Head of Economic Research & Data Insights

NerdWallet

12d•$144,000 - $258,000•Remote

About The Position

NerdWallet is looking for a Senior Economist to be the analytical engine behind NerdWallet’s original research and to communicate it to the world. This role involves explaining economic research to media outlets, leading a team of data journalists, and building a public profile as an economist. The position reports to the Director, Public Relations & Communications.

Requirements

Advanced degree in Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a related quantitative field (PhD welcome; strong applied experience can substitute for a Master’s).
8+ years of applied economics experience, ideally in consumer finance, household economics, housing, or labor markets.
A public body of work: published research, commentary, or analysis written for a general audience.
Demonstrated comfort as a quoted expert across broadcast, podcast, print, or stage.
Willing and eager to be on camera and to build a social presence.
Hands-on quantitative skills: R or Python, SQL.
Fluency with survey methodology, including sampling, weighting, question design, and margin of error.
Understanding of the limits of first-party behavioral data (selection bias, panel drift, coverage gaps).
Exceptional writing skills.
Fluency with AI tools for research, coding, and analysis.
Editing and mentoring experience, or clear evidence of aptitude.

Nice To Haves

Existing media relationships.
An established audience or content franchise (newsletter, YouTube channel, podcast, large social following).
Experience at a data-PR-forward organization.
Experience building a research or data journalism function from scratch.
Familiarity with credit bureau, transaction-level, or open banking data.
A track record with policymakers, regulators, or congressional testimony.

Responsibilities

Set and own NerdWallet’s economic research and reports, including flagship annual studies, recurring indices, and one-off investigations.
Conduct original quantitative analysis using various data sources such as NerdWallet’s data, commissioned consumer surveys, federal statistics, and private sector datasets.
Design and interpret survey research, writing reports on new and relevant topics.
Develop and publish commentary on major data releases (CPI, jobs report, FOMC, GDP, housing) promptly.
Maintain NerdWallet’s editorial standards for methodology, sourcing, and writing.
Collaborate with the Communications team to translate findings into pitchable angles.
Maintain a forward-looking pipeline of data narratives tied to seasonal, cultural, and policy moments.
Identify unique data insights and advocate for investment in those areas.
Develop supporting materials for journalists, such as talking points, backgrounders, and methodology documentation.
Serve as NerdWallet’s primary economic voice across national media (broadcast, print, digital, podcast).
Build and sustain relationships with reporters and producers.
Build a personal public presence on social and video platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn) with team support.
Represent NerdWallet at conferences, media dinners, and briefings with policymakers, partners, and executives.
Lead, mentor, and edit a small team of data journalists.
Own the editorial calendar for data studies and ensure the quality of all published data.
Raise economic and data literacy across the editorial organization through training, guidelines, and coaching.
Act as an internal advisor, connecting macro conditions to audience and business insights.

Benefits

Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision health care plans for employees and their dependents
Flexible Vacation Time Off
11 holidays
Holiday company shutdown
New Parent Leave
Mental health support
Paid sabbatical after 5 years
Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly NerdWallet contribution
Monthly Wellness Stipend
Cell Phone Stipend
Wifi Stipend (for remote Nerds)
Work from home equipment stipend (for remote Nerds)
Co-working space subsidy (for remote Nerds)
Nerd-led group initiatives – Employee Resource Groups
Hackathons and team events
Company-wide events
8 hours of volunteer time off per quarter
Company match for donations to favorite causes
401K with 4% company match
Financial wellness, guidance, and unlimited access to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through Northstar
Disability and Life Insurance with employer-paid premiums