Chief Research and Innovation Officer CRIO

Purpose of the Position

The Chief Research and Innovation Officer (CRIO) will serve as ARCs foremost leader in research analytics and policy innovation. This executivelevel role will oversee the Research and Analytics Department guiding the agencys efforts to integrate datadriven insights into regional planning and strategic decisionmaking.

The CRIO will play a pivotal role in shaping ARCs longterm vision aligning research with public policy priorities and fostering an environment of analytical excellence. Reporting directly to the CEO the CRIO will ensure ARC remains a national thought leader by applying cuttingedge methodologies engaging diverse stakeholders and translating complex data into actionable strategies.

The Candidate

ARC plays a pivotal role in the metro region by providing reliable economic and population data fostering strong community relationships and data access. The Research Department has made significant strides in community engagement using advanced tools and technologies to better present data. ARC publishes a wide range of materials including GIS portals and a popular blog contributing actively to applied research.

The successful candidate must be innately curious and collaborative with the ability to empower and encourage the team. Additionally the CRIO shouldhave a strong research background or consulting experience with expertise in health transportation policy demographics and data science as well as proven leadership and communitybuilding skills.

The role involves frequent media engagement stakeholder interactions and presenting data to inform decisionmaking while also overseeing a team of subject matter experts. The position requires strong technical competence in modelling and forecasting with a focus on innovation and adaptability. With unmatched breadth and responsibility this role has the potential to shape the regions future through applied research and strategic community engagement.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute a forwardthinking research agenda that informs ARCs strategic priorities including transportation housing economic development sustainability and infrastructure.
• Position ARC as a national model for datadriven decisionmaking by incorporating emerging technologies such as AI predictive analytics and digital twins.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO ensuring that research initiatives align with ARCs longterm policy and investment goals.
• Spearhead the development of integrated data systems to analyze crosssectoral challenges and opportunities.
• Identify new research frontiers to keep ARC ahead of regional and national trends.

Research Excellence & Innovation

• Lead highimpact research initiatives ensuring methodological rigor and actionable insights.
• Advance multidisciplinary collaboration across transportation land use housing and workforce development.
• Promote the adoption of cuttingedge data tools including GIS machine learning platforms and advanced modeling techniques.
• Maintain a culture of research integrity ensuring that ARCs data products meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

Program Development External Engagement & Fundraising

• Strengthen ARCs role as a regional and national thought leader by forging strategic partnerships with universities think tanks government agencies and private sector innovators.
• Lead regional and national research collaborations securing external funding to expand ARCs research capacity.
• Advocate for datadriven policies ensuring research findings influence local state and federal decisionmaking.
• Translate complex research into clear compelling insights for policymakers stakeholders and the public.
• Represent ARC in highprofile forums presenting research to national conferences legislative bodies and industry panels.

Organizational Leadership & Team Development

• Build and mentor a highperforming team of data scientists researchers and policy analysts.
• Foster a culture of innovation collaboration and professional growth.
• Oversee budgetary and resource allocation to ensure research excellence.
• Develop internal systems and frameworks to enhance operational efficiency and crossdepartmental integration.

• A graduate degree (PhD preferred) in data science public policy economics urban planning or a related field.
• A track record of research excellence and strategic leadership 15 years of experience preferred).

• Deep expertise in regional planning economic analysis and policy research.
• Proven ability to drive innovation through emerging research methodologies including predictive analytics big data and simulation modeling.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to advise senior leaders influence policy and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills capable of translating complex data into compelling narratives.
• Experience securing external funding and managing largescale research initiatives.

Additional Information

About ARC:

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency that focuses on issues critical to the regions success including growth and development transportation water resources services for older adults and workforce solutions. ARC is dedicated to unifying the regions collective resources to prepare the metropolitan area for a prosperous future. This is done through professional planning initiatives the provision of objective information and the involvement of the community in collaborative partnerships.

ARC Strategic Framework

Vision ONE great REGION

Mission Statement

The Atlanta Regional Commission fosters thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative datainformed planning and investments.

Our Goals

1. Healthy safe livable communitiesin the Atlanta metro area.
2. Strategic investmentsin people infrastructure mobility and preserving natural resources.
3. Regional services delivered withoperational excellenceandefficiency.
4. Diverse stakeholders engageand take a regional approach to solve local issues.
5. A competitive economythat is inclusive innovative and resilient.

Our Core Values

Excellence A commitment to doing our best and going above and beyond in every facet of our work allowing for innovative practices and actions to be created while ensuring our agencys and our colleagues success.

Equity We represent a belief that there are some things which people should have that there are basic needs that should be fulfilled that burdens and rewards should not be spread too divergently across the community and that policy should be directed with impartiality fairness and justice towards these ends.

Integrity In our conduct communication and collaboration with each other and the regions residents we will act with consistency honesty transparency fairness and accountability within and across each of our responsibilities and functions.

Application Process:

The Atlanta Regional Commission is looking for individuals who enjoy working in a public service environment where the mission is to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the Atlanta region.ARC serves as a forum where leaders come together to discuss and act on issues of regionwide consequence so it is important that our staff share the public entrepreneurial spirit that defines ARC.

As an Equal Opportunity EmployerARC does not discriminate on the basis of race color age national origin sex religion or disability.

For questions about recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation during the application interview or testing process please contact ARC ator Human Resources via email at .