Special Assistant (Director, Economic Research and Analysis)

Empire State • Albany, NY

29d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Senior Vice President of Policy, Legislative Affairs, and Green Initiatives, the incumbent will lead the agency’s Economic Research and Analysis department in support of New York State economic development policymaking, policy analysis, economic conditions and trend analysis, benefit-cost evaluations, economic impact analyses, lead generation, and business attraction and expansion.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in economics, data management, political science, or a related field.
• A minimum of six (6) years of progressive experience, preferably within New York State government, including the New York State Division of the Budget, Senate Finance Committee, or Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
• At least three (3) years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Knowledge of economic development-related fields such as tax policy, real estate development, economic incentives (loans, grants, tax credits), workforce development, public-private partnerships, research and development commercialization, and/or business marketing.
• Direct experience working within New York State government, particularly in a fast-paced environment, which requires the analysis and translation of data to a general audience.
• Communicating: Communicates in language understandable to non-experts; summarizes key points efficiently and clearly; and prepares professionally written, aesthetically appealing materials suitable for public consumption.
• Collaborating: Builds supportive, trusting relationships with colleagues internally and externally, and cultivates a diverse network of colleagues from which to solicit information, feedback, and support.
• Detail Orientation: Submits and approves error-free, “zero defect” work products.
• Time Management: Is skilled at managing multiple workstreams simultaneously, including time-sensitive requests.
• Leading: Fosters an open and collaborative team environment in which staff are well utilized, improving, and reliable contributors to effective research and analysis.
• Project Management: Develops and attains reasonable project timelines, budgets, and objectives.
• Problem-solving: Skilled at breaking complex problems into manageable and discrete tasks; willingness to question and revisit the status quo; and the ability to navigate bureaucratic impediments and competing stakeholder concerns to achieve pragmatic results.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree (MBA or MPA) is highly preferred.
• A master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience.
• A Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage, support, and oversee the Research Team (approximately four direct report staff) within the Division to ensure high-quality data analysis and research projects, oftentimes on a quick turnaround timeline.
• Respond to requests for data and analyses regarding private sector business presence in New York State, industry and employment changes in key sectors over time, and summaries of New York State domestic and international trade relationships.
• Oversee and supervise the tracking of key statewide and regional economic data (e.g., Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, etc.) while identifying, monitoring, and reporting on emerging economic trends and producing both routine and ad hoc executive-oriented and user-friendly economic briefings, such as monthly economic dashboards, regional data snapshots, and other economic research projects as assigned.
• Contribute to evidence-based policymaking and the development of positions on proposed legislation, project evaluation, and business attraction.
• Coordinate with various Empire State Development (ESD) program areas and other State agencies in soliciting and sharing ideas, information, and feedback on research and economic analysis.
• Maintain a repository of data to aid in quick response for data requests.

Benefits

• New York State is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

What This Job Offers

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