Economic & Workforce Research Director
Main Purpose/Focus of the Position:
The Director of Economic and Workforce Research supports the Department’s vision by leading a team that provides data, research and information to support informed decision-making related to the economy, career information, and workforce development.
*Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, travel is currently restricted. Once travel restrictions are lifted, this position will be expected to travel occasionally due to the nature of department events.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Lead the Economic and Workforce Research unit staff and work activities, including hiring and performance evaluation.
- Develop and execute an innovative economic, workforce analysis, and career information research program that provides quality, timely information, research and tools with a customer focus.
- Provide workforce information and technical assistance in support of Missouri’s Workforce Investment Board.
- Promote innovation and continuous improvement to increase productivity, efficiency and product/service advancements.
- Create visualizations and deliver effective presentations of data and research to stakeholders.
- Assist in administration of the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) website.
- Provide oversight for grant deliverables related to the U.S. Department of Labor Workforce and Labor Market Information Grants to States (WIGS), including the Missouri’s Workforce Information Database (WID).
- Lead the Office’s outreach efforts, promoting the use of data and its practical application to education and WIOA partners, stakeholders, and the public.
- Lead regional liaisons and serve as a liaison who understands the economy and occupations important to the assigned regions, answers data questions, and makes presentations to describe the economy and workforce.
- Conduct comprehensive planning and execution of research projects.
- Plan and facilitate effective work sessions/meetings with internal teams and partner agency staff.
- Manage relevant grant activities, ensuring work activities fulfill grant required deliverables. Continuously seek relevant grant opportunities to leverage resources for greater research capacity.
- Perform other related work as assigned.
- Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Extensive knowledge in data management and statistical analysis methods along with the ability to apply the knowledge for reporting and research.
- Knowledge of economic, education, and labor market information data sets, sources and uses.
- Knowledge of current topics effecting economic, education, and workforce related research.
- Knowledge in management and planning principles, including ability to motivate staff.
- Knowledge in managing complex projects.
- Ability to think strategically and problem-solve.
- Ability to effectively interpret and communicate complex datasets to various stakeholder audiences.
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with partner agencies.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Office use.
- High level of Microsoft Excel analytical skills.
- Experience using Tableau.
- Understanding of database management.
- Effective grant writing and editing skills.