Economic Data Analyst (Transportation & Infrastructure)

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) – Consultant Assignment Location: World Trade Center, New York, NY (Hybrid – 4 Days Onsite) Duration: 12-Month Assignment Start Date: Immediate Security Requirement: Must be eligible to obtain SWAC ID and Port Authority security clearance. About the Opportunity The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is seeking an Economic Data Analyst to support strategic planning, transportation analysis, economic forecasting, and infrastructure investment decision-making across one of the nation's largest transportation agencies. The successful candidate will combine strong quantitative analysis skills with transportation, economic, and demographic research expertise to develop data-driven insights supporting agency planning, capital investment analysis, and policy evaluation. This role is ideal for early-career professionals with experience in economics, transportation planning, statistics, public policy analysis, or related analytical disciplines. Key ResponsibilitiesData Collection & Quantitative Analysis • Collect, organize, validate, and analyze large economic, demographic, and transportation datasets. • Utilize public data sources including: • U.S. Census Bureau • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) • Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) • U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) • Identify and communicate trends impacting transportation demand, infrastructure investments, inflation, labor markets, and remote work patterns. • Develop analytical datasets and dashboards using Excel, Power BI, and statistical software. • Support automation of recurring data collection and reporting processes using Python or R. • Perform statistical and econometric analysis to support planning initiatives and executive decision-making. Research & Reporting • Conduct qualitative and quantitative market research. • Perform literature reviews and summarize research findings. • Monitor economic releases and prepare analytical commentary. • Produce reports, presentations, briefing materials, and executive summaries. • Translate complex analytical findings into actionable business insights. Required QualificationsEducation • Bachelor's Degree in: • Economics • Statistics • Finance • Transportation Planning • Public Policy • Data Analytics • Related quantitative discipline Experience • 1–3 years of professional experience in: • Economic analysis • Transportation analysis • Statistical research • Public sector analytics • Infrastructure planning Technical Skills • Advanced Microsoft Excel • Power BI • Microsoft Word • PowerPoint • Microsoft Access • R, Python, Stata, EViews, or similar analytical software • Data visualization and reporting Analytical Knowledge • Statistics • Econometrics • Economic forecasting • Benefit-Cost Analysis • Economic Impact Analysis • Transportation Activity Analysis Preferred Qualifications • Master's Degree in Economics, Statistics, Transportation Planning, Public Policy, Data Science, or related field. • Experience supporting transportation agencies, infrastructure organizations, consulting firms, MPOs, airports, rail, transit, ports, or public-sector organizations. • Experience working with large, complex datasets and database queries. • Experience automating data extraction and reporting workflows. • Familiarity with infrastructure capital planning and transportation policy analysis. What Makes a Candidate Competitive Candidates with the highest likelihood of consideration will demonstrate: • Transportation or infrastructure sector analytics experience • Strong econometric and statistical modeling capabilities • Experience using Census, BLS, FRED, and USDOT datasets • Advanced Excel and Power BI proficiency • Python or R programming experience • Strong report writing and executive presentation skills • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced project environment