Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA)
Director of Research
Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), Las Vegas, Nevada, us, 89105
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) is Southern Nevada’s premier economic development organization, dedicated to strengthening the region’s economy through strategic business attraction, expansion, and connectivity. For over 60 years, LVGEA has been pivotal in diversifying the economy, fostering high-quality job creation, and enhancing the region’s global competitiveness. LVGEA supports new venture launches and global company expansions in Southern Nevada. Guided by a distinguished Board of Directors and a robust network of public and private partners, LVGEA continues to drive strategic growth and opportunity for Southern Nevada.
SALARY RANGE
$70,000 - $85,000
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Research is a critical leadership role responsible for providing data-driven insights, economic analysis, and strategic intelligence to advance the mission of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA). This position oversees all research functions including market analytics, industry trend forecasting, labor market analysis, and economic impact modeling. The Director ensures LVGEA and its stakeholders are equipped with accurate, timely, and actionable intelligence to inform business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy & Performance Officer, the Director plays a key role in positioning Southern Nevada as a competitive destination for business and talent. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Lead the design, execution, and dissemination of economic, demographic, and workforce research to support regional economic development strategies. Manage data collection and reporting systems, including CRM, regional economic dashboards, and industry benchmarks. Conduct in-depth analyses of target industries, market competitiveness, and location factors to inform business development efforts. Produce high-quality research reports, presentations, and publications for investors, policymakers, site selectors, and business executives. Oversee the creation and maintenance of community profiles, regional fact sheets, rankings, and other key marketing and intelligence materials. Provide regular economic impact assessments, forecasting models, and policy analysis to support organizational decision-making. Serve as the primary point of contact for external research partners, universities, consultants, and state/federal data providers. Ensure research activities align with LVGEA’s strategic goals, annual KPIs, and the broader economic development agenda of Southern Nevada. Represent LVGEA in public forums, industry conferences, and media interviews as a subject-matter expert on regional economic trends. Ensure alignment between LVGEA’s strategic vision, economic growth objectives, and regional policy initiatives. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE
Regional & National Economics:
Deep understanding of economic indicators, labor markets, and demographic trends. Research Methodologies:
Expertise in statistical analysis, forecasting, and economic modeling techniques. Data Sources & Tools:
Proficiency with federal/state datasets (BLS, BEA, Census, EMSI, Lightcast, JobsEQ, etc.), GIS, and business intelligence software. Industry Sectors:
Familiarity with key drivers of economic growth in technology, logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy. Policy & Incentives:
Understanding of state/local policies, incentive programs, and economic competitiveness factors. SKILLS
Analytical & Quantitative:
Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Research Communication:
Strong ability to prepare compelling reports, presentations, and visualizations. Stakeholder Engagement:
Proven ability to work with business leaders, policymakers, and community partners to deliver research findings. Technology & Tools:
Advanced proficiency with Excel, Tableau/Power BI, GIS software, and statistical analysis programs. Project Management:
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple research projects and deadlines simultaneously. ABILITIES
Provide Strategic Insights:
Ability to anticipate economic trends and deliver forward-looking analysis. Lead & Inspire:
Ability to manage a research team, mentor staff, and foster collaboration. Translate Data to Action:
Ability to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Uphold Accuracy & Integrity:
Commitment to maintaining high standards of research rigor and objectivity. QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Data Analytics, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or related field (required). Master’s degree in direct or related discipline a plus. Professional certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), or similar credentials highly desired. Professional Experience: 4+ years of progressive experience in research, economics, or data analytics, with a strong track record of applied work in economic development or regional analysis. Demonstrated success in producing economic impact studies, market competitiveness reports, or workforce analyses. Experience managing staff and research functions in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Strong national network in economic research, policy, or site selection fields preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment for this role requires working indoors in an environmentally controlled setting, with potential exposure to sounds and noise levels that may be distracting or uncomfortable. Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people, requiring frequent collaboration and communication. Essential and marginal functions may necessitate maintaining a physical condition suitable for prolonged periods of walking, standing, and sitting, as well as traveling from site to site for meetings, client visits, or events. Additionally, the role involves use of computers, leading to regular exposure to computer screens for research, data analysis, and reporting tasks. BENEFITS
Employee group life insurance, medical, dental and vision covered 100% for the employee only (after 60 days). 401K available to employees after 6 months of continuous employment up to a total of a 4% match. 12 Paid Holidays a year, and three weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) in the first year of employment. Flexible work arrangements, including remote work on Fridays when business needs allow.
