Senior economist

Please note: The starting salary offer will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications within the budgeted salary range of $115,008- $133,212 annually. However, there is the potential for longevity, growth, and salary progression for the individual once employed.

Hybrid: Our physical office is in Olympia, WA. We offer flexible work schedules and locations. This is a hybrid position where most of the work allows for telework. However, you will need to travel for in-person activities, meetings, and events as business needs require.

Why work for OFM:

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) serves as the backbone of Washington state government. Our mission is to make our state a better place by connecting people, budgets, policies, data, and systems for state agencies and the Legislature. Our team includes budget advisors, researchers, and other experts, all dedicated public servants working towards an equitable future for every Washingtonian. If you want to play a key role in enhancing how state government serves its citizens, you’ve found the right place. Join us in making a meaningful difference for every Washingtonian!

The job opportunity:

The Office of Financial Management’s mission is to provide accurate and timely information, fiscal services, and policy support that the Governor, Legislature, and state agencies need to serve the people of Washington State. The Forecasting and Research Division provides high-quality data and objective analyses on key issues affecting the state budget and policy development, including economic trends, population estimates, health care, education, and public safety.

The Senior Economist position is a professional, highly complex role responsible for conducting economic and revenue research, forecasts, and analyses under minimal supervision. Intensive, in-depth analysis of technical issues as well as broad, multi-faceted assignments for the Governor, Governor’s senior staff and OFM staff, the Legislature, and legislative agencies on a wide variety of issues and policies are also a responsibility of this position.

What you’ll work on:

• Conduct forecasts and analysis of economic and revenue data and trends as assigned, including Annual short-term net migration and long-term labor force and nonfarm employment forecasts.
• Quarterly state revenue forecasts for internal use.
• Annual Median Household Income estimates by county.
• Annual Washington Trends chapters summarizing economic trends, population changes, socioeconomic conditions, budget drivers, and revenues, and expenditures for the general public.
• Weekly and monthly reports to keep agency leadership up-to-date regarding economic trends.
• Fulfill ad hoc data requests, produce briefing papers, and other duties.
• Analyze complex economic and revenue issues.
• Create complex econometric models to forecast tax and fee revenues.
• Produce ad hoc analysis and reports in response to requests by OFM budget and Governor’s policy staff, legislators, and legislative staff on a wide range of topics.
• Help prepare fiscal notes, present findings in legislative committee work sessions, and fulfill other requests during legislative sessions.
• Support Input-Output Model development, maintenance, and use as requested by the Lead Senior Economist.
• Communicate results in written products and oral presentations.

What we need you to bring:

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge and applied skills in quantitative economic research and forecasting.
• Working knowledge of state and national economic and employment data and inflation measures and indices.
• Competence in data analysis using statistical and spreadsheet software such as R, SAS, EViews, Gauss, and MS Excel.
• Ability to convert data and analysis to practical, understandable information.
• Experience using, maintaining, and updating input-output models.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Experience working on multiple projects at a time effectively without close supervision.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or other graduate degree in economics or other quantitative research.
• Considerable (approximately three or more years) experience in conducting economic research studies, forecasting, and/or data analysis in a government setting.

Supplemental Information

What we offer At OFM, we foster a culture of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging. We value both learned and lived experiences, believing that diversity makes us stronger. To support your health and well-being, we offer a variety of benefit programs for our employees.

Application Process:

Once you’ve decided to apply for a state government job, you’ll complete an online application to showcase your qualifications. Please ensure you provide clear, detailed information about your work history so your qualifications can be accurately assessed. We will contact the top candidates directly to schedule interviews.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please call 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

The Office of Financial Management is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects diversity in culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity.