Director of Research and Analytics

Greater Nashville Regional Council • Nashville, TN

5d • $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) seeks an experienced professional to lead its Department of Research and Analytics. The department’s team has expertise in GIS mapping and spatial analysis, economic impact studies, socioeconomic analysis and forecasting, land use and transportation demand modeling, and database and web application management. It provides GNRC staff, board members, and community partners with information and tools to support the development and evaluation of public policies, plans, programs, and services affecting the built and natural environments.

The department provides research and analytical support for plans related to land use, economic development, environmental quality, transportation, solid waste, and other aspects of public infrastructure. The Director oversees departmental staff and research resources, coordinates consulting and interagency work, conducts and presents studies, builds partnerships, contributes to GNRC management, and leads special projects.

This position is based at the GNRC office and is not remote, though GNRC offers a flexible schedule and some work-from-home opportunities. Regular travel throughout Middle Tennessee is required. A valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation are required. The minimum starting salary is $120,000; the offered salary depends on experience and qualifications. GNRC pays the full cost of a pension through the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System, with no required employee payroll deduction, and matches employee contributions dollar for dollar to a 401(k) or 457(b), up to 3% of gross salary. Further benefits information is available upon inquiry.

Requirements

• Experience with geographic information systems, statistical analysis software, SQL database management, and data visualization tools.
• Expert understanding of data sources and research methods.
• Current knowledge of best practices in assessing the impacts of trends related to population, economic conditions, housing, land use, public infrastructure, public financing, public health, and the natural environment.
• A master’s degree in civil engineering, urban planning, geography, business administration, political science, computer science, or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree and five years of managerial experience in a related field as a substitute.
• At least three years of managerial experience if qualifying with a master’s degree.
• Valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in civil engineering, urban planning, geography, business administration, political science, computer science, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day management and professional development of departmental staff.
• Oversee data acquisition and day-to-day management of databases, web applications, and software programs used by the research team.
• Assist with the procurement and oversight of consulting firms selected to conduct planning and research activities.
• Provide guidance to or coordinate consulting firms, research institutions, and other government agencies engaged in research, data collection, planning, and engineering analysis.
• Conduct studies supporting plan development by documenting and analyzing existing conditions and trends, preparing visualizations, and identifying and assessing potential policies, strategies, or actions.
• Present reports to elected officials, planning boards, stakeholder organizations, and the general public.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations and advocates, universities and research institutions, business groups, and government agencies.
• Participate in industry associations and continuing education opportunities to remain current on emerging and best practices.
• Serve on the GNRC management team, helping ensure programs and initiatives are aligned and coordinated.
• Lead special projects as assigned by the Executive Director or Chief of Staff.

Benefits

• GNRC pays the full cost of a pension through the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System, with no required employee payroll deduction.
• Dollar-for-dollar match to a 401(k) or 457(b), up to 3% of gross salary.
• Flexible schedule and some work-from-home opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director