Data Analyst

Description

Department

Operations 

Reporting Relationship

Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives 

Status

Full-time; Exempt; In-office Positions

Company Overview

Established in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. By advocating on issues including transportation, economic development, and the urban experience, DSA works to ensure that downtown remains a great place to live, work, shop, and play. DSA also founded and manages the Metropolitan Improvement District, a business-improvement area spanning 285 square blocks downtown. 

Position Overview

The Data Analyst position turns complex information into clear, useful insights that help DSA/MID understand downtown conditions, improve program operations, inform policy decisions, measure programmatic impact, and support DSA’s strategic plan. This role collects and analyzes a variety of economic, operational and public realm related data; develops dashboards, maps and recurring reports; assists in developing and implementing surveys to a variety of audiences, and communicates research findings to colleagues, DSA and MID leadership, MID ratepayers, DSA members, public partners and other key stakeholders.

Reporting to the Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives, the Data Analyst works across DSA/MID teams to establish reliable measures of success, improve data quality and make information accessible to a wide range of audiences. The ideal candidate is analytical, curious and detail-oriented, has a strong understanding of research methods, as well as sound judgment and a strong interest in helping make downtown Seattle a healthy, vibrant downtown for all.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Build and/or maintain a variety of datasets related to downtown economic activity, pedestrian traffic, real estate and development trends, retail, tourism, transportation, public safety, public spaces, and MID operations.
• Analyze data for trends, patterns and differences to assess downtown conditions and improve efficiency and outcomes of DSA and MID programs.
• Support major research products, including the State of Downtown Economic Report, the monthly Downtown Dashboard, the Downtown Development Guide, MID service reporting and other publications or presentations.
• Able to conduct as needed data and policy analysis to support strategic planning, economic development, advocacy, communications, marketing and operational decisions.
• Ability to clearly communicate assumptions, limitations and methods, particularly when combining data from multiple sources.
• Respond to data requests from colleagues, DSA members, MID ratepayers, board members, media and public partners in a timely, service-oriented manner.
• Prepare charts, talking points and presentation materials, and present findings in meetings, as needed.
• Coordinate with data vendors and public agencies to understand methodologies, resolve data issues and improve access to relevant information.
• Identify opportunities to automate recurring data preparation, reporting and quality checks.
• Improve the usability, reliability and accessibility of organizational data systems and reporting tools.
• Develop templates, guidance and training that help staff use data consistently and confidently.
• Stay current on relevant analytical methods, data sources and visualization practices.

Employment Details

DSA is committed to internal and market equity. Salary is determined based on internal and market equity, internal and market data/salary ranges, and the applicant’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We will hire at the beginning of the salary range to allow future salary growth based on an employee's performance, professional development, and increases in responsibilities and duties. Downtown Seattle Association provides a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to: 

100% employer-paid**

* Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage  

* Life Insurance 

* Long-Term Disability

* ORCA transit card

Paid Vacation 

Sick Leave in accordance with Seattle Sick & Safe   

Paid Holidays plus paid personal days 

Remote workdays awarded each year

First Choice Employee Assistance Program 

Flexible Spending Account (medical or dependent) 

Employer-Matched 401(k) Contribution with up to 5% Match

Downtown Seattle Association is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and potential employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, and, if necessary, disciplined without regard to sex, race, religion, creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political ideology or activity, disability, veteran, or military status. All applicants are carefully screened, and full consideration is given to their training, education, skills, aptitudes, experience, and previous work record. In addition, DSA does not discriminate based on genetic information in its employment related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Two to four years of professional experience in data analysis, public policy, research, program evaluation, urban planning, economics or a related field. Relevant education, internships and applied project experience may be considered
• Strong Excel skills and working proficiency in SQL and database management
• Superior demonstration of problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 
• Able to operate as a team player, be comfortable in a collaborative environment while also able to operate at times independently and be self-directed
• Highly organized and able to attend to multiple projects and daily deadlines 
• Ability to interact professionally with both internal and external clients and provide excellent customer service 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Be resourceful, self-motivated, creative and curious