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Research Analyst

Heartland Forward is seeking an organized and detailed individual to assist with data collection, analysis, and visualization to expand our research capacity. 

Summary
The Research Associate will work collaboratively to conduct applied regional economic research focused on the American heartland. This individual will have a sophisticated understanding of how to find and interpret economic and financial data and will construct regional data sets and execute statistical estimation. Familiarity with federal and commercial sources of regional economic, industry, financial and demographic data is important. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for generating data visualizations for use in Heartland Forward publications, social media, and presentations.
 
As a member of the research team of Heartland Forward, this position will support the organization’s mission to enhance the economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating for fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusive growth, and improved health outcomes.
 
This research will deploy traditional and transformative methods and data at both the state and regional levels to depict how global, national, and regional trends have been affecting particular states, places, and groups in recent decades in four focus areas:
·        Innovation and entrepreneurship
·        Regional competitiveness
·        Human capital and workforce development
·        Health and wellness
 
Responsibilities
·        Generates and keeps detailed project schedules maintained
·        Captures and analyzes data, reviews and prepares reports on project progress, identifies problems, and recommends ways to correct problems as needed
·        Schedules, organizes, coordinates, and participates in video conferences, speaking engagements, programs, and meetings; and prepares meeting materials
·        Strategizes for contingency planning and risk mitigation, and schedules project deliverables, milestones, and goals
·        Offers technical feasibility feedback, and coordinates weekly update meetings with team
·        Performs data validation studies
·        Designs, produces, and interprets analysis and changes in data trends and serves as the impetus for further investigation
·        Files and maintains project artifacts, develops and manages project documents, and ensures central repository storage and accuracy of client documentation
 
Who we are looking for:
 
Basic qualifications for the role:
·        Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, or related field with 3 years of experience
·        Demonstrated research experience in a think tank, corporate or university setting
·        Must be a self-starter who takes initiative
·        Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously
·        Statistical estimation and model-building skills, including econometrics using statistical software such as R, STATA, SAS, SPSS or EViews
·        Experience in developing PowerPoint presentations and managing complex data with Excel spreadsheets, particularly related to chart creation and pivot tables
·        Outstanding written and oral communication skills. Must be able to translate complex economic and financial issues for an educated lay audience
·        Proficiency with additional data visualization software such as Power BI or Tableau
 
Additional preferred qualifications and helpful experience includes:
·        Master’s degree
·        Capacity to use geographical information systems to capture existing data at a different geographic scale or generate new variables
·        Familiarity with publicly available government data sets both on the state and federal level is a strong plus
·        Entrepreneurial and/or start-up research experience a plus
 
Compensation Range: $57,000 - $85,000
 
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a 501 (c) (3) nonpartisan, nonprofit “think and do tank,” focused on improving the economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusive growth, and improved health status. Most research and policy efforts by existing think tanks in the Heartland are focused on their individual state or metro areas within a state. We think a cross-cutting view is critical to solving the region's challenges, and Heartland Forward will fill this void. While recognizing the differences between places in the center of the country, we will analyze the region holistically to identify common issues and solutions.

The Institute will pursue its mission through independent, data-driven research, action-oriented convenings, and impactful policy recommendations. Its flagship convening is the Heartland Summit, a two-day summit where policy leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and economic development officials come together to meet in the middle and pursue solutions to strengthen the Heartland’s economy.
 
Heartland Forward is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining
a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.