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The Director of Research is a critical leadership role responsible for providing data-driven insights, economic analysis, and strategic intelligence to advance the mission of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA). This position oversees all research functions including market analytics, industry trend forecasting, labor market analysis, and economic impact modeling. The Director ensures LVGEA and its stakeholders are equipped with accurate, timely, and actionable intelligence to inform business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy & Performance Officer, the Director plays a key role in positioning Southern Nevada as a competitive destination for business and talent. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Lead the design, execution, and dissemination of economic, demographic, and workforce research to support regional economic development strategies. Manage data collection and reporting systems, including CRM, regional economic dashboards, and industry benchmarks. Conduct in-depth analyses of target industries, market competitiveness, and location factors to inform business development efforts. Produce high-quality research reports, presentations, and publications for investors, policymakers, site selectors, and business executives. Oversee the creation and maintenance of community profiles, regional fact sheets, rankings, and other key marketing and intelligence materials. Provide regular economic impact assessments, forecasting models, and policy analysis to support organizational decision-making. Serve as the primary point of contact for external research partners, universities, consultants, and state/federal data providers. Ensure research activities align with LVGEA’s strategic goals, annual KPIs, and the broader economic development agenda of Southern Nevada. Represent LVGEA in public forums, industry conferences, and media interviews as a subject-matter expert on regional economic trends. Ensure alignment between LVGEA’s strategic vision, economic growth objectives, and regional policy initiatives. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE
Regional & National Economics:
Deep understanding of economic indicators, labor markets, and demographic trends. Research Methodologies:
Expertise in statistical analysis, forecasting, and economic modeling techniques. Data Sources & Tools:
Proficiency with federal/state datasets (BLS, BEA, Census, EMSI, Lightcast, JobsEQ, etc.), GIS, and business intelligence software. Industry Sectors:
Familiarity with key drivers of economic growth in technology, logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy. Policy & Incentives:
Understanding of state/local policies, incentive programs, and economic competitiveness factors. SKILLS
Analytical & Quantitative:
Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Research Communication:
Strong ability to prepare compelling reports, presentations, and visualizations. Stakeholder Engagement:
Proven ability to work with business leaders, policymakers, and community partners to deliver research findings. Technology & Tools:
Advanced proficiency with Excel, Tableau/Power BI, GIS software, and statistical analysis programs. Project Management:
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple research projects and deadlines simultaneously. ABILITIES
Provide Strategic Insights:
Ability to anticipate economic trends and deliver forward-looking analysis. Lead & Inspire:
Ability to manage a research team, mentor staff, and foster collaboration. Translate Data to Action:
Ability to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Uphold Accuracy & Integrity:
Commitment to maintaining high standards of research rigor and objectivity. QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Data Analytics, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or related field (required). Master’s degree in direct or related discipline a plus. Professional certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), or similar credentials highly desired. Professional Experience: 4+ years of progressive experience in research, economics, or data analytics, with a strong track record of applied work in economic development or regional analysis. Demonstrated success in producing economic impact studies, market competitiveness reports, or workforce analyses. Experience managing staff and research functions in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Strong national network in economic research, policy, or site selection fields preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment for this role requires working indoors in an environmentally controlled setting, with potential exposure to sounds and noise levels that may be distracting or uncomfortable. Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people, requiring frequent collaboration and communication. Essential and marginal functions may necessitate maintaining a physical condition suitable for prolonged periods of walking, standing, and sitting, as well as traveling from site to site for meetings, client visits, or events. Additionally, the role involves use of computers, leading to regular exposure to computer screens for research, data analysis, and reporting tasks. BENEFITS
Employee group life insurance, medical, dental and vision covered 100% for the employee only (after 60 days). 401K available to employees after 6 months of continuous employment up to a total of a 4% match. 12 Paid Holidays a year, and three weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) in the first year of employment. Flexible work arrangements, including remote work on Fridays when business needs allow.
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