tourism, culture, and entertainment; mobility; education; institutional; community; health & safety
- Proactively research new data sources and develop new analytical approaches and tools to improve CCCP’s analyses and products
- Collaborates with colleagues and partners to conduct targeted surveys to best understand the Center City and to inform stakeholders and CCCP’s initiatives
- Works with other members of the CCCP team for the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of systems to gather data and insights about Center City
- Partners with colleagues, especially Marketing to best communicate trends and analyses in a variety of mediums, including but not limited to print and digital, white papers, economic development materials, presentations, data visualizations and infographics, and social media platforms
Desired Traits, Qualifications, and Requirements
- Intellectual curiosity about what makes cities vibrant, inclusive, diverse, beloved, resilient, and innovative
- Authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to foster positive working relationships with internal colleagues and external partners
- Audience-honed written and communication skills
- 3 – 5 years of experience in data gathering and reporting, statistical analysis, and quantitative and qualitative research
- Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, geography, public policy, computer science, or a research related field; Master’s degree preferred
- Understanding of commercial real estate industry, and how the industry interacts with data
- Project management experience preferred
- Technologically adept and adaptable with various tools including ARC GIS, Microsoft Office Suite (Teams and Excel), and Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop)