SENIOR ECONOMIC DATA ANALYST

Under the director of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) Labor Market Information (LMI) Director, the Research Administrator will bridge quantitative economic research, data pipeline administration, and strategic technical communication. Working directly with Senior Economists across applied analysis, econometric modeling, and forecasting divisions, the position will synthesize complex analytical models and micro-data research into executive-level submission packages, regional decision-making tools, and technical deliverables.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Collaborate directly with Senior Economists in Division 1 (Applied Analysis) and Division 2 (Modeling and Forecasting) to manage research project timelines and assemble required analytical deliverables.
• Synthesize back-end econometric models, predictive frameworks, and longitudinal outcome analyses with front-end visualization products into cohesive research reports. Oversee the compile-stage formatting, technical review, and submission schedule for core analytical products, including regional labor market needs maps, training-to-jobs right-sizing models, metric packs, and quarterly attribution memos.
• Enforce rigorous quality control standards across all economic research, statistical models, and regional data outputs prior to executive review.
• Serve as the primary Economic Analysis point of contact for external state agencies, higher education institutions, research bodies, and regional economic partners.
• Coordinate data-sharing workflows, data collection protocols, and data integration pipelines with external entities.
• Facilitate technical briefings and information-sharing sessions to help non-technical stakeholders interpret and apply complex economic research.
• Connect internal OEO operational divisions (Finance, Project Office, Executive Leadership) with the economic research team to align technical milestones with reporting schedules.
• Ensure economic deliverables directly support regional decision-making, resource allocation models, and career pathway analysis.
• Track and evaluate feedback on participant transitions and workforce outcomes to continuously refine research methodologies. Regularly brief the LMI Director on research pipeline statuses, milestone progress, and inter-agency technical requirements.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge of:
• Economic Theory: Strong foundation in microeconomics, labor market theory, human capital accumulation, and wage determination dynamics.
• Quantitative Research Design: Comprehensive understanding of empirical research methods, econometric techniques, counterfactual analysis, and longitudinal evaluation frameworks.
• Data Management Frameworks: Deep familiarity with microdata structures, administrative datasets, relational databases, and data linkage protocols.
• Project Administration Principles: Thorough knowledge of research project management, deliverable pipeline tracking, and quality assurance protocols for analytical teams.

Skill in:
• Large Dataset Analysis: Advanced skill in working with, cleaning, manipulating, and analyzing large, complex, datasets using modern statistical tools (e.g., R, Python, SAS, SQL, or Excel).
• Quantitative Synthesis and Writing: Superior Skill in translating complex econometric models, statistical outputs, and multi-disciplinary inputs to clear, executive-level summaries, white papers, and technical papers.
• Technical Project Management: Proven ability to manage multi-analyst research workflows, establish deliverables schedules, and coordinate inputs across technical teams.
• Data Visualization and Presentation: Skill in structuring quantitative data into intuitive tables, charts, and executive presentations for non-technical leadership and external partners.

Ability to:
• Domain Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to quickly master new subject matter areas, industry contexts, and policy frameworks without requiring prior domain specialization
• Data Integrity and Precision: Ability to maintain meticulous standards for data quality control, statistical accuracy, and data privacy protocols across high-stakes reports.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: Ability to collaborate seamlessly with quantitative economists, data engineers, administrative leads, and external decision-makers.
• Executive Liaison: Ability to represent the research team in inter-agency technical meetings, clearly explaining research methodologies and data limitations.

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Economics, Statistics, Data Analytics, Public Policy (Quantitative track), Finance, or a related quantitative field. 

• Experience: 3+ years of experience conducting applied economic research, managing quantitative research projects, or coordinating technical deliverables across analytical teams.
• Technical Tools: Demonstrated proficiency in statistical software (R, Python, SAS), database querying (SQL), or advanced spreadsheet modeling. Experience formatting technical reports or data visualization packages is a plus.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Retirement plan
• Health and dental insurance
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation
plans, and supplemental life insurance
• For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
*NOTE - Enrollment eligibility in ASRS will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mariem Ly at mariem.ly@oeo.az.gov