Senior Economist

State of Indiana • Indianapolis, IN

2d • $85,020

About The Position

The Senior Economist leads complex technical analysis for revenue forecasting and economic and fiscal analysis for the Indiana State Budget Agency. The role provides subject matter expertise to help the team address revenue growth and other responsibilities in a changing economic and policy landscape. Experience with tax and revenue legislation is highly desired.

The position advises the Chief Economist, the Office of Management & Budget, and the State Budget Agency on matters within the office’s scope. It contributes to the Indiana Revenue Forecast Technical Committee and administers local income tax distributions, reporting requirements, systems, and reserve management. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. Other duties may be assigned.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation. Additional work hours may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work; exempt employees may work more than 75 hours per pay period without additional compensation and must report at least 75 hours per pay period of work and/or paid leave to receive their base biweekly salary.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Public Administration, Business Management, or a closely related discipline, plus at least 4 years of demonstrated experience in forecasting, economics, and management reporting or presentations; or a bachelor’s degree in a listed or closely related discipline plus at least 6 years of such experience; or at least 10 years of such experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role. A degree is not required if the 10-year experience option is met.
• Extensive knowledge of economics, statistics, and quantitative analysis, including econometrics and other quantitative methodologies.
• Thorough knowledge of Indiana Code related to tax and revenue and understanding of the implications of tax law proposals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer literacy, especially in Excel and statistical software.
• Strong leadership and consensus-building skills.
• Highly proficient analytical skills in economics, statistics, and quantitative analysis.
• Ability to present, negotiate, and explain complex ideas to a wide range of individuals and institutions.
• Ability to critically analyze large volumes of complex data and proactively translate relevant information for leaders and stakeholders.
• Ability to quickly understand and interpret Indiana Code related to tax and revenue.
• Ability to stay current on national, state, and local taxation developments.
• Ability to work independently and in collaborative, cross-functional teams.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to provide feedback, guidance, or corrective action effectively.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with tax and revenue legislation is highly desired.
• Related certifications and coursework may be considered in place of education or experience.

Responsibilities

• Regularly update internal stakeholders on economic, tax, and revenue trends and projections.
• Monitor and direct the formulation and ongoing refinement of analysis, models, presentations, reports, and research.
• Produce economic, financial, and policy analysis of tax and revenue legislation.
• Manage and develop tools, dashboards, databases, presentations, and reports as needed.
• Serve as a source of information and perspectives on topics including sales and income taxes, income, and consumption.
• Strengthen communication and relationships needed to support the office’s mission.
• Advise the Chief Economist, Office of Management & Budget, and State Budget Agency on matters within the office’s scope.
• Participate in and contribute to the Indiana Revenue Forecast Technical Committee according to the Chief Economist’s guidelines.
• Administer local income tax distributions, reporting requirements, systems, and reserve management.
• Lead specific projects with analysts as determined by the Chief Economist.
• Lead financial and policy analysis of tax and revenue legislation.
• Complete management reports accurately and on time as required by the Chief Economist and state and federal statutes.
• Assist with reports and data validation for the annual fiscal year-end closeout process.
• Help lead database management and development of improved internal systems.
• Oversee daily and monthly revenue reports and commentary.
• Explain economic and tax trends, patterns, and other factors that cause significant deviations from forecasts or monthly estimates.
• Potentially supervise, depending on agency needs.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
• Health savings account with a bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
• Two fully funded pension plan options.
• Leave policies, including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus program.
• Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior