Director of Research and Analytics

The Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) is seeking an experienced professional to lead its Department of Research and Analytics.  The Research team includes 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 Research team is responsible for providing GNRC staff, board members, and community partners with the information and tools necessary to aid in the development and evaluation of public policies, plans, programs, and services for the built and natural environments.

The primary responsibility of the Department is to provide research and analytical support in the development of plans related to land use, economic development, environmental quality, transportation, solid waste, and other aspects of public infrastructure.

Key Job Duties of the Research Director:

• 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 the procurement and oversight of consulting firms selected to carryout planning and research activities;
  
• Provide guidance to and/or coordinate consultant firms, research institutions, and other government agencies engaged in research, data collection, planning, and engineering analysis;
• Perform studies to assist in the development of plans by 1) documenting and analyzing existing conditions and trends, 2) preparing visualizations to help promote understanding and comprehension, and 3) 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 as part of the GNRC management team with a focus on ensuring programs and initiatives are aligned and coordinated; and
• Lead special projects as assigned by the Executive Director or Chief of Staff.
  

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have experience with geographic information systems, statistical analysis software, SQL database management, and data visualization tools and have an expert understanding of data sources and research methods. The candidate must be current on the state of the practice 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 related field is preferred along with at least three years of managerial experience. A bachelor’s degree and five years of managerial experience in a related field may be substituted for the master’s degree. Foreign degrees and credentials will be considered.

Compensation:  The minimum starting salary is $120k. The offered salary will be dependent on experience and qualifications. GNRC pays the full cost of a pension through the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (no required employee payroll deduction), and provides a dollar for dollar match to a 401k or 457b, up to 3% of gross salary.  Inquire for more information about benefits.

Remote Work Policy:  While GNRC provides a flexible schedule and some work from home opportunities, this is not a remote position.  The selected candidate will be expected to work from the GNRC office with regularity.

Travel Expectations: This position will require regular travel throughout the Middle Tennessee area. A valid driver’s license and access to personal transportation is required.

About GNRC: GNRC was established by the TN General Assembly as an association of local governments empowered to convene local and state leaders for the purposes of planning and programming state and federal investments into a range of social services and public infrastructure. GNRC serves as the region’s federally-recognized Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), and Economic Development District (EDD). More information is available at GNRC.org.

GNRC is an EOE, AA Employer