Market Research Analyst

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About Us

Are you ready to help us build critical infrastructure that truly matters? At Aligned, we are driven by the belief that our projects should empower and uplift the communities they call home. As we scale, we are searching for a passionate Market Research Analyst who shares our vision for purpose-driven development. As our Brand Strategy team hones and amplifies our story, this role is at the heart of our data-informed strategy, ensuring that, from our internal growth to our community integrations, we are making the best choices for the markets we serve.

The Role

As our Market Research Analyst, you will be the analytical engine behind our impact strategies. Your insights will directly inform how we scale our marketing and communications impact, recruit, and foster deep alignment with the communities we invest in.

Key Responsibilities

• Community Sentiment & Fit: Ensure our projects align with local values by analyzing "hearts + minds" reports and synthesizing data from Flypower and Paces reports to gauge regional sentiment.

• Economic & Demographic Analysis: Identify areas open to revitalization by analyzing macroeconomic trends, including industrial decline, regional population loss or exodus.

• Social Impact & "Gravity": Use geographic and socioeconomic data to pinpoint areas experiencing "gravity" issues - such as food deserts and the digital divide - so our infrastructure can help bridge gaps and uplift communities.

• Internal Impact & Forecasting: Build models to quantify our holistic impact on communities. Estimate job creation numbers (construction, full-time, and ancillary roles), project how tax revenue could be turned into best perceived value, and track total marketing investment across city, county, and state levels and their impact.

• Environmental Stewardship: Identify sustainable development opportunities, such as incorporating wetland restoration areas or repurposing struggling agricultural land for higher-use infrastructure.

Who You Are

• Data-Driven Strategist: You know how to take disparate data points (from economic indicators to power grids) and weave them into a cohesive, actionable strategy.

• Community-Minded: You understand that building critical infrastructure isn't just about concrete and steel; it’s about the people, the local economy, and the environment.

• Analytical & Curious: You are proficient in economic modeling, geographic/spatial analysis, and digesting complex external reports (like Paces or Flypower) to find the "so what."

• Collaborative Communicator: You can translate dense research into clear insights for leadership, recruiting teams, and project managers to ensure we are scaling responsibly and effectively.

Qualifications

• Experience in research, data science, market analysis, economics, urban planning, or a related field.

• Strong proficiency with data modeling, forecasting, and reporting tools.

• Familiarity with infrastructure development, energy markets, or land use/zoning, is a strong plus.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Aligned Data Centers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Eligible employees have access to:

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts:  HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants.  FSA's offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)
• Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage
• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us.

Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.