Economic Development Research Specialist

As the Economic Development Research Specialist at the City of Fort Worth, your main responsibilities include managing comprehensive research programs. You'll gather and analyze economic data, conduct market research, and prepare customized reports to assist in attracting high-growth businesses. Additionally, you'll work on data visualization projects and support the department's strategic goals by providing timely insights to enhance investment decisions.

To qualify for the Economic Development Research Specialist role at the City of Fort Worth, you need a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Data Science, or a related field, along with at least two years of research experience and familiarity with financial and statistical analysis. Preferred qualifications include experience with GIS software and tools like Placer.ai and CoStar, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders.

In the role of Economic Development Research Specialist at the City of Fort Worth, you’ll utilize various tools and software including GIS systems, Esri, Placer.ai, and CoStar. These tools aid in analyzing economic data, mapping trends, and visualizing information to inform decision-making processes regarding investment strategies and economic growth initiatives.

The City of Fort Worth offers a competitive benefits package for the Economic Development Research Specialist, which includes 11 paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision coverage, a pension plan, and ample paid time off. Additionally, the city encourages professional development, providing opportunities to advance your career while contributing to the community.

The Economic Development Research Specialist plays a crucial role in Fort Worth by providing data-driven insights that help attract high-growth businesses and promote sustainable economic expansion. Through research and analysis, you'll support revitalization efforts, enhancing job opportunities and ultimately improving the quality of life for nearly 1 million residents.

When responding to this question, highlight your approach to utilizing various data sources, including primary and secondary research. Discuss how you would leverage tools such as GIS systems to analyze trends and make data-driven recommendations that align with the city's strategic goals.

Share specific experiences where you've used GIS tools to analyze spatial data or visualize economic trends. Detail how that experience has prepared you for the Economic Development Research Specialist position and how you can apply those skills to benefit Fort Worth's economic strategies.

Focus on a specific example from your past, detailing the data you analyzed, the insights you provided, and the impact those insights had on decision-making. This showcases your ability to translate data into actionable strategies relevant to the Economic Development Research Specialist role.

Explain your methods for staying informed about the latest economic data and research tools. Discuss practices you have in place for verifying your findings and ensuring they align with current trends, showing your commitment to providing reliable information in the Economic Development Research Specialist role.

Discuss the tools you've used for data visualization and provide examples of how you've effectively presented complex data in a digestible format. Emphasize the importance of visualization in persuading stakeholders and aiding economic analysis as an Economic Development Research Specialist.

Elaborate on your organizational skills and strategies for assessing project urgency and importance. Highlight your experience in balancing multiple tasks in previous roles, showing your capacity to effectively manage competing priorities in the Economic Development Research Specialist position.

Highlight your ability to tailor your communication style according to the audience. Describe methods like simplifying jargon, using visuals, and engaging storytelling that you would use to present your research findings effectively to non-technical stakeholders in the Economic Development Research Specialist role.

Provide a brief overview of PIDs and TIFs, detailing their functions and how they are utilized in economic development. Show your understanding of local policies and how they relate to the responsibilities of an Economic Development Research Specialist at the City of Fort Worth.

Share your enthusiasm for contributing to Fort Worth's economic development initiatives and express your passion for data-driven decision-making. Discuss how you align with the city’s mission and how your skills can help further their objectives in the specialist role.

Explain the resources you utilize, such as industry publications, webinars, and professional networks to stay informed about economic trends. Discuss how this knowledge enables you to provide relevant research that aids the strategic goals of the Economic Development Research Specialist position.