Economic Development Manager Jobs in Spokane, WA

Under the direction of the Chief Investment Officer and Wealth Management, the Economic Analyst supports Washington Trust Bank's economic research, thought leadership, and market intelligence initiatives. This position is responsible for monitoring economic conditions across Washington, Idaho, and Oregon; maintaining regional economic dashboards; analyzing economic and demographic trends; and helping create timely, relevant content for clients, prospects, bank partners, and centers of influence.

The Economic Analyst transforms complex economic, industry, and market information into actionable insights that support business development, client engagement, strategic planning, and community leadership. The position works closely with Wealth Management, Executive Leadership and areas of the bank to enhance the bank's reputation as a trusted source of economic intelligence throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain and enhance regional economic dashboards tracking labor markets, demographics, housing, commercial real estate, business activity, consumer trends, and industry performance throughout Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
• Monitor economic indicators, financial markets, Federal Reserve policy, and regional business conditions to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
• Conduct economic, demographic, and industry research utilizing sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Federal Reserve, state agencies, and private data providers.
• Develop written economic commentary, market updates, white papers, articles, presentations, and briefing materials for distribution and communication to clients, prospects, and internal stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing quarterly economic outlooks, investment committee materials, client presentations, and executive reports.
• Support the creation of economic content used by Wealth Management, Executive Management and other bank business lines where appropriate.
• Help develop thought leadership content designed for external centers of influence, including attorneys, accountants, business owners, nonprofit leaders, commercial real estate professionals, and community organizations.
• Create charts, dashboards, infographics, and visual presentations that communicate economic trends in a clear and compelling manner.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications teams to distribute economic insights through presentations, webinars, videos, podcasts, articles, and social media channels.
• Respond to economic research requests from Wealth Management, Executive Leadership and other appropriate areas of the bank.
• Assist in developing presentations for client events, community outreach programs, board meetings, and industry conferences.
• Monitor regional economic development projects, major employers, labor market trends, migration patterns, and industry developments affecting bank markets.
• Maintain data integrity and documentation standards for economic databases, research files, and dashboard reporting systems.
• Participates in special projects or duties as assigned.
• Performs compliance and risk management duties as required or assigned.
• Regular, reliable attendance is required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Statistics, Data Analytics, or related field preferred.
• PhD or master’s degree in economics, Applied Economics, Public Policy, Finance, or related discipline preferred.
• Two to five years of experience in economic research, financial analysis, investment research, banking, consulting, or a related analytical role preferred.
• Experience preparing written economic commentary, market research, or industry reports is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of macroeconomics, regional economics, financial markets, and business cycles.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and convert findings into meaningful business insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex economic concepts to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools.
• Experience working with economic databases including FRED, BLS, BEA, Census Bureau, and state labor market information systems preferred.
• Strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and research initiatives simultaneously.
• Demonstrated curiosity, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Strong detail orientation with high level of organizational skills and ability to multi-task, managing interruptions with multiple projects.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative; ability to work well both independently and with others.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and handle multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of service to clients in a deadline driven environment under the direction of management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with and work effectively with diverse groups of people, managing conflict and negotiating for results when needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical people.
• Preferred experience working in the financial services industry.
• Ability to work additional hours as required by operational and production work loads.

Compensation: 

WMAS Economic Analyst - $89,158 - $133,795
WMAS Sr. Economic Analyst - $102,125 - $153,187

The compensation range represents the low and high end of the base compensation range for this position located in Spokane, WA. Actual compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. This position is eligible to participate in an applicable incentive plan.

What Our Culture Can Offer You:

Our benefit philosophy is to provide you with a comprehensive package to secure your overall wellness and help you become and remain a fulfilled and productive employee. Our benefits include Health, Financial, Retirement and Work/Life Benefits. We are proud to share an overview of our benefits HERE as part of your total compensation.

Washington Trust Bank celebrates diversity in the workplace and actively recruits talent to help reflect the unique communities where we live and work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information and any other protected characteristics outlined by state, federal and local laws. We believe strength comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.