Data Analyst

Full-time

Department

Operations

Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives

Full-time;
Exempt;
In-office Positions

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.

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.

• 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.

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,…