[Hiring] Principal Data Analyst @ARC

Role Description

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) serves as the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency for metro Atlanta, working to foster thriving communities across the region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investment. ARC coordinates regional growth and development, transportation, and natural resource planning to prepare for the future of the metro Atlanta region. Central to this mission is the calibration and application of socioeconomic models that generate accurate, reliable, and defensible regional forecasts, which serve as the foundation for sound long-range planning decisions across the region.

The ARC Office of Research and Innovation is seeking a Principal Data Analyst to manage and enhance our regional forecasting program. In this role, the Principal Data Analyst will lead the application and enhancement of ARC’s REMI (Regional Economic Models, Inc.) modeling platform, develop regional socioeconomic forecasts, conduct economic impact analyses, and produce data, insights, and strategic intelligence that support critical regional initiatives, policy decisions, and planning priorities. This position serves as a key technical leader in ensuring the rigor, accuracy, and policy relevance of the forecasts and analyses that inform regional planning and decision-making. The Principal Data Analyst will also collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to translate complex economic and demographic trends into actionable insights that support ARC’s long-range vision and strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Urban/Regional Planning, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in economic modeling, forecasting, planning, data analysis, or applied quantitative research.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Requirements

• A master’s degree or doctoral degree is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with REMI is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with statistical and data analysis tools is preferred.
• Experience in a regional planning, government, or public-sector research setting.
• Familiarity with regional transportation, land use, or demographic forecasting models.

Benefits

• Strong understanding of regional and urban economics, demography, and applied econometrics.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro for spatial data analysis and mapping.
• Demonstrated experience developing, running, and interpreting econometric or economic impact models.
• Experience working with major socioeconomic and economic data sources (e.g., U.S. Census, ACS, BEA, BLS).
• Strong data visualization and reporting skills.
• Commitment to accuracy, transparency, and reproducibility in analytical work.
• High attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.