The City of Richmond’s Office of Budget & Strategic Planning is looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to make an impact on the city and our community. Joining this dynamic team requires a progressive thinker who can work with a team of highly functioning professional critical thinkers who are consistently motivated to learn and develop more effective services while on site. The Office of Budget & Strategic Planning provides vital information, insight, and recommendations to the Chief Administrative Officer and other city officials on a variety of public policy issues. The City Economist will serve a pivotal role in analyzing tax policy, forecasting city revenues and expenditures, and understanding economic and demographic trends to inform and advise city leaders in the decision-making process.

This position is UNCLASSIFIED and serves at the will of the Appointing Authority.

• Research and analyze economic issues
• Understand tax policy and implications of potential changes
• Forecast expenditures and revenues
• Conduct demographic and socio-economic research to determine future areas of need to be addressed
• Collect and process economic and statistical data using econometric and sampling techniques
• Conduct surveys as necessary
• Study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues
• Analyze society and market distribution of resources, such as raw materials, land, human labor and capital to create goods and services
• Collect data, analyze reports, utilize modeling techniques, study forecasts and produce reports
• Conduct demographic research and produce recommendations and reports based on trend analysis
• Conduct complex mathematical analysis and provide sound advice based on findings
• Evaluate quantitative data to recommend sound fiscal and policy
• Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to aid in solution of economic problems arising from production and distribution of goods and services
• Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques
• Develop economic guidelines and standards to formulate economic policy
• Analyze current economic trends and forecast future economic trends to give the organization a competitive advantage
• Collect and analyze data necessary to form public policy recommendations
• Study economic and statistical data in areas of finance, labor, or population
• Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets
• Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers
• Estimate effects of changes in legislation or public policy and present recommendations based on sound analyses
• Exercise sound expert independent judgment and display discernment when communicating confidential material

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Must have strong mathematical, analytical, computer, and technology skills. Must be able to prioritize tasks and pay careful attention to details. Public sector work experience (preferred). Knowledge of demographic research a plus. This position requires at least three years of related experience. Proficiency in Excel and Word are required. Demonstrated experience in writing, critical, and analytical thinking. Able to prepare and present written reports with recommendations that are easily understandable. This position requires a willingness to learn and self-starters are encouraged to apply. Ability to work closely with others who want to build a remarkable and vibrant city is a must.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• 
  Master’s degree in Economics or a related field
• Three years of journey-level professional experience in area related to assignment, such as program/project management or management/policy/financial analysis
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

• Ph.D. in Economics or Statistical Analysis
• Public sector work experience
• This position requires at least three years of related experience.

With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. Offering a competitive, cost effective, and quality benefits package is one element of an "Employer of Choice".

The City offers a full range of benefit programs from initial hire through retirement. Please visit our Web site for details.