Embedded Analyst, Innovate Alabama

ABOUT US |   HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) is a consulting firm that advises public, private, non-profit, and philanthropic clients on how to increase opportunity and advance quality of life in cities.     

We believe in creating vital places, building equitable and resilient communities, and improving people’s lives.    

From Brooklyn to London, Medellin to Hong Kong, we have guided hundreds of clients in transforming real estate and economic development concepts, and public infrastructure, first into actionable plans and then into job-producing, community-strengthening assets.    

Our clients include real estate owners and investors, hospitals and universities, cultural institutions and philanthropies, community development organizations, and governments.    

HR&A has offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, Washington D.C. and the Bay Area. We come from diverse backgrounds, have a breadth of lived experience, and share a passion for cities. We are former city officials, executive directors, planners, lawyers, architects, and economists.     

Learn more about careers at HR&A on our website here . 

THE ROLE | HR&A’s is seeking a full-time Embedded Analyst to be based in Birmingham, Alabama. As part of our ongoing partnership with Innovate Alabama , the state's pioneering public-private initiative fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This role will support data-driven analysis and economic development strategies that strengthen Alabama's innovation ecosystem. Our analytical staff form the foundation of our team-oriented and collaborative structure, helping drive our evidence-based approach to city building while supporting initiatives that connect entrepreneurs, investors, and organizations committed to fostering business growth across the state.

Analysts are early-career professionals with 2-4 years of professional experience and draft the substance of our client work products. For our Innovate Alabama client specifically, this Embedded Analyst will complete tasks pertaining to:

• Alabama innovation ecosystem research, including research funding activity, patents, and tech transfer

• Industry trends and employment analysis for relevant industries in Alabama’s innovation ecosystem

• GIS mapping of assets pertaining to Alabama’s innovation ecosystem

• Case study research for various dimensions of the Innovate Alabama organization, such as talent retention programs in other states, quasi-public venture capital programs,

• Database management support for the Innovate Alabama organization, including periodic review of new types of data to be collected and managed by the organization

• Economic and econometric modeling on an ongoing basis

• Public policy analysis as pertains to the innovation ecosystem of Alabama

• Other forms of data analysis and research

Analysts also help prepare written reports, presentations in PowerPoint, and Excel models for clients.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED | We are looking for candidates with strong quantitative and qualitative skills, a passion for innovation and economic development, and a deep curiosity about the challenges and opportunities facing Alabama today. Ideal Analysts will bring a demonstrated capacity for active project team participation, leadership, critical thinking, creativity, and other capabilities aligned with the roles and responsibilities described above, including:

• At least 2 years of experience in innovation-centric economic development work in either a public or private organization

• Familiarity with economic development initiatives in local and Alabama State government

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

• Ability to work on multiple assignments at once

• Candidates should be highly motivated independent thinkers who are detail-oriented, entrepreneurial, and sufficiently poised for client interaction.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Real Estate, Finance, Urban Planning, Economics, or Public Policy

• Master's degree in real estate development (MRED), Business Administration (MBA), Urban Planning, Economics, or a related field is preferred.

HYBRID WORK | HR&A fosters a collaborative and flexible work environment through our hybrid work policy. In this role, the Analyst will work from the office at in accordance with Innovate Alabama policy – typically 3 days per week, which allows the freedom to balance their professional and personal lives while maintaining a strong connection to their teams.

COMPENSATION | The base compensation range for this position is $75,000-$90,000. Where an offer falls within the pay range is dependent on experience. We offer competitive compensation packages based on qualifications and experience. This position is a full-time contractor role for a maximum of three years that works alongside HR&A’s Innovate Alabama team, where employment is via HR&A’s employment partner, Magnit . Magnit benefits include health and wellness benefits and paid holidays.

HOW TO APPLY | HR&A is committed to attracting and retaining a talented, diverse, and competitive team of professionals dedicated to solving the challenges of urban life. Please submit a resume as a single PDF document here . If you have a digital portfolio, include a link within your cover letter.

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. 

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] .