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Industry Research Specialist (Research Specialist IV)

Job #: 2026-79

  • TWC Job #: 17034451
  • Travel Required: N/A
  • Monthly Salary: $5,750.00 - $6,166.67
  • Position Location: Austin, TX
  • Group Step: B22
  • Class: 0606
  • Status: Open

Industry Research Specialist – Austin, Texas

The Office of the Governor is looking for an Industry Research Specialist (Research Specialist IV) to work in the Economic Development and Tourism Office (EDT) – Business Development.

Who We Are

The Office of the Governor works to build a healthier, safer, freer, and more prosperous future for all Texans. We are located primarily within the Texas State Capitol Complex in Austin.

What You’ll Earn

The salary is $5,750.00 - $6,166.67 a month ($69,000.00 – 74,000.04 a year).

Benefits include medical insurance, sick leave, and vacation leave. Also, State of Texas employees are eligible for a defined retirement plan. Learn more: https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

What You’ll Do

This position performs highly complex (senior-level) research tasks and is responsible for the research, coordination, and dissemination of economic trends and policy issues and writing of reports and other communications. Work involves planning, coordinating, and conducting economic studies and analyses; determining and evaluating economic factors relating to various programs and projects; and disseminating the collection of information pertinent to those analyses to provide information and assistance to OOG, EDT, businesses, and communities in the state.

  • Assists in planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects for the division.
  • Coordinates the development, implementation, and monitoring of research projects.
  • Supports EDT and Office of the Governor teams with research assistance.
  • Stays abreast of federal and state economic and demographic data policies and availability.
  • Advises in project design, data collection, data organization, data presentation, and related work performed internally, by other state agencies and economic development organizations. 
  • Coordinates and collaborates with other research staff on data and research projects within the scope of legislative mandates, including industry location analyses.
  • Performs marketing work; compiling and disseminating marketing information and data.
  • Coordinates and collaborates with program staff in writing and developing reports, overviews, snapshots, and other marketing collateral.
  • Oversees the methods of analysis and the presentation of results, for printed and web-based reports.
  • Writes reports or articles on industry and research projects for publication.  Translates complex data and information into relevant and valuable content for public and internal publications.
  • Analyzes economic trends affecting Industry and explains these in understandable form for printed and web-based agency publications.
  • Maintains familiarity with current data tools including federal and state government resources; business resources, journals, newspapers, magazines, aggregators, and selected newswires/listservs. Keeps abreast of new data and resources.
  • Keeps current on Texas economic (e.g., employment, occupational, industrial, transportation, business climate, and international trade) trends.
  • Prepares research and drafts briefing documents for OOG staff as needed.
  • Stays abreast of corporate, national, and international activities affecting the Texas economy.
  • Consults and provides technical advice on research methods and techniques.
  • Develops, implements, and maintains quality standards and procedures for data gathering, analysis, writing, editing, and presentations.
  • Tracks all subscriptions and resources used to ensure effectiveness in gathering information and analysis.
  • Responds to information requests from within and outside OOG, including conducting independent research to satisfy such requests.
  • Assists in conducting data quality assurance procedures and conducting quality assurance reviews on research projects.
  • Prepares briefing materials, as requested.
  • Remains well-informed of EDT and OOG initiatives, policies, procedures, operations, new releases, web content, programs, and statewide trends.
  • Recommends and implements improvements to increase program efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Prepares and conducts presentations.
  • May determine the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated.
  • May develop policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research, demonstration, and evaluation activities.

How You’ll Qualify

  • High School graduate or equivalent; and
  • Four (4) years of professional experience in research and/or economic analysis.

Note: Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis. 

You’re a Great Fit with

  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business or public administration, statistical analysis, economics, political science, communications, or related field; and
  • Skill in using geographic information systems (GIS) software.

How to Apply

To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and resume, and apply online at www.workintexas.com. Paper applications and resumes are not accepted in person or via email.

Veterans

Veterans, Reservists, or members of the Guard can compare this position to Military Occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office.

Submit a separate application and resume for each position that you are qualified.
 
In Work in Texas, search for Office of the Governor job postings by the “Agency Job ID” listed as “Job #” on the position description – or – using the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) assigned posting ID number, listed as “TWC job number” on the position description.