Director of Research and Economic Analysis

Mass Convention CenterAuthority • Boston, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Research & Economic Analysis serves as the Authority’s lead economist, responsible for advancing data-driven decision-making across capital planning, operations, and public policy. This role brings rigorous economic analysis to bear on the Authority’s core mission: understanding and maximizing the long-term economic, fiscal, and community impact of its convention, meeting, and event assets. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Director will develop and lead a research agenda that informs investment decisions, evaluates performance, quantifies community impact, and strengthens the Authority’s credibility with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. This position will perform other work-related duties as directed by the Chief of Staff.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in economics, public policy, or a closely related field
• 10 – 15+ years of relevant experience, preferably in a public authority, government agency, consulting firm, or research institution
• Demonstrated expertise in economic impact analysis, forecasting, and cost-benefit evaluation
• Strong understanding of regional economics, public finance, and infrastructure investment
• Experience translating complex analysis into clear, persuasive insights for non-technical audiences

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the meetings, tourism, or hospitality sectors is a plus, but not required
• Deep grounding in economic theory paired with practical application
• Advanced quantitative and modeling skills (e.g., econometrics, forecasting, scenario analysis)
• Strategic thinking with the ability to connect analysis to real-world decisions
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal
• High degree of intellectual independence and professional judgment

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain models to forecast convention activity, attendance, hotel demand, and associated tax revenues
• Analyze macroeconomic, industry, and regional trends affecting the meetings and events sector
• Produce scenario analysis to inform strategic and capital planning decisions
• Evaluate proposed capital projects and expansion using cost-benefit analysis, economic impact modeling, and risk assessment
• Partner with finance, capital planning, real estate, and marketing teams to assess long-term return on public investment
• In partnership with the Executive Director and CFO, support bond, financing, and legislative processes with rigorous economic justification
• Analyze the Authority’s economic and fiscal impact at the local and state levels
• Develop materials that clearly communicate return on investment to policymakers and the public
• Monitor competitive positioning relative to peer convention destinations and public authorities
• Establish and manage a comprehensive research program, including internal data collection and external partnerships
• Oversee the development of dashboards, reports, and performance metrics used across the organization
• Ensure methodological rigor and transparency in all analyses
• Serve as a trusted internal advisor to executive leadership and the Board
• Present findings to government officials, industry partners, and civic stakeholders
• Represent the Authority in industry forums and contribute to broader conversations about economic development and tourism
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities will be provided in accordance with MCCA’s accommodation policy and applicable laws.

What This Job Offers

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