Research Manager
Position Description
The Research Manager at Intersect Illinois is responsible for day-to-day research tasks as a part of a team of economic development professionals using informed data analytics to attract investment and jobs into the state of Illinois. This position’s primary responsibility is to conduct research for projects, marketing materials, and partner communities (among other internal and external partners). The manager works to expand the team’s understanding of Illinois’ economy, the region’s competitive assets and other topics. This position reports to the Research Director and works closely with the business development, corporate relations, executive and marketing teams. In hiring for this position, preference will be given to candidates with technical strengths in python for data analysis and previous economic development research (or closely related) experience. The position is eligible to receive a performance based year-end bonus.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research including labor analytics, business information/market research, public data collection and synthesis, and customized research, cataloguing findings as necessary
- Collaborate closely with Intersect Illinois’ business development, and marketing teams
- Administration responsibilities for Real Estate Database (GISPlanning) include to maintain high-quality database, create new users, train partners on system, and analyze system usage
- Administration responsibilities for Microsoft Dynamics365 (CRM) include building system improvements, creating and consolidating attribute fields, among other related tasks
- Initiate and conduct market research to optimize lead identification and resulting conversion to projects (business looking to expand in Illinois)
- Interact with network of research partners including the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and other collaborators throughout the state
- Perform other special projects and duties as assigned
Knowledge/Experience
- Functional knowledge and passion for: public data collection, labor analytics, supply chain analysis, business information/market research, quantitative analytics, Research project management.
- Highly proficient in: Python for data analysis, ESRI Tools (namely ArcMap/ArcPro), utilizing public data sources (i.e. BLS, BEA, Census, FAA, BTS), Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel)
- Attributes: strong intellectual curiosity/desire to learn new things; ability to find solutions to problems as they arise and taking ownership of assigned work; able to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet time-sensitive deadlines; proven ability to learn quickly and work with limited supervision; team-based approach towards work
- Skills: exceptional critical thinking skills; appetite for synthesizing large amounts of data into compelling facts and figures; superb communication and interpersonal skills; excellent professional judgement
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree in a discipline that relies on quantitative tools and methods
- Preference to candidates with greater than 2.0 years of economic development research experience, or other economic development experience with an interest and familiarity with the role research plays in economic development/business attraction
Additional Information
About Intersect Illinois
Intersect Illinois is the only statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new businesses, jobs, and investment to Illinois. Since its creation in 2016, Intersect has helped generate nearly 17,000 jobs and more than $6.2 billion in investment in Illinois. Intersect collaborates with industry, academic and government partners to showcase to international and domestic companies why Illinois is the best location for expansion and relocation.
Intersect Illinois markets the state’s position as a leading global business destination, including its diverse economy, abundant talent, unparalleled infrastructure, superior quality of life, and strong public and private and partnerships.
A not-for-profit, public-private partnership, Intersect Illinois is funded by the State of Illinois and private donations, and guided by a board of directors comprised of private sector leaders. Its business development, marketing and research teams provide data, location assistance, and connections to companies considering growth in Illinois, helping navigate and simplify the site selection process.
Research Team
The research team at Intersect Illinois is responsible for collecting, analyzing and communicating information and data for internal and external partners in support of the organization’s mission to drive economic growth throughout Illinois. The research team collaborates closely with and supports the business development, corporate relations, executive and marketing teams.