Ascendant is recruiting qualified candidates for a full-time Research Analyst position linked to a contract we hold with SelectUSA, a program housed within the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the promotion of job-creating investment into the United States through data-driven research, economic analysis, and strategic client support.
The position is based in Washington, D.C. and is metro accessible (Federal Triangle/Metro Center) and requires full-time, onsite presence (five days/week) at the federal client site to support close collaboration and real-time coordination with government stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on foreign direct investment, international trade, industries, and geographic markets
- Collect, analyze, and interpret economic, business, and investment data to identify trends and opportunities
- Prepare customized reports, presentations, briefing materials, and other client-facing deliverables.
- Support business attraction and outreach strategies for Economic Development Organizations (EDOs)
- Conduct due diligence vetting research and assist with planning, research, and execution activities related to the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit
- Contribute to special research projects, presentations, and client deliverables in support of SelectUSA's mission
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, International Trade, Finance, or a related field; coursework in economics and statistics is required
- 1-3 years of relevant professional experience in research, economic analysis, consulting, public policy, international trade, economic development, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative analysis and synthesizing complex information into clear, actionable insights
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Excel; advanced Excel skills are preferred, including the ability to generate pivot tables, and create complex graphs
- Proficiency with data management and visualization software, such as Power BI, and experience creating dashboards is desired
- Familiarity with research and business intelligence databases such as LexisNexis, D&B Hoovers, Salesforce, and/or fDi Markets is a plus
- Foreign language proficiency is a plus
- A public trust background check with U.S. Government must be completed prior to starting work
Ascendant offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off; paid parental leave; medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) contributions; professional development support; and an Employee Assistance Program.
Annual Salary Range: $55,000 - $125,000
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, International Trade, Finance, or a related field
- Coursework in economics and statistics
- 1-3 years of relevant professional experience in research, economic analysis, consulting, public policy, international trade, economic development, or a related field
- Experience conducting quantitative analysis and synthesizing complex information into clear, actionable insights
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and Excel
- Advanced Excel skills, including generating pivot tables and creating complex graphs
- Proficiency with data management and visualization software such as Power BI, including dashboard creation
- Familiarity with LexisNexis, D&B Hoovers, Salesforce, or fDi Markets
- Foreign language proficiency
- Completion of a U.S. Government public trust background check before starting work
What We Do
Ascendant Program Services, LLC provides expert management solutions for the built environment, specializing in facilities, infrastructure, and real estate solutions worldwide. The company uniquely integrates team competencies across the entire development lifecycle—from initial feasibility and planning studies to design, construction and follow-on sustainment operations—serving a diverse range of public and private sector clients to ensure the successful delivery of complex projects.
