Seattle, Washington, United States · On-site
Description Reporting Relationship Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives Status Temporary, part-time, 20 hours per week *Varies days* Schedule Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 2-7 p.m. depending on concert schedules.…
Skills: Data Analysis, Tableau, ArcGIS, Neon, Placer.ai
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Support the research team by analyzing mobility and visitation data to inform policy and economic development strategies. Create interactive dashboards and reports to communicate trends in foot traffic, public safety, and downtown activity.
Requires proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong communication and organizational skills. Experience with data tools like Tableau and ArcGIS, as well as a willingness to work flexible hours in an urban outdoor environment, is preferred.
Description
Reporting Relationship
Director, Research & Strategic Initiatives
Status
Temporary, part-time, 20 hours per week Varies days
Schedule
Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 2-7 p.m. depending on concert schedules. Weekend availability
July 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
Overview
At the Downtown Seattle Association, our mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. Research at the Downtown Seattle Association provides data-driven insights that inform policy, economic development, and public realm strategies. The team analyzes real-time inputs—from MID ambassador observations to platforms like Placer.ai, Tableau, ArcGIS, Neon, and Datafy—to track trends in foot traffic, public safety, and downtown activity. These insights are translated into dashboards, reports, and briefings that communicate impact, guide decision-making, and support DSA’s advocacy efforts.
Position Overview
This role will support DSA’s research team in advancing data-driven policy, legislative, and stakeholder engagement priorities. The intern will assist in analyzing and synthesizing incoming data from MID ambassadors and Placer.ai to help measure and communicate the impact of DSA’s work. Responsibilities include supporting research, data visualization, and reporting efforts, as well as contributing to communications, coalition coordination, and on-the-ground support for key initiatives that strengthen downtown Seattle’s economic vitality and public realm.
Duties and Tasks
Provide administrative, research, and data analysis support to the research team across policy, government affairs, and campaign initiatives
Use Tableau to build and maintain interactive dashboards that visualize trends in foot traffic, public safety, and economic activity for internal and external audiences
Use ArcGIS to map and analyze spatial data, including geographic patterns in downtown activity, public safety incidents, and neighborhood-level economic conditions
Use Neon to manage and analyze stakeholder, member, and engagement data to inform outreach strategies and coalition-building efforts
Use Placer.ai to analyze mobility and visitation patterns, including foot traffic trends, dwell time, and visitor origin data, to assess downtown performance and activation impacts
Use Datafy to track and interpret real-time downtown indicators, supporting reporting on cleanliness, safety, and overall district conditions
Synthesize data across platforms to produce clear, compelling insights for dashboards, presentations, economic reports, and policy briefings
Develop dashboards, presentations, and economic reports that communicate trends in foot traffic, public safety, and downtown economic activity
Provide support to the research team as needed
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Strong customer service skills with the ability to engage with diverse members of the public.
Willingness to be helpful and make a difference in our community.
Ability to take direction
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to interact professionally with clients and demonstrate good judgment
Highly organized and attentive to details with excellent follow-through
Ability to work occasional early morning, evenings, weekends, and holidays
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel
Marketing skills, with the ability to help with live social media posts a plus.
Concert and/or live production experience a plus.
Knowledge of the downtown area and how to get around is a plus.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work Environment – mostly in an office setting. Some work may require you to be in the parks and public spaces in downtown Seattle, outdoors in all weather conditions, and in Urban outdoor conditions
Physical Demands – Sitting or standing for long periods of time and walking in the downtown area on hills and uneven terrain.
Our Mission: To create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all
Established in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. With the support of our corporate, nonprofit and residential members, we work to keep downtown economically competitive, address transportation challenges and ensure a safe, clean and inviting urban experience for workers, residents and visitors. DSA founded the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID), a 300-square-block business improvement district in downtown. With funding from MID ratepayers, we employ more than 150 ambassadors who provide cleaning, safety, concierge and outreach services throughout downtown. In partnership with city and county agencies, DSA also founded Commute Seattle, a transportation management agency that provides commuting resources for workers and businesses. For more information, visit downtownseattle.org.
Offices: 1809 7th Ave., Suite 900, Seattle, Washington 98101, US · 423 Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington 98101, US
Our Mission: To create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all
Established in 1958, the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) is a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. With the support of our corporate, nonprofit and residential members, we work to keep downtown economically competitive, address transportation challenges and ensure a safe, clean and inviting urban experience for workers, residents and visitors. DSA founded the Metropolitan Improvement District (MID), a 300-square-block business improvement district in downtown. With funding from MID ratepayers, we employ more than 150 ambassadors who provide cleaning, safety, concierge and outreach services throughout downtown. In partnership with city and county agencies, DSA also founded Commute Seattle, a transportation management agency that provides commuting resources for workers and businesses. For more information, visit downtownseattle.org.
Offices: 1809 7th Ave., Suite 900, Seattle, Washington 98101, US · 423 Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington 98101, US
