Job Opening
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: October 8, 2026
JOB TITLE: Special Assistant, SG NS, M/C LOCATION: Albany
(Working Title: Director, Economic Research and Analysis)
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent JURISDICTION CLASS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Department of Economic Research and Analysis
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12245
BASIC FUNCTION:
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.
WORK PERFORMED:
- 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. Such requests typically originate from the Governor’s Office and senior leadership; responses must be presented in a concise manner that is comprehensible to a general audience.
- 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.
EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS:
Education Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in economics, data management, political science, or a related field. A master’s degree (MBA or MPA) is highly preferred.
Professional Experience Requirements: 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.
Substitutions:
- A master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience.
- A Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
Knowledge Requirements:
- 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.
Competency Requirements:
- 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.
SALARY RANGE: $120,471 - $152,238
ADDITIONAL:
If interested in this position, please forward a cover letter and resume to the e-mail address below by October 8, 2026. Be sure to indicate the position title and location you are applying for and specify how you meet the minimum qualifications in your cover letter.
INQUIRE
NYS Department of Economic Development
Human Resources Office
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12245
Fax: (518) 292-5852
E-Mail: [email protected]
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.
9/8/2026
Reference No. 00044
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 473-3130 or via email at [email protected]
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in economics, data management, political science, or a related field
- At least six years of progressive professional experience
- At least three years of leadership or supervisory experience
- Experience analyzing and translating economic or government data for general audiences
- Knowledge of economic development-related fields, such as tax policy, real estate development, incentives, workforce development, public-private partnerships, commercialization, or business marketing
- Direct experience working within New York State government, preferably including the Division of the Budget, Senate Finance Committee, or Assembly Ways and Means Committee
- Master's degree, such as an MBA or MPA
- Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience
What We Do
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of Empire State Development is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing and other forms of assistance. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand (www.iloveny.com) & NYLovesFim New York State's Film, TV & Commercial Incentives (www.nylovesfilm.com) Empire State Development is the parent organization of the New York State Department of Economic Development & the Empire State Development Corporation. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov.
