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Chief Economist ,

This position conducts research and analysis on the labor market, as well as other key economic variables to determine trends affecting the state economy. In addition, this position communicates complex economic and statistical information in relevant terms based on business, policy, programmatic and societal needs. This position serves as the agency’s Chief Economist and serves in strengthening economic development in the state by providing relevant labor market information about the state’s changing economy. This position provides intellectual leadership on the state’s economy by providing labor market information to inform policy makers in the state and nation. The research and analysis is communicated in a variety of formats including written and oral presentations for a wide range of internal and external customers. The position is also responsible for managing the LMEA unit’s regional labor economists.

The mission of the Employment Security Department (ESD) is to help Washington's workers and employers succeed in the global economy by delivering superior employment services, timely benefits, and a fair and stable unemployment insurance system. The mission of the Labor Market and Economic Analysis (LMEA) branch is to support the Workforce Development System in Washington State by providing businesses, individuals, and other customers with the labor market information they need to succeed in a changing economy.

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW 50.38.050) designates the Employment Security Department (ESD) as the official source of Labor Market Information (LMI) in Washington State. State and federal laws mandate the use of labor market information in the planning, coordinating, management, implementation and evaluation of certain programs.

Duties:

  • Provide forward-looking analysis and identify state economic trends to help Washington advance high-quality policy support on local, national, regional and global economic concerns.
  • Strengthen Washington’s contribution to global development policy debates of strategic relevance to the state’s economy and thereby inform ESD’s executive leadership on key national and statewide forums.
  • Based on strategic economic analysis, advise ESD senior leaders on emerging and long-term economic trends affecting the state, and their policy and programmatic implications.
  • Provide intellectual leadership on applied research and policy development. Lead high-quality and relevant economics research, providing forward-looking economic policy advice related to strengthening Washington’s economy.
  • Collaborate with key external partners, including the Governor’s Office, state and federal legislators, state and federal agencies and the media.
  • Analyze and forecast regular movements of Washington's labor market for both internal and external customers.
  • Oversee the preparation and execution of regular labor market publications.
  • Present work products to both internal and external customers (including agency leadership, legislators, the Governor’s Office and the media), in oral and written form.
  • Serve as the spokesperson for the agency on the current state of the labor market and represent the agency at the state’s Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meetings, on the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors and on other entities as needed.
  • Attend local, state and national meetings related to the provision of labor market information and the state of the economy.
  • Manage LMEA’s regional labor economists.
  • Actively participate on branch leadership team.

Qualifications:

  • High level understanding and strategic vision of national economic trends and the opportunities and challenges they present for a competitive Washington within the context of a global economy.
  • Proven intellectual leadership in economic and statistical methods and a demonstrated understanding of relevant information dissemination approaches.
  • Ability to apply rigorous analytics, undertake, oversee and guide research and analyze economic development issues within the broader framework of global economic analysis and labor market information.
  • Demonstrated clear and convincing communicator of ideas in writing and in person, and ability to defend and explain difficult and complex issues with respect to key decisions and positions.
  • Ability to develop the potential of individuals and teams through inspired, fair and respectful management.
  • An advanced degree in economics, public finance or closely allied field.
  • Five to seven years of experience as a professional economist, serving in a management or lead role, with experience in the formulation and implementation of labor market information programs and projects in either the public or private sectors.
  • Familiarity with labor market and economic data sources and economic forecasting.
  • Knowledge of macro-economics and applied economic theory.
  • Strong statistics and econometric background.
  • Regional economics research capability.
  • Background in the design and direction of major research studies.
  • Proven ability to develop and manage quality assurance and data integrity systems and processes.
  • Highly developed writing and presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to work in a high-performance team environment.

Desired Qualifications

  • Knowledge and understanding of agency organization and mission, including branch goals and objectives.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Washington’s economy and the legislative process.

Supplemental Information:

Application process
Submit a resume, cover letter describing how you qualify for this position, and three professional recommendations. We would prefer you to email your application packet to:

Kelly Schimelfenig at kschimelfenig@esd.wa.gov.

or, mail to:

Employment Security Department
Budget, Performance & Research Division
ATTN: Kelly Schimelfenig
PO Box 9046
Olympia, WA 98507-9046

For questions concerning this recruitment, contact Kelly Schimelfenig at (360) 902-9343, or via e-mail at kschimelfenig@esd.wa.gov.

Initial screening of application packages will begin on April 20, 2012.