Principal Data Manager, PlanRVA
PlanRVA, a regional support organization for the 9 localities of the RVA, is hiring a Principal Data Manager.
A few things interested candidates should know before we get into details:
This is a full-time, role in Richmond, Virginia that will work closely with the Director of Regional Planning and GIS. In this role, you will lead the agency’s data science and analytics activities.
Candidates may be invited to create a deck for presentation on a topic of their choosing as part of the interview process. The contents will be used solely for the interview and will not be shared beyond the panel.
PlanRVA launched a new commitment to DEI in its recruitment and purchasing programs in 2021, expanding the criteria by which their organization evaluates candidates and are actively implementing strategies to promote supplier diversity and inclusive purchasing in their practices as well as those of their vendors.
Job Description:
The primary role of the Principal Data Manager is to lead the agency’s data science and analytics activities. You will be responsible for setting goals, prioritizing workload, and supporting staff members. The person in this position will assist in the collection, analysis, and preparation of data, and guidance of elected officials and committees. The Principal Data Manager reports to and works closely with the Director of Regional Planning and GIS. The person selected for this role should be motivated and experienced in data collection.
The Principal Data Manager will be joining a small team of fewer than 25 people open to supporting networks that promote safety and support for all employees. PlanRVA is active in developing individualized development plans for all employees and reviewing progress and opportunities on a semi-annual basis. They promote participation in professional and affinity groups and organizations and budget to cover employee expenses associated with an active membership and leadership roles.
Essential Functions:
Design and implement economic research methodologies and fiscal analyses in support of regional policies, plans, and programs including ConnectRVA 2045, and regional sub-allocation grants; analyze, interpret, and report on the results of research projects of broad scope and complexity.
Perform econometric analyses such as describing the relationships between economic activity, job growth, and demographic characteristics towards land/use development and changes in the transportation network.
Mathematically describe the relationships between changes in national and state economic activity and their impact on the region and within the various industry and geographic sectors within the region.
Evaluate the economic impact and perform risk assessments of alternative actions; analyze various demographic and socioeconomic factors and public policies to recommend specific actions to improve the region’s economy.
Design and conduct quantitative research and non-routine data analysis to evaluate and monitor current conditions, forecast future trends and analyze the impact of proposed projects/programs/ policies on the region’s economy.
Prepare written technical, analytical, and policy reports and present findings and recommendations to technical and policy committees, the PlanRVA, RRTPO, and CVTA boards, other elected and appointed officials, PlanRVA clients, and partner agencies.
Develop successful long-term networks and business relationships with private and public sector organizations; engage in business development activities that lead to greater awareness of the agency’s data programs, services, and resources throughout the region.
Coordinate and/or participate in inter-departmental and inter-agency teams assembled for modeling, analyses, and planning related projects; foster collaborative working relationships with local jurisdictions, state, and other public agencies.
Apply for and respond to grant and other funding opportunities, develop Requests for Proposals (RFP's), evaluate competitive project proposals, and make recommendations for consultant selection; manage project consultants and ensure projects are completed on schedule, within the prescribed budget, and with a high-level of effectiveness.
Participate on a variety of committees and task forces; attend and participate in professional group meetings; keep current with the latest trends in the field of regional and national economics.
Research and maintain current knowledge on sources of data including the Census, government agencies, academia, and private sector entities.
Requirements:
Must be a motivated and experienced data professional with 4-6 years of professional experience.
A Bachelor’s degree with course work in regional economics, planning, public administration, public finance, mathematics, statistics, or a related field, and five years of recent experience in applied economics or a related field.
A Master’s degree with course work in regional economics, planning, public administration, public finance, mathematics, statistics, or a related field is preferred, it's not required if the candidate has comparable experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of economic theory and their application to transportation, regional planning, employment, public facilities, government finance, and related fields.
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of economic research methods, including input-output models and econometric methods; experience conducting/managing primary and secondary economic research studies, and using big data in econometric analysis.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and evaluate complex economic and financial issues, develop, and evaluate solutions and provide sound advice and actionable recommendations on strategic, policy, and organizational management issues.
Experience using economic analysis to estimate the effects of proposed projects or programs and to facilitate informed decision-making.
Experience supervising and evaluating the work of professional and technical personnel; experience providing administrative and professional leadership and direction for assigned programs.
Demonstrated knowledge of technology commonly used for data analytics such as Python, R, Tableau, or ArcGIS.
Ability to prepare reports that document research procedures; experience effectively presenting, analyzing, and interpreting research findings in a compelling and easily understandable way and making conclusions and recommendations for consideration by elected officials and other decision-makers.
Experience preparing and delivering public presentations to Boards, community groups, and others; ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
Successful project management experience, including the development of RFPs, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules, consultant selection, and contract management for plans and analyses.
Demonstrated ability to foster strategic business partnerships and alliances with regional economic development agencies.
Ability to exercise discretion and political acumen in dealing with complex, sensitive, and confidential issues regarding conflicting agendas and positions.
Experience directly supporting executive-level management.
A highly organized individual who takes pride and ownership in their work.
Outgoing personality who enjoys working with/helping people.
Ability to operate in a remote work environment as needed, with minimal instruction on hybrid work practices and hardware/software functionality
Must be a self-starter and problem solver and be able to work independently in a team atmosphere with minimal supervision.
Time Commitment, and Salary:
This is a full-time role, paid $25-40/hour commensurate with experience.
About PlanRVA
PlanRVA is the only organization where representatives from each of Richmond’s nine localities can come together to analyze, plan, consult and collaborate on issues and opportunities that impact every citizen and every community. The organization believes in the power of data and the stories we can tell with it. To them, we must examine all perspectives in sharing data and are looking to assure data systems and presentations aren’t from a singular perspective. PlanRVA is a regional support organization that helps member jurisdictions think about the future- and plan accordingly.
Whether it's a focus on the necessary infrastructure to support the regional economic development strategy, conserving the natural resources and building the necessary trails and recreation facilities to promote the high quality of life, or helping the community prepare for, respond to and bounce back from a disaster, PlanRVA is convening a wide range of stakeholders including members of the general public, grassroots and grasstops organizations, community leaders and elected officials. They work alongside the local technical experts who make our communities great, helping to promote best practices and supporting information sharing when needed.
To apply, submit an application through PlanRVA’s portal, here. Any questions regarding the position should be forwarded to HR@PlanRVA.org.
Backstory Responsibility Statement
This position has been hand vetted by the Backstory Jobs team, ensuring that the company is actively invested in its DEI (diversity, inclusion, and equity) efforts. As people from historically minoritized backgrounds ourselves, we understand the specific challenges that people from these communities face in getting hired, and understand our responsibility in operating our jobs board. While we have vetted posted roles to the best of our ability, we cannot be held liable for any dissatisfaction that occurs during or after the hiring process. But, should an offense or injustice occur, please let us know at thebackstorynetwork@tellyourbackstory.com and we’ll do our best to help troubleshoot and offer up support.