Senior Policy Analyst, Economic Data Analytics

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Economic Research & Policy Department (ERP) conducts industry and economic research, performs fiscal and economic impact modeling, and analyzes NYCEDC projects to inform key policy and investment decisions. The team tracks economic trends and provides insights to City Hall, policymakers, and the public, while also developing tools to evaluate, measure, and report on project outcomes. ERP advances high-impact thought leadership on inclusive and innovation-driven economic development. 

The Senior Policy Analyst will conduct research and data analysis that deepens understanding of New York City’s economy and informs City and agency policy. This role will own a set of recurring analytical workstreams, including population and migration analysis, business formation and labor market monitoring, affordability research, and the monthly economic indicators that support agency leadership, taking each from source data through a validated analytical product. The Senior Policy Analyst will also contribute to flagship publications, conduct independent research projects under senior guidance, and communicate complex findings clearly to a variety of internal and external audiences. This role requires strong analytical and technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex data into clear insights. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Research, prepare data, and draft publications, including internal policy briefs and short-form and long-form external reports. 
• Maintain and produce recurring analyses of New York City’s economy, including population, demographic, labor market, and neighborhood trends.  
• Analyze data from public (Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, etc.) and private sources to generate insights on industries, labor markets, demographics, and neighborhood economic activity. 
• Respond to ad-hoc data requests from internal teams, agencies, agency leadership, and City Hall staff. 
• Support fiscal and economic impact modeling for real estate projects, tax incentives, big events, and proposed policy changes. 
• Benchmark New York City against peer cities and national trends, and research relevant policies and best practices from other jurisdictions 
• Conduct thorough and timely reviews of complex spreadsheets (including formulas), code, and written materials to ensure data accuracy and consistency. 
• Contribute to the maintenance and expansion of data sources available to the department, and support team processes, documentation, and best practices for data analysis. 
• Identify research topics that drive NYCEDC thought leadership on key issues, at times serving as project manager or lead analyst, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders via presentations and publications. 
• Monitor external research and economic trends, synthesizing and sharing key findings with agency leadership. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a related field, with significant exposure to statistics; Master’s degree preferred. 
• 3+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree and 2+ years of relevant experience. Candidates with a range of experience levels are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a Policy Analyst role based on qualifications. 
• Proficiency analyzing data in R and advanced proficiency in Excel. Proven ability in using database and presentation tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Experience writing reproducible, well-documented code.  
• Experience working with public microdata (such as ACS/PUMS, CPS, or QCEW), including appropriate use of survey weights, replicate weights, and margins of error, is a plus.  
• Experience with spatial data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a plus.  
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical data and the results of complex analyses clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences. 
• Demonstrated ability to create clear, accurate, and engaging charts, tables, and data visualizations. 
• Demonstrated attention to detail, and a commitment to data accuracy and quality management. 
• Proven quantitative and analytical skills, with experience working with large and varied data sets. 
• Ability to manage multiple recurring deliverables and competing priorities effectively, and to work both independently and collaboratively in a high-pressured, fast-paced environment. 
• Proactive and resourceful with a focus on continuous improvement. 
• Comfortable interfacing with senior officials and external stakeholders across sectors. 
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for the mission of NYCEDC. 
• New York City residency is required within 180 days of hire.