Associate

About the role
Associates serve as important members of the project team, as they may structure their own analysis, delegate work to Research Analysts and Senior Research Analysts, own a work stream in a larger project, and report to a Project Director and/or a Project Manager. They create sections of client presentations and report documents and may create entire presentations and reports for smaller projects with limited direction. They are responsible for tracking scope and budget. They often interact with the client on a day-to-day basis. Associates may coordinate with others on business development activities, including proposal pursuits. Associates may work on or manage multiple projects and proposal efforts simultaneously, balancing time and resources across projects. This position is expected to maintain a billable hours ratio of 75% after 4 months.

Essential functions of the position

• Has primary responsibility for delivering smaller projects, under the direction of a Project Director, including oversight of scope and budget.
• Leads analysis and produces deliverables (or sections of deliverables) for a work stream in a larger project under the guidance of a Project Director or Project Manager.
• Facilitates team delivery of project work, including team communications, delegation of tasks, and management of project budget and scope.
• Balances billable project work along with business development, culture-building, and thought leadership, as outlined in ECO's Billable Hours and Revenue Expectations 2024.
• Proactively reports concerns and progress to the Project Manager and/or Project Director.
• Conducts research in accordance with standard methods and research best practices.
• Ensures appropriate use of sources of information to collect, record, analyze, and evaluate facts and documentation of sources and assumptions.
• Synthesizes and characterizes findings and analysis as appropriate to project needs.
• Raises any concerns about how a research process addresses issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, or any other concerns or issues with research alignment with ECOnorthwest's mission and statement of research integrity.
• May communicate directly with clients and present findings to clients and stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Assists practice leads and Project Directors with business development efforts.

Required Competencies

Technical competencies

• Ability to design and create graphic and narrative reports using land use, demographic, and related spatial datasets.
• Apply economic and real estate methods, theory, and practice to client deliverables.
• Utilize relevant qualitative and quantitative methods and synthesize, visualize, and communicate the key results for client deliverables.
• Understand land use policies and zoning regulations and how they impact future development. Knowledge of Colorado policy context for local growth and development needed.
• Skilled in reviewing, interpreting, and synthesizing land use plans and related public documents to inform analysis and recommendations.
• Ability to lead small projects or a work stream in a larger project through either (1) the application of specialized content expertise (such as knowledge of planning or housing policy context); and/or (2) consistent ability to independently produce specialized technical analysis.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply the key analytic and research frameworks used at ECOnorthwest (engagement methods, datasets and their application; analysis using database, spreadsheet, and/or statistical software; economic and planning theories and principles; other quantitative and qualitative research methods). Understanding of when to apply these principles and tools given project 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.
• In collaboration with project leadership, understand and communicate the strategic and political implications and consequences of work.

Project and team management skills

• In collaboration with a Project Director or Project Manager, anticipate project and team needs and proactively addresses sensitive issues with emphasis on collegiality, sound judgement, and initiative.
• Consistent demonstration of ability to meet deadlines and produce quality written deliverables and/or analysis; ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to proactively seek guidance from project leadership to ensure accurate, timely, and aligned 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 and attend networking events.
• Understanding of 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.

Personal aptitudes/interpersonal skills

• Ability to proactively contribute to a collegial and inclusive work environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and the desire to seek out new ideas and new solutions. 
• Ability to enable effective and inclusive teamwork across diverse team participants.
• Ability to self-assess and course correct.
• Open-minded approach, adaptable and flexible when needed.
• Motivation to produce and take responsibility for high-quality, relevant work 
• Reliable, timely, and efficient management of time and workload.

Desired competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.
• Experience working in one or more communities along the Colorado Front Range.
• Experience with market analysis, real estate finance, or pro forma models.
• Ability to create land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.

Qualifications

• Degree in economics, planning, political science, environmental policy, or a related field (Master's generally preferred).
• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in consulting or related context (Master's may substitute for two years of experience).
• Knowledge of government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
• Strong skills in written and oral presentation. 
• Understanding of economic methods, theory, and practice.
• Experience using relevant qualitative, quantitative, and/or statistical methods.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work for long periods at a computer.