Senior Program Analyst, Manufacturing and Supply Chain

• About Us
• The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) is a 501(c)(3) research nonprofit founded in 2000. We help U.S. regions compete by putting data about regional economies and labor markets to work in economic and workforce development decisions. Our current portfolio includes a multi-year cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program and analytical support to the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program: data-heavy studies of the defense manufacturing base and its supply chains.

CREC also manages membership associations of economic and workforce researchers and data users, including the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), the LMI Institute, the State Economic Development Executives, the University Economic Development Association, the Development District Association of Appalachia, and the Projections Managing Partnership, along with partners with Federal, State, and local clients nationwide.

• Position Summary & Essential Functions
• The Senior Program Analyst conducts and coordinates applied research and technical assistance projects, with a concentration in manufacturing, supply chains, and the defense industrial base. The Analyst takes responsibility for defined research components, selects and applies appropriate analytical methods, interprets findings, and produces client-ready reports, presentations, and data products. Working with senior project leaders, the Analyst coordinates assigned work, contributes directly to client discussions, and helps ensure that project deliverables meet CREC’s standards for quality, timeliness, and relevance. The Analyst works across CREC’s portfolio, including multi-year Federal defense industrial base projects, and sees that work published. No security clearance is required. Because the position supports Department of Defense projects that may involve export-controlled information, the Analyst must be a U.S. person (a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).

Essential functions:

• Design and conduct defined components of applied research and technical assistance projects.
• Select data sources, research methods, and analytical tools in consultation with project leaders.
• Collect, clean, integrate, and analyze regional economic, labor market, industry, firm, and supply chain data, including Federal statistical sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
• Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to supplier identification, industry mapping, demand and supply analysis, and assessments of manufacturing capacity and workforce needs.
• Use tools such as Excel, R, Python, SQL, GIS, Tableau, or Power BI to produce reproducible analyses and client-ready charts, tables, and maps.
• Interpret findings, identify implications, and develop evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
• Draft substantial sections of research reports, technical memoranda, presentations, and technical assistance materials, and coordinate the preparation of deliverables across multiple contributors.
• Plan and conduct interviews, focus groups, and other primary research.
• Present findings and contribute to project team and client discussions.
• Coordinate defined project components, including schedules, work assignments, quality control, and communication with partners.
• Review the work of research assistants, interns, or other project contributors when assigned.
• Contribute to project work plans, scopes of work, budgets, and proposals.
• Develop deeper expertise in manufacturing, supply chains, defense-related programs, and relevant Federal data systems.
• As a secondary responsibility, support project logistics, including scheduling, meeting notes, and coordination with partners and clients.

The Analyst works with general direction from project leaders and exercises judgment in selecting data sources, applying analytical methods, organizing assigned work, and preparing client-ready products. Senior staff provide guidance on complex methodological, client, and project management issues.

• Qualifications (Minimum requirements, Preferred credentials)
• Minimum requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, engineering, data science, public policy, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field and at least three years of relevant professional experience; or a relevant master’s degree and up to one year of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting applied economic, industry, workforce, manufacturing, or supply chain research.
• Proficiency in Excel and at least one analytical tool such as R, Python, SQL, GIS, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Experience selecting and applying quantitative or qualitative research methods.
• Ability to interpret findings and communicate their implications in clear writing, presentations, tables, and visualizations.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, coordinate work with colleagues, and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, partners, and other outside contacts.
• U.S. person status (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).

Preferred credentials:

• Experience in or exposure to defense manufacturing, defense acquisition, or military logistics.
• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with Federal statistical data systems, GIS, or data visualization tools.

• Compensation and Location
• The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience and education. The position is based in Arlington, Virginia. In-office expectations are four days per week during a 90-day probationary period and three days per week thereafter. Project-related travel is required. The selection process includes a brief take-home data exercise. Submit applications to [email protected]. Applications Due: October 15, 2027 (rolling basis).

CREC is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory, diverse work environment.

Appointment terms:

• Regular, fulltime, onsite (Arlington, VA); project-related travel required
• Reports to: Senior Vice President, Workforce Development
• Work unit: Workforce Development
• Salary grade: 9
• Funding: Grant (Cornerstone 1; JAMWG; ManTech M-EWD)
• FLSA Status, EEOC Class: Exempt; Professional