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Economic & Policy Research Assistant

Ideal Candidate: A data hound with superior research skills and economic development expertise. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must, as well as a demonstrated ability to present economic and demographic data in a visually engaging manner.

Minimum Required Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited institution with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field, and relative, applied academic or employment experience.

Position Summary: This position is responsible for data research and presentation to support plans, studies and analyses for the RPC Economic Development District (EDD), and policy research and writing to support the Northern Illinois Council of Governments (NorthCOG). The initial focus will be on Research and operational support to implement the 2021-2025 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, assisting with grant writing and policy-related research and writing to support NorthCOG operations. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Other illustrative examples of work to be performed include:
  • Assists with the maintenance of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), including tracking progress of projects within the plan, interacting with stakeholders, providing narrative and data updates, and associated tasks.
  • Searches for, accumulates, and formats regional economic, demographic and infrastructure data for internal analysis and for external reports for partners.
  • Assists with developing and maintaining the organization’s key economic and demographic datasets, and researches and identifies additional datasets to be tracked.
  • Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with local units of government, community organizations, and other agencies.
  • Attends meetings, events, and other engagements representing RPC, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Critical knowledge and fundamental skills required for the position, include:
  • Knowledge of the theory, principles, and techniques of economic development, including regional economic development planning.
  • Superior writing skills, including the editing, oversight, or preparation of memos, strategic plans, and other technical reports.
  • Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various clients, officials, staff, and citizens.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Excel, and Adobe Creative Cloud (particularly InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator). Proficiency in data visualization programs, database programs, and ArcGIS desired but not essential.

Region 1 Planning Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.