Strategic Economic Development Analyst

The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance seeks an Economic Development Analyst to advance regional strategy through high-quality research, data analysis, and pipeline intelligence. You will work with leadership to inform business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, ensuring timely, accurate data for decision-making.

You will build sector briefs, support RFIs, map site comparisons, and track metrics across the five-parish region, contributing to BRE initiatives and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics or related field is required.
• 1–3 years of experience in economic development, research, analytics, planning, consulting, or a related field.
• Experience working with data sets, CRM systems, GIS platforms, or analytical software is preferred.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; CRM/GIS experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted research to identify IDEs, demonstration-stage firms, and growth-oriented firms.
• Support business attraction efforts by researching and maintaining high-priority prospect lists.
• Develop sector-specific research briefs and technology trend summaries for strategy.
• Maintain the regional business development pipeline and track prospects through stages.
• Assist in RFIs, site comparisons, and proposal materials with accurate data and maps.
• Track pipeline metrics: contacts, meetings, RFIs, site visits, and outcomes.
• Support BRE program by maintaining target lists and tracking visit outcomes.
• Analyze BRE survey data to identify expansion opportunities and barriers.
• Produce annual BRE summary reports highlighting trends and performance.
• Support SEED Center IDEs and incubator analytics with research.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Research skills

Written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Managing multiple priorities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Economic Development, Data Analytics, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business, or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

CRM systems

GIS platforms

Analytical software

Job description

The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance seeks an Economic Development Analyst to advance regional strategy through high-quality research, data analysis, and pipeline intelligence. You will work with leadership to inform business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, ensuring timely, accurate data for decision-making.

You will build sector briefs, support RFIs, map site comparisons, and track metrics across the five-parish region, contributing to BRE initiatives and