Public policy research for better human outcomes. 

ECOnorthwest has an opportunity to join our nation-leading work on housing policy, transit-oriented development, equitable development, infrastructure finance, and economic development. Established in 1974, ECOnorthwest has five decades of experience helping clients make sound decisions based on rigorous analysis. ECOnorthwest brings cross-disciplinary research insights to natural resources, land use, housing, education, and social safety net decision-making across the United States. For more information, visit www.econw.com. 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

ECOnorthwest has an immediate need for a full-time Associate to join our Urban Systems Practice Area. Associates at ECOnorthwest work collaboratively within project teams to design and execute technical analyses and develop written and visual presentations of analytical findings. They also participate in team management and client communication. A successful Associate is self-directed, detail-oriented, and a confident communicator. Tasks routinely require flexibility, curiosity, and an eagerness to creatively engage with the work, within limited scopes and budgets. While an Associate always works under the guidance of a Project Manager and/or a Project Director, they are expected to independently structure and execute tasks, create deliverables, and delegate work to Research Analysts as needed. As Associates gain experience, greater opportunities for autonomy and responsibility are provided. This is a career-track position with growth opportunities toward project and technical management positions. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION 

• Under the guidance of a Project Director and/or Project Manager, is responsible for leading analysis and producing deliverables (or sections of deliverables) for a workstream in a larger project 
• In collaboration with a Project Director and/or Project Manager, facilitates team delivery of project work, including team communications, delegation of tasks, and management of project budget and scope
• Proactively reports concerns and progress to the Project Manager and/or Project Director
• Conducts research in accordance with standard methods and research best practices, particularly involving economics
• Is familiar with best practices in working on public policy issues: zoning and land use, housing affordability, equitable development, and economic development.
• Uses appropriate methodologies and assumptions to collect, analyze, present, and document data from a variety of sources 
• Synthesizes and characterizes findings and analysis as appropriate to project needs 
• Considers how the research process and outcomes address equity, and ensure alignment with ECOnorthwest’s equity framework and statement of research integrity 
• May communicate directly with clients and present findings to clients and stakeholders, as directed by senior staff 
• Assists practice leads and Project Directors with business development efforts 
• Related duties, as assigned

We recommend that your resume and cover letter address these qualifications to the fullest extent possible.

DESIRED COMPETENCIES: Content Knowledge and Technical

• Master’s Degree in Planning, Real Estate Development, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field plus a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience OR Bachelor’s Degree with at least three years of relevant professional experience.
• Ability to lead small projects or a workstream in a larger project through consistent ability to independently produce specialized technical analysis (such as statistical analysis or spatial analysis)
• Knowledge of and ability to apply analytic and research practices associated with city planning, housing needs assessments, market studies, pro-formas, etc. (e.g., datasets and their application; analysis using spreadsheet and/or statistical software; economic theories and principles; survey methods, spatial analysis, other quantitative and qualitative research methods).
• Understanding of when to apply these principles and tools given research questions, data availability, and client needs. Understanding of the implications of data limitations, including how they may over- or under-represent some populations.
• Ability to incorporate existing knowledge into project work and to learn and adapt new principles
• Ability to understand and implement established policies, procedures, and corporate tools
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Ability to write clearly about technical information for technical and non-technical audiences
• In collaboration with project leadership, understands and communicates the strategic and political implications and consequences of work 

DESIRED COMPETENCIES: Project & Team Management 

• In collaboration with a Project Director and/or Project Manager, anticipates project and team needs and proactively addresses sensitive issues with emphasis on collegiality, sound judgment, and initiative
• Consistent demonstration of ability to meet deadlines and produce quality written deliverables / analysis
• Seeks appropriate direction from project leadership on project execution
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in team environment
• Ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to develop a professional network
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• Understanding and ability to apply project management skills, such as developing scopes, monitoring budgets, delegating work, and managing teams
• Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
• Ability to be resourceful

DESIRED COMPETENCIES: Personal Aptitude/Interpersonal

• Proactively contributes to a collegial and inclusive work environment
• Intellectual curiosity and the desire to seek out new ideas and new solutions
• Enables effective and inclusive teamwork across diverse team participants
• Ability to self-assess and course-correct
• Open-minded approach, flexible when needed
• Motivated to produce high-quality, relevant work
• Adaptability
• Takes responsibility for own work
• Reliability, timeliness, and efficient management of time and workload
• Proficiency in applied economics methods, including econometrics and other relevant qualitative, quantitative, and/or statistical methods
• Applied experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Public speaking skills, networking skills, and the ability to represent the firm in public and interface with clients from diverse backgrounds
• Applied experience with Stata, R, and/or Python
• Familiarity with public data sources (e.g., U.S. Census, population forecasts, QCEW, USDA)

LOCATION 

Portland, Bend, Seattle, or Los Angeles.

ECOnorthwest offers a hybrid work schedule. To ensure opportunities for collaboration and teamwork, except remote workers, employees are expected to prioritize in-office work Tuesday through Thursday.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary for this full-time, exempt position will be commensurate with experience and market rates, roughly ranging from $72,080 to $85,280. This position is eligible for full company benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), and paid holidays. The position is also eligible for quarterly production bonuses and year-end profit sharing.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Please submit a cover letter and resume in PDF format. Please address in the cover letter how you meet the requirements for the position and how your lived and professional experiences can help ECOnorthwest deliver high-quality products to our clients.

DEADLINE

This position is open until filled. We will review applications on a rolling basis.

ECOnorthwest is not a sponsoring organization. 

ECOnorthwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ECOnorthwest requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

ECOnorthwest is committed to the work of improving its diversity and inclusiveness as a workplace. Our best work draws on teams within and beyond ECOnorthwest who have diverse backgrounds and experiences that reflect the multifaceted communities we work in. Thus, we encourage applicants who would expand the diversity of lived experiences within our team and who share our values and commitments to advancing equity through research and data justice.