Sr. Economist / Economist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Department of Taxation is seeking an expert-level Economist to join the Economic Analysis Unit. This senior-level role provides critical analytical support to the Secretary of Finance, the Tax Commissioner, and the Economic Analysis Director in the areas of revenue estimation, public finance, and tax policy analysis. The Economist Sr. will lead research efforts evaluating tax policy changes and emerging issues affecting Virginia’s economy and state revenue collections. The successful candidate will deliver data-driven insights, develop high‑quality revenue estimates, and communicate findings in a clear and accessible manner to audiences without technical backgrounds. The Economic Analysis Unit is responsible for reviewing all state tax legislation, assessing the fiscal impact of proposed changes, and analyzing the state implications of federal tax actions. The unit also evaluates potential executive and legislative initiatives and serves as a key resource on complex and highly technical tax issues. This position is ideal for a highly motivated professional with strong analytical skills and significant experience in economics, public finance, or related work. This position will be required to report to the Main Street Centre office in Richmond, VA. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule which would allow for telework on Monday and Friday and in office work required for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The anticipated hiring salary range is $80,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience. This position may be filled as an entry-level Economist (pay band 5) if the applicant pool does not meet the minimum requirements of an expert-level Economist.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience and skills with statistical techniques and statistics packages, including advanced Excel skills
Experience or the ability to conduct economic research, interpret data, and present analytical and statistical results to a non-technical audience
Experience drafting highly technical documents in a clear and concise manner
Experience communicating complex issues in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing
Considerable knowledge of economic theory
Considerable understanding of quantitative and qualitative research techniques
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and adjust work due to changing priorities

Nice To Haves

Work experience in economics, public policy, statistics, or related field
Experience with SAS and SQL/Oracle
Understanding of tax legislation and/or analysis and experience developing revenue estimates
Knowledge of public finance principles

Responsibilities

Lead research efforts evaluating tax policy changes and emerging issues affecting Virginia’s economy and state revenue collections.
Deliver data-driven insights.
Develop high-quality revenue estimates.
Communicate findings in a clear and accessible manner to audiences without technical backgrounds.
Review all state tax legislation.
Assess the fiscal impact of proposed changes.
Analyze the state implications of federal tax actions.
Evaluate potential executive and legislative initiatives.
Serve as a key resource on complex and highly technical tax issues.
Work overtime during the legislative session and as needed.