Data Analyst

About the role

Department: Operations

Reporting Relationship: Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives

Status: Full‑time; Exempt; In‑office positions

The Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1958 with a mission to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. DSA advocates on transportation, economic development, and urban experience issues, and manages the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID), a business‑improvement area covering 285 downtown blocks.

The Data Analyst turns complex information into clear, useful insights that help DSA/MID understand downtown conditions, improve program operations, inform policy decisions, measure programmatic impact, and support DSA’s strategic plan. The role involves collecting and analyzing economic, operational, and public‑realm data; developing dashboards, maps, and recurring reports; assisting with surveys; and communicating findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain datasets related to downtown economic activity, pedestrian traffic, real estate and development trends, retail, tourism, transportation, public safety, public spaces, and MID operations.
• Analyze data for trends, patterns, and differences to assess downtown conditions and improve efficiency and outcomes of DSA and MID programs.
• Support major research products, including the State of Downtown Economic Report, the monthly Downtown Dashboard, the Downtown Development Guide, MID service reporting, and other publications or presentations.
• Conduct data and policy analysis as needed to support strategic planning, economic development, advocacy, communications, marketing, and operational decisions.
• Clearly communicate assumptions, limitations, and methods, especially when combining data from multiple sources.
• Respond to data requests from colleagues, DSA members, MID ratepayers, board members, media, and public partners in a timely, service‑oriented manner.
• Prepare charts, talking points, and presentation materials, and present findings in meetings as required.
• Coordinate with data vendors and public agencies to understand methodologies, resolve data issues, and improve access to relevant information.
• Identify opportunities to automate recurring data preparation, reporting, and quality checks.
• Improve the usability, reliability, and accessibility of organizational data systems and reporting tools.
• Develop templates, guidance, and training that help staff use data consistently and confidently.
• Stay current on relevant analytical methods, data sources, and visualization practices.

Requirements

• Two to four years of professional experience in data analysis, public policy, research, program evaluation, urban planning, economics, or a related field (relevant education, internships, and applied project experience may be considered).
• Strong Excel skills and working proficiency in SQL and database management.
• Superior problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to operate as a team player in a collaborative environment while also working independently and being self‑directed.
• Highly organized with the capacity to manage multiple projects and daily deadlines.
• Professional interaction skills with internal and external clients and a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Resourceful, self‑motivated, creative, and curious.

Benefits

• 100% employer‑paid Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long‑Term Disability
• ORCA transit card
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave in accordance with Seattle regulations
• Sick & Safe Paid Holidays plus paid personal days
• Remote workdays awarded each year
• Employee Assistance Program (First Choice)
• Flexible Spending Account (medical or dependent)
• Employer‑matched 401(k) contribution with up to 5% match

Salary

$70,434 – $86,216, determined based on internal and market equity, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.