Job Title: Associate Economist
Reports To: Senior Director
Department Institute for Applied Economics
FLSA Status: Exempt
Summary
The Associate Economist is a key member of the IAE and requires a range of sophisticated skills, technical experience and independent decision-making to support the economic and policy research and analysis agenda of the LAEDC Institute for Applied Economics. The Associate Economist will manage parts of research projects and work in partnership with other members of the IAE staff under the direction of the Senior Director and Senior Economist, conducting applied economic research, analysis and report development, preparation and delivery. Duties will include both quantitative and qualitative analysis, as well as structuring and overseeing the delivery of critical research projects and supporting presentations.
LAEDC's Culture of Inclusion
LAEDC is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. Understanding that we, like the population we serve, come from all walks of life and are a stronger organization because of it, the LAEDC is committed to a culture that values and prioritizes diversity and free expression within its team. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that stays true both to our roots here in Los Angeles County and to our mission by ensuring that anyone, regardless of one's background, origin, orientation, or station in life, and other characteristics that make our employees unique, can find a home at the LAEDC with our team.
Duties
- Conduct economic and policy research and analysis
- Prepare reports and projects for clients (research design, data collection, analysis and narrative)
- Direct efforts of department analysts and interns as needed
- Develop expertise in regional analysis, specifically economic impact analysis
- Develop expertise in regional economic structure, specifically industry and occupational structure
- Take an active role in project management from proposal through delivery
- Ensure all activities support the LAEDC's mission, goals and objectives
Competency
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Achievement Focus - Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Recognizes and acts on opportunities; Sets and achieves challenging goals; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals
Communications - Exhibits good listening and comprehension; Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; Keeps others adequately informed; Selects and uses appropriate communication methods
Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; Displays understanding of how job relates to others; Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; Keeps abreast of current developments; Requires minimal supervision; Uses resources effectively
Business Acumen - Aligns work with strategic goals; Conducts cost-benefit analyses; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Displays orientation to profitability; Understands business implications of decisions.
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience: Master's degree (M. A.) or equivalent; or over two years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Ability
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
Math Ability
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Statistical software; Word Processing software; Spreadsheet software; Internet software; Database software and Contact Management systems. R, STATA, EViews, skills preferred. Experience with SQL, Python, GIS, and/or REMI a plus.
Certificates and Licenses: N/A
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Work Environment
This position will operate in a hybrid schedule. The employee will base work from the DTLA office 40% of the work week and additional time as needed with the option to work remotely on the remaining time. Employees are required to reside in the Los Angeles County Region. The organization will continue to assess the hybrid environment and adjust to meet programmatic needs accordingly.
The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
Salary: $80000 - $89900 per year
