Tourism Research Specialist

Salary: $ Commensurate with education and experience Duties Summary: The Research & Economic Analysis Division (READ) is responsible for statewide economic and demographic research and analysis, including the provision of basic research support for planning and economic development activities of the State; the collection and analysis of economic and demographic data for policy formulation purposes; the expansion and improvement of facilities and methods of statistical data collection, storage, and dissemination for governmental and private use; the development of operational economic and econometric models to obtain information and to test hypotheses about the State's economy and its specific aspects; and the formulation of analytical frameworks for economic policy analysis, including benefit-cost analysis, forecasting, and reviewing existing and projected economic activities as they affect the State. DBEDT’s Tourism Research Branch continuously provides insightful information benefitting businesses and individuals who rely on having timely, accurate and comprehensive data about Hawaii tourism for their own usage. Research data provided by DBEDT are utilized by tourism industry partners as knowledge to improve products and experiences, enhance marketing and brand strategies, and help compete against other destinations. The Tourism Research Branch is seeking a Tourism Research Specialist who will serve as a research lead and has the responsibility of planning, organizing, and conducting research on tourism in the state of Hawai'i, including lodging room inventory, geolocation data, and vacation rental performance projects. This position analyzes trends and impacts of the tourism industry on the economy and is involved in the dissemination of tourism data. Minimum Qualification Requirements: Knowledge: Knowledge of travel industry management, business administration, strategic planning, economics, public planning, or a related field. Knowledge of research, planning, and/or statistical analysis. Knowledge of research writing and legislative matters. Knowledge of the digital age and new communication media in the dissemination of information and research findings. Skills/Abilities: Independently plan, organize, and conduct visitor industry research projects; recognize problems, developments, and trends in order to interpret their significance on the overall project results; effectively work with other staff members and private business individuals. Ability to recognize and analyze problems, such as issues that affect the public and the tourism industry; organize and draft comprehensive marketing plans, programs, and recommendations; and conduct effective presentations before individuals and private and public groups. Possess effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to execute the policies and directives adopted by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority Board of Directors; analyze marketing plans and programs, various facts and issues, and public relations campaigns; and the ability to recommend solutions to complex and sensitive problems or situations. Ability to review, analyze, evaluate, and critique tourism marketing plans, including the ability to make recommendations for the effective implementation of the plan. Ability to interpret and analyze contract terms and provisions. Ability to deal tactfully with employees and others. Must have the ability to deal satisfactorily with workers and operating personnel and to recognize operational problems within the staff organizational structure. Education: A Bachelor's degree from a four (4)-year accredited college or university with major study in tourism, hospitality, business administration, research, statistics, economics, or other social sciences with coursework in economics and statistics. Experience or a combination of education and experience may be used as a substitute for education, subject to review and approval by DBEDT. General Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in one (1) or any combination of professional work experience in travel industry management, business administration, economics, public planning, or a related field, and at least five (5) years of professional work experience in research, planning, or statistical analysis work. Work experience must demonstrate the possession of a thorough understanding of economic principles and theories and wide knowledge of current economic and market factors and their implications, especially in the visitor industry. Work experience with surveys, processing data, and management of major projects. Experience in planning and directing the work of others; assigning and reviewing their work; advising them on difficult problems; timing and scheduling their work; and training and development. Experience in an office that is in the business of marketing, management, advertising, or in providing technical advice and direction to management, including the development of policies or procedures for the management and performance of employees. Citizenship Requirement: The State of Hawaii requires that all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States. Other Information: This position is exempt from the civil service and considered temporary in nature. Therefore, if you are appointed to the position, your employment will be considered to be "at will," which means that you may be discharged from your employment at the prerogative of your department head or designee at any time. Cover Letter and Resume Accepted by Email to: Jennifer.E.Chun@hawaii.gov Job Type: Full-time Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday Work Location: In person