Director of Research and Analytics

Greater Nashville Regional Council • Nashville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) seeks an experienced professional to lead its Department of Research and Analytics. The department 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 for the built and natural environments. Its work includes research and analytical support for plans related to land use, economic development, environmental quality, transportation, solid waste, and other public infrastructure. The Research 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.

The Director oversees departmental staff, research data and systems, consulting work, studies, partnerships, and special projects. The role also serves on the GNRC management team and represents research findings to public officials, organizations, and the community.

This is not a remote position. GNRC offers a flexible schedule and some work-from-home opportunities, but the selected candidate is expected to work regularly from the GNRC office. 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. Candidates may inquire for more information about benefits.

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 the state of the practice in assessing impacts of trends related to population, economic conditions, housing, land use, public infrastructure, public financing, public health, and the natural environment.
• At least three years of managerial experience if holding a master's degree, or five years of managerial experience in a related field if substituting a bachelor's degree for the master's degree.
• A 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 in procuring and overseeing consulting firms selected to carry out planning and research activities.
• Provide guidance to and/or coordinate consulting firms, research institutions, and other government agencies engaged in research, data collection, planning, and engineering analysis.
• Perform studies to support 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, focusing on ensuring 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