Vice President, Research, Analystics & Econom

Job Description

Job Description

About Company:

Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the City of Baltimore’s economic development agency. We work to strengthen Baltimore’s economy by attracting investment, supporting businesses, advancing real estate development, and creating opportunities that help neighborhoods, employers, and residents thrive.

Our work is rooted in the belief that economic growth should benefit the entire city. From helping businesses launch and expand to advancing catalytic development projects, connecting entrepreneurs with resources, and building partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, BDC helps turn Baltimore’s potential into lasting progress.

At BDC, you will join a mission-driven team committed to shaping a more vibrant, equitable, and economically resilient Baltimore. We value collaboration, innovation, accountability, and a deep connection to the communities we serve.

Whether your expertise is in real estate, small-business support, finance, communications, community investment, grants, compliance, or economic development, your work at BDC can make a meaningful impact on Baltimore’s future.

About the Role:

The City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is seeking a Vice President, Research, Analytics & Economic Planning leader who will lead BDC’s data analytics, geospatial analysis, business intelligence, and strategic economic planning functions. This role drives data-driven decision-making, measures progress toward inclusive economic development goals, and supports the implementation of Baltimore’s economic development strategy. The VP integrates GIS technology and advanced analytics to identify opportunities, measure impact, and support strategic investments across target industry sectors, including life sciences, technology, logistics, hospitality and tourism, creative industries, and social innovation. Collaboration with internal teams, government partners, research institutions, and community stakeholders is essential to leverage data and spatial intelligence to achieve equity and measurable community impact.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Business Analytics, Economics, Geography, Urban Planning, GIS, or related field; master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in data analytics, GIS, business intelligence, economic planning, or related field with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Advanced proficiency in analytics and GIS software, spatial analysis methods, and predictive modeling 
• Demonstrated experience with economic development planning, market analysis, and program evaluation
• Proven leadership experience building and managing high-performing teams
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Experience collaborating across departments and with diverse stakeholder groups
• Strong project management skills
• Understanding of public-private partnerships and urban economic development dynamics
• Experience in economic development, public sector, nonprofit, or community development preferred
• Professional GIS experience preferred
• Knowledge of Baltimore’s economic and civic landscape and familiarity with the Mayor’s strategic priorities is a strong plus.

Key Responsibilities:

The Vice President, Research, Analytics & Economic Planning must be capable of conducting most of the tasks below but is principally responsible for managing a team of professionals to drive outcomes in these areas.

Data Strategy, Architecture, and Governance

• Develop and implement BDC’s comprehensive data and GIS strategy aligned with economic development strategy goals
• Design and maintain enterprise data and GIS architecture supporting integrated business intelligence and spatial analysis 
• Lead integration of internal and external data sources (city data, business databases, demographic info, economic indicators, real estate, infrastructure) 
• Create data dictionaries, documentation, metadata frameworks, and spatial data inventory
• Develop data quality assurance protocols and continuous improvement processes
• Evaluate and implement new data and GIS technologies, analytical methods, and software platforms

Advanced Analytics, GIS, and Business Intelligence

• Conduct advanced statistical and geospatial analysis identifying trends, patterns, opportunities, and challenges in Baltimore’s economic ecosystem 
• Develop predictive models and spatial models forecasting economic development outcomes, business growth, investment returns, and community impact
• Perform market segmentation, spatial analysis, and GIS mapping to identify opportunity zones, commercial corridors, and investment priorities
• Analyze business ecosystem dynamics, industry clusters, supply chain relationships, and competitive positioning
• Develop algorithms, analytical tools, and automated workflows supporting decision-making and resource allocation

Performance Management and Impact Tracking

• Design and implement performance measurement systems tracking KPIs aligned with economic strategy metrics
• Develop executive dashboards and interactive maps providing real-time visibility into economic development activities, outcomes, and impact
• Create standardized reporting templates for program outcomes, business impact, job creation, and community wealth building
• Establish benchmarking frameworks comparing Baltimore’s performance to peer cities and national standards
• Track equity metrics including BIPOC business ownership, wealth creation, wage levels, and neighborhood investment disparities

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead the division. Manage, mentor, and develop the Strategy and Knowledge Management team 
• Advise leadership. Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Leadership Team on Baltimore’s economic performance, performance measurement, and sectors of business opportunity.

Please include a cover letter along with your resume

The Baltimore Development Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. BDC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.