Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00126

Department: Planning Department

Job classification: Senior Researcher/Economist

Posting type: Open

Categories: Research

Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Research, serve as principal analyst and researcher on the status and trends of the Boston economy; lead and participate in major research projects on Boston’s economy and its economic sectors; analyze the economic impact of new development in the city; conduct economic feasibility studies and government policies; provide technical analysis and consulting services to City Department projects.

Examples of duties

The general duties and responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to, the information listed below.

Provide analytical research and technical assistance in areas requiring special expertise in economic analysis, finance, statistics, econometric modeling, and forecasting. Coordinate joint research efforts related to economic policy and development impacts with other City departments. Serve as the principal source of economic information to the Director.

Responsibilities and Technical Skills

• Execute and coordinate research reports published by the Division.
• Plan, design, and develop methodology of research studies. Draft, revise, monitor, or critique reports that discuss and forecast the economy, demography, or commercial markets of Boston.
• Recommend and suggest other research topics to the Director of Research.
• Provide technical assistance to City staff in areas of economic analysis, finance, and statistics.
• Have a clear understanding of core economic and demographic databases. Be familiar with economic impact analysis and forecasting.
• Identify and assess trends that may impact the City’s economy, population, and finances. The Senior Researcher should also be able to prepare forecasts and provide documentation.
• Review Research Division reports prepared by other staff for technical accuracy.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Director of Research.

Communication

• Prepare memoranda on a variety of topics for the Research Division and City officials.
• Research, draft, revise, and produce portions of major policy and research documents.
• Manage, execute, and coordinate research projects.
• Serve on panels as a technical expert for the City, as needed.
• Develop and carry out survey research studies where applicable.
• Present findings and recommendations to the general public, community organizations, businesses, students, universities, and city officials as requested by the Director of Research.
• Must have strong communication skills demonstrated through written work and delivery of presentations.

Qualifications

• Work requires a Master’s degree in economics, business administration, or a comparable degree, plus five (5) to eight (8) years of related work experience in government or in the private sector.
• Candidates with a PhD in economics or business administration are preferred.
• Technical skills must include excellent analytical, quantitative, and research methodological skills.
• Knowledge of statistics programs, impact analysis programs, and various programming languages is necessary.
• Knowledge of Census, BLS, and other Government databases, as well as knowledge of commercial business and real estate databases, is necessary.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Prior publications are also desirable.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment.

SCOPE:

May provide functional direction to Research Associates, Research Assistants, and interns.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary/Grade: EXM/($108,370 - $147,130)

Hours per week: 35