ARIZONA OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

1400 West Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 

Grade: 20

This position will remain open until business needs are met

The Economist II will conduct rigorous analysis of employment trends, wages, and demographic shifts to produce the monthly employment report, while also providing critical insights to education and economic development partners to ensure state programs meet statutory value-added earnings thresholds.

This position will serve as the primary analyst helping to support the data needs of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, directly supporting the Talent Ready AZ initiative. In this role, the incumbent will also lead efforts to align state workforce strategies with high-demand industry needs, specifically by developing and validating Labor Market Information (LMI) required for Workforce Pell eligibility.

To modernize the state’s data infrastructure, the Economist II will champion the integration of AI tools to automate legacy reporting processes and streamline data pipeline updates. This includes designing and deploying website API capabilities to expand public data accessibility and supporting AI risk analysis. By leveraging advanced scripting and automation, the role will minimize manual data entry for agency reviews and UI claims requests, allowing for a deeper focus on macro-level trend analysis and the continuous improvement of the state’s Integrated Data System.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

• The Economist II will conduct rigorous analysis of employment trends, wages, and demographic shifts to produce the monthly employment report, while also providing critical insights to education and economic development partners to ensure state programs meet statutory value-added earnings thresholds

• In this role, the incumbent will also lead efforts to align state workforce strategies with high-demand industry needs, specifically by developing and validating Labor Market Information (LMI) required for Workforce Pell eligibility

• Updating and communicating the Cabinet’s strategic metric goals while providing technical assistance to partner state agencies to enhance their workforce data collection and analytical capabilities

• The Economist II will serve as the primary analyst, helping to support the data needs of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, directly supporting the Talent Ready AZ initiative

• The Economist II will champion the integration of AI tools to automate legacy reporting processes and streamline data pipeline updates

• Maintains and updates data files, charts, and tables for various information products in a timely and accurate manner

•Assists OEO Labor Systems and Workforce teams with project deliverables as needed

Knowledge of:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)–related initiatives, Workforce Pell eligibility requirements, and statutory value-added earnings thresholds

• Labor market information (LMI) systems, employment and wage data, and workforce analytics used in state and federal workforce programs

• Data governance, performance metrics, and reporting requirements supporting executive-level workforce strategy and policy development

Skill in:

• Strong analytical skills to evaluate employment trends, wages, demographic shifts, and high-demand industry needs, and translate findings into actionable insights

• Developing, validating, and communicating LMI products for diverse stakeholders, including the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet and partner state agencies

• Leveraging AI tools, automation, and data pipelines to modernize reporting processes, improve efficiency, and enhance data quality

Ability to:

• Clearly communicate complex economic and workforce data to both technical and non-technical audiences, supporting informed decision-making at the executive level

• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, meet recurring reporting deadlines, and adapt analyses to evolving policy and strategic priorities

• Lead cross-agency analytical initiatives and provide technical assistance that strengthens workforce data collection and analytical capacity

• An individual with a Bachelor's degree in Economics or a quantitative discipline

• Strong research and analysis skills, can write articles and make presentations

• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Sick leave

• Retirement plan

• Health and dental insurance

• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

• Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by the State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)

• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mariem Ly at mariem.ly@oeo.az.gov