INTERNSHIP: Economic Development Research & Policy Analysis

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The ACA is offering a paid, 20-hour per week INTERNSHIP that is anticipated to run from June 2024 through June 2025. The Intern will work as part of the Arizona Competitiveness Team (ACT), which researches and advises other ACA teams about how Arizona’s tax policy, regulatory policy and business climate compare with that of other states and how those matters affect Arizona’s competitiveness in attracting, retaining and expanding businesses in targeted industries.

Working under general guidance and in collaboration with team members, the Intern will play a key role in advancing initiatives by completing day-to-day tasks, assisting with data collection, responding to routine requests for information and monitoring legislative and economic development efforts in other states. The intern will primarily collaborate with other ACT staff and may on occasion work directly with other ACA departments such as business development or marketing and communications.

This is a great opportunity for a student looking to work at a dynamic organization and build business acumen while gaining practical research experience in economic development and public policy. This is an onsite role based in Phoenix, Arizona.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collect, organize and maintain quantitative and qualitative data, primarily related to taxes, economic development incentives and business regulations.
• Monitor and summarize economic development activities in other states.
• Monitor, research and summarize federal, state and local statutes and regulations affecting key topics and industries.
• Research and summarize federal, state and local taxes and tax incentives related to economic development and businesses.
• Respond quickly to time-sensitive data and analysis requests.
• Complete various ad hoc projects and tasks.

COMPETENCY, EDUCATIONAL & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicants must currently be enrolled in a post-secondary education program in a related field of study. Consideration will first be given to undergraduate seniors and graduate students.
• Demonstrated interest in public policy, economic development, economics or business.
• Experience with collecting, organizing and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data and information.
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management skills.
• Proficient in MS Office suite, especially Excel.
• Skilled in writing precise, actionable reports with technical elements.
• Possess basic mathematical and statistical skills relevant to business and social sciences, such as percentage changes, growth rates, proportionality and basic statistics.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret technical documents such as tax codes, policy proposals, legislative materials and economic reports.
• Ability to work onsite in our downtown Phoenix offices, approximately 20 hours per week; actual work schedule can flex based on school and business needs.

HIGHLY PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have some social science, business and/or public policy research experience—through class, an internship, a job or a volunteer opportunity.
• Experience programming web scrapers or similar tools.
• Proficiency in data visualization and mapping (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Esri).
• Knowledge of state and local business taxes or business regulatory policy.
• Proven ability to work quickly, changing direction on short notice, while holding high standards for accuracy and presentation quality.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; highly collaborative team approach to work.