Research, Data and Impact Manager

Position Summary

Downtown Atlanta, Inc. (Downtown) is seeking a dynamic and analytically minded Manager, Research, Data, and Impact to help advance the organization's mission and strengthen DAI's role as a leading source of information, insight and strategy for Downtown Atlanta.  

Reporting to the Vice President of Planning & Economic Development, the Manager will lead Downtown’s research, data analysis, market intelligence, spatial analysis and impact-measurement functions in support of planning, economic development, placemaking, transportation, capital investment, arts and activation, and other organizational priorities.  

The Manager will collect, analyze and translate complex economic, demographic, geographic, real estate and market data into actionable insights for Downtown and its partners. The position will also lead and support select strategic planning and economic-development projects, working to move research from analysis to strategy to implementation.  

This role is ideal for a professional who is equally comfortable analyzing data, developing compelling maps and visualizations, presenting findings to stakeholders, and working collaboratively to solve challenges affecting Downtown Atlanta.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Manager’s essential functions include, but are not limited to:

Research, Data Management & Analysis 

• Lead the collection, management, analysis and interpretation of economic, demographic, geographic, real estate, development and other data relevant to Downtown Atlanta.   
• Monitor key Downtown indicators and market conditions, including development and investment activity, office and retail conditions, housing, demographics, employment, pedestrian activity, transportation, public safety and other measures of Downtown vitality.   
• Manage relationships, contracts, and subscriptions with external data providers and research consultants as appropriate.   

GIS, Spatial Analysis & Data Visualization 

• Conduct spatial analysis to support planning, economic development, capital projects, and other initiatives.   
• Produce high-quality maps for internal and external audiences.   
• Develop dashboards, visualizations, and other tools that make complex information understandable and useful to decisionmakers.   
• Identify and utilize appropriate data-visualization and mapping platforms, which may include ArcGIS, Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools.   

 Economic Development & Market Intelligence 

• Provide research and market intelligence to support business attraction and retention, developer and investor engagement, retail recruitment, adaptive reuse, redevelopment and other economic-development initiatives.   
• Maintain and analyze information related to Downtown's development pipeline, priority properties, real estate conditions and investment activity.   
• Participate directly in meetings, presentations, site visits, and other engagements with key stakeholders. 
• Work collaboratively with economic-development staff and organizational leadership to translate research into investment strategies and actionable recommendations.   

Strategic Projects & Planning 

• Lead or co-lead select planning, economic-development and organizational initiatives from research and concept development through stakeholder engagement and implementation.   
• Support implementation and ongoing evaluation of the Downtown Atlanta Master Plan and related organizational strategies.   

Impact Measurement & Data-Driven Storytelling 

• Develop compelling data-driven narratives that demonstrate Downtown Atlanta's value, vibrancy, challenges and opportunities.   
• Collaborate across Downtown’s departments to develop research and analytical products that support decision-making, fundraising, membership, communications, advocacy and external engagement.   
• Contribute research and analysis to board materials, annual reports, presentations, and other organizational communications.  

 Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, Data Analytics, Public Administration, Statistics, Economic Development, or related field. 
• Approximately 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in research, planning, economic development, data analytics, public policy, real estate, community development, or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.   
• Demonstrated ability to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data.   
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and spatial analysis, including experience creating and managing geographic datasets and producing professional maps.   
• Experience with data visualization and dashboard tools such as ESRI Dashboards, Infogram, and Tableau. 
• Proficient computer skills in a networked Microsoft Office environment (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email and internet software) are essential 
• Familiarity with public and proprietary data sources such as U.S. Census Bureau data, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ESRI, Business Analyst, CoStar, Placer.ai. or similar resources.   
• Strong project management capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional projects.   
• Ability to communicate analytical findings effectively to both technical and nontechnical audiences.   
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively. 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to organize and prioritize multiple concurrent projects.   
• Knowledge of Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, urban development, commercial real estate, economic development, or local government is highly desirable.  

Physical Demands and Work Environment  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.