Description

BASE SALARY RANGE: $72,000–82,000

EMPLOYMENT TERM: FULL- TIME PERMANENT

APPLICATION POST DATES: MAY 15- MAY 31, 2026

ANTICIPATED START DATE: JULY 9- JULY 15 , 2026

WHO WE ARE 

Downtown Van is a non – profit organization representing 8,000 businesses and property owners in the central 90 – block area of Vancouver’s downtown core. Supporting them and making downtown Vancouver a place where everyone feels welcome and safe is what drives us. Our team members are experts in economic development, community safety, place making, and events. We’re passionate about making downtown Vancouver a destination like no other. 

Much like downtown Vancouver, we strive to make our office an environment where important work gets done, and where we enjoy ourselves. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of everything we do, and it is our priority to ensure staff always feel safe and welcome. Here at Downtown Van, we are passionate, collaborative, fun, and fast-paced! Be ready for team outings, dynamic events, coffee runs, office dogs, and an abundance of values-driven goals to achieve.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Manager, Economic Development, Analyst, Economic Development serves as Downtown Van’s primary specialist for research, data management, and analysis that supports Downtown Van’s economic development initiatives and strategic priorities.

In addition to ensuring that Downtown Van maintains credible, well-structured, and actionable data resources that support decision-making, public reporting, and program development, the Analyst, Economic Development plays a large role in the delivery and evolution of Downtown Van’s economic development program. This includes scoping new projects and initiatives, supporting program delivery, and working with businesses and stakeholders to collect insights that shape Downtown Van’s work.

This position is ideal for someone who combines strong analytical ability with curiosity about cities, business districts, and economic trends, is interested in community support and economic development, and who will enjoy translating research into compelling stories and practical initiatives that support a thriving downtown.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – RESEARCH AND DATA MANAGEMENT

1) Translate research findings into clear and compelling insights through reports, presentations, and data storytelling that supports Downtown Van’s communications and thought leadership.

2) Lead the design, collection, organization, and analysis of business, economic, and socioeconomic data in alignment with Downtown Van’s strategic priorities.

  • Evaluate and integrate primary, secondary, and third-party data sources
  • Ensure accuracy, consistency, and effective use of data
  • Identify new data sharing partnerships and collaboration opportunities with peer agencies
  • Practice good records management, including maintaining standard operating practices for navigating data program, subscriptions and provider relationships

3) Working with the Manager, Economic Development, design and scope research projects, including selecting methodologies, identifying relevant datasets, and managing timelines.

4) Co-lead the writing and project management of the annual State of Downtown report, as well as shorter analytical products such as briefing notes, media responses, statistical summaries, dashboards, and presentations.

 

5) Maintain Downtown Van’s monthly Economic Dashboard, including working with the marketing team to prepare high-level insights for inclusion in the monthly newsletter or drafting digestible biogs

 

6) Monitor and analyze trends in business activity, including business openings and closures within Downtown Van’s 9O-block catchment area, and leading Downtown Van’s twice-annual Storefront Business count

 

7) Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and analytical summaries that communicate research findings clearly to internal teams and external stakeholders.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

1) Working in collaboration with the Manager, Economic Development, proactively explore, design and support delivery of research-driven economic development initiatives that advance Downtown Van’s strategic priorities.

 

2) Scope and conduct diverse research projects, such as business attraction strategies, major event impact analyses, sector analysis, and emerging economic opportunities for downtown Vancouver.

 

3) Conduct research and targeted engagement with member businesses, property owners, industry partners, and institutions to gather insights that inform Downtown Van’s initiatives.

 

4) Proactively follows trends in retail, real estate, and employment and compares downtown Vancouver data to other BIAs/BIDs/UPMOs throughout North America

 

5) Work with the rest of the Downtown Van team to proactively propose and develop new programming, materials, and insights that support the delivery of the Economic Development program. This could include, but is not limited to:

  • Organizing familiarization, educational, or knowledge exchange tours for visiting peer organizations and stakeholder groups
  • Business retention, expansion, and investment attraction initiatives
  • Review and analysis of policy or regulation and its implications for Downtown Van businesses
  • Supporting program development related to Downtown Van’s signature events
  • Presentations materials for roundtables, panels, or stakeholder engagement
  • Letters of support and similar advocacy materials
  • Other duties from time to time as required

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate they have the skills and knowledge:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to develop effective presentations that explain complex topics in simple terms for diverse audiences
  • Exemplary critical thinking and analytical skills with capability to look at numbers, trends, and data to form new conclusions based on findings
  • Familiarity with research design and methods
  • Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills, able to adapt, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Professional and personable demeanour
  • Works well both independently and in collaboration with others in a team-based environment
  • Proactive, systems thinker able to draw connections between details and how they relate to the big picture
  • Able to maintain confidentiality, utilize judgment, and work with minimal supervision
  • Experience with stakeholder or community planning engagement considered an asset

 

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience, or an equivalent combination:

  • A post-secondary degree or equivalent education level in economic development, economics, statistics, computer science, commerce, finance, city studies, urban planning, or urban geography
  • Four to six years of related work experience in a corporate setting, or a combination of relevant education and experience
  • Proven research and report drafting skills
  • Strong presentation skills; experience with public speaking and presentation
  • Excellent MS Excel skills, with strong proficiency with all applicable MS software packages.
  • Experience with accessing and interpreting open or community data, such as Statistics Canada or Vancouver’s Open Data portal, is considered a strong asset
  • Proficiency in data mapping and visualization tools, such as ArcGIS, is considered a strong asset
  • Credits or contributions to industry-recognized publications considered an asset

WORKING CONDITIONS

This role is based five days a week in our office in Downtown Vancouver. Standard business hours apply, with occasional evening commitments for events and member engagements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical tasks associated with the role include walking between locations in the central business district, and may include transporting materials using a dolly or by hand, and occasionally lifting objects up to 30 lbs.

SALARY AND COMPENSATION

The listed base salary range spans is approximately $72,000-82,000.In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Additionally, Downtown Van offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, extended benefits (health, dental, vision, counselling); RRSP contributions; minimum three weeks of vacation (increases with tenure), and an annual professional development budget.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must apply by emailing jennifer@dtvan.ca with their cover letter and resume and the subject line: [NAME] Application for Analyst, Economic Development.

Applications close on May 31, 11:59pm Pacific Time. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only successfully shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by end of day on June 8. The successful applicant should expect the following candidacy progression: 15-minute screening phone call; 45-minute in-person interview; 30-minute in-person meet & greet with leadership; reference checks.