Chief Economist recruitment

  POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Under the support and direction of the Council, supervise the preparation of all economic and revenue forecasts and the presentation of state budget outlooks for Washington State.   Closely monitor current economic and revenue conditions and developments in order to provide policy makers with an early indication of possible deviation from the official forecast.   Oversee, develop, operate and maintain econometric models and conduct comprehensive economic and revenue studies as requested.   Prepare and present findings through written reports and public presentations to diverse audiences nationwide.   Direct all external communications including responding to legislative, agency and media requests.   Prepare monthly basis reports to the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council and Workgroup Members, comparing tax collections from all revenue agencies.   Prepare the employment growth forecast and estimated revenue from tuition fees.   Provide support to the pension funding council.  

CANDIDATE PROFILE

We are most interested in candidates who possess the following:

A Master’s degree in economics and at least five years professional experience in economic and tax analysis and forecasting on a state or comparable level. A Ph.D. may be substituted for four years of experience.

Two or more years experience leading teams of professionals.

Expert-level knowledge of economic and tax theory, statistical research methods, economic and revenue forecasting techniques, and public finance.

Extensive experience with the development and over-sight of demographic, econometric and simulation based forecasts of governmental variables such as population, employment, and tax revenues.

Outstanding written and oral communications skills with the ability to communicate with people at all levels and deliver public presentations to diverse audiences.

Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders such as state agencies, the Legislature, businesses and professional organizations.

An understanding of governance at the state level including the state budgeting process and tax structure.

Experience working with boards, commissions, legislative committees or other executive committees, and demonstrated ability to work with legislators and other policy makers.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Persons interested in this position should submit the following information:

If you have questions regarding this announcement, please call Marissa Karras at 360-956-1336.This position will remain open until filled. In order to be considered for the first round of interviews please submit your application materials by July 17, 2012 to marissa@karrasconsulting.net or by fax to 360-956-1348.

Washington State is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. We will provide assistance in the recruitment, application and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance.