Data Analyst, Senior

Senior Data Analyst

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Office of Research and Innovation seeks a Senior Data Analyst to help power the data infrastructure, analysis, and storytelling that drive regional decision-making across the Atlanta Region. The role requires a deeply curious person with strong statistical, analytical, geospatial, and programming skills and will be responsible for providing database analysis and data modeling for a diverse portfolio, serving as a go-to technical resource for colleagues and external partners alike. This role focuses on performing complex analyses, managing research projects and will serve as a designated subject matter expert to support the mission of ARC, the regional planning and inter-governmental coordination agency for the 11-county Atlanta region. ARC's mission is to consider issues from a regional perspective and work with community partners to plan the investments and programs needed to improve quality of life for all residents of the Atlanta Region. This role is central to that mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Geospatial Analysis & Mapping: Design and maintain spatial databases; produce thematic maps, geocoded datasets, raster analyses, and interactive map layers using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and open-source tools. Support the Open Data & Mapping Hub and related geospatial community products.
• Research Design & Methods: Support research design and methodology across the Office. Ability to produce summary and descriptive statistics and conduct inferential statistical analysis. Experience with population and employment forecasting is a plus.
• Data Programming & Automation: Write and maintain scripts in Python and/or R to collect, clean, transform, and model structured, unstructured, and spatial data from public, administrative, and proprietary sources. Build and manage automated workflows using Git for version control.
• Dashboard & Application Development: Build and maintain interactive dashboards and web applications.
• Project & Data Management: Serve as project manager for research projects, including managing timelines and partners. Assist in reviewing contractor proposals.
• Innovation & Emerging Technology: Actively evaluate and adopt emerging tools, including generative AI, large language models, and cloud platforms.
• Communication & Collaboration: Prepare written reports, presentations, and data stories that communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences. Respond to data requests from internal divisions, partner agencies, and the public. Work collaboratively across ARC teams and with regional stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Economics, Data Science, Geosciences, Geography, Urban or Regional Planning, Public Policy, or a related field. Master's degree may be preferred.
• Experience: At least two years of experience in data analysis, data science, geospatial analysis, or a closely related field. Experience working with government, planning, or research organizations is a plus.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

•Technical Skills: oProgramming & Data Tools: Proficiency in Python (Pandas, GeoPandas, Jupyter Notebook) and/or R for data analysis, modeling, and automation. Experience with SQL for querying and managing data. Familiarity with Git for version control and collaborative development. oGeospatial Skills: Hands-on experience with Esri ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online. Familiarity with geocoding, raster data, thematic mapping, and modern geospatial formats (e.g., GeoParquet). Experience with open-source GIS tools is a plus. oData Visualization: Ability to design clear, compelling visualizations using no-code software and/or custom web tools (Streamlit, Mapbox). Experience presenting data to non-technical audiences through data storytelling. oStatistical & Quantitative Methods: Solid grounding in quantitative research design and methods including regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and forecasting techniques. Familiarity with machine learning methods is a plus. •Domain Knowledge: Working familiarity with regional planning and economic datasets such as Census products (ACS, Decennial, TIGER), LEHD/LODES, BLS, FRED, HUD, housing and real estate-specific sources (HMDA, building permits, CoStar, ATTOM, Zillow, Parcl Labs). •Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and critical thinking ability to translate complex questions into reproducible analyses and clearly communicate uncertainty. •Project management: Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, track progress, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders. •Soft Skills: High attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability. Comfortable working independently and as part of cross-functional teams. Proactive approach to continuous learning, such as emerging AI and cloud technologies.