Senior Economist

Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Des Moines, IA; Portland, OR or Virtual

About Common Sense Institute

Common Sense Institute (CSI) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to developing deep insights into critical policy issues facing the nation. We believe sound fiscal and economic research is essential to uphold economic vitality, future, and individual opportunity. We examine the economic impact of policies, initiatives, and proposed laws by employing dynamic modeling that accurately measures the impact of each measure on the economy and individual opportunity. To fully achieve our mission, we actively promote these solutions through the education of policy experts, lawmakers, community leaders, and the general public.

 

About the Role

As a trained and skilled economist, the Senior Economist is the technical expert in supporting the production of CSI research. The Senior Economist is responsible for both creating and carrying out the methods to estimate economic, fiscal, and other impacts related to research and content of CSI releases.

The Senior Economist reports to the CEO, but works collaboratively with CSI staff, CSI Fellows and stakeholders in a team-oriented environment. The Senior Economist must also support organizational efforts to communicate and distribute CSI research through public speaking, media, events and other outreach efforts. This person will be expected to produce high-quality work in CSI’s fast-paced environment.

This role can be executed from any of the CSI offices in Denver, Phoenix, Des Moines or Portland, OR. It can also be entirely virtual in the United States.

 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

  • Economic Analysis – Responsible for supporting detailed project scopes of work and contributing expert research and analysis
    • Organize and maintain datasets for recurring projects
    • Maintain transparent techniques that allow for transparency in report documentation
    • Estimate economic impacts through use of internally developed models and licensed software such as REMI and IMPLAN
  • Development of Report Content– Responsible for ensuring that CSI research and publications are of high quality and contain findings and insights that support CSI’s mission
    • Write and approve of project scopes of work
    • Write/edit/partial formatting of report drafts
    • Engage with CSI management and key stakeholders for approval of scopes of work and key findings
  • Research Content Distribution and Public Education – Responsible for supporting the research release efforts
    • Provide feedback and ideas to the CSI public relations and marketing staff for the creation of final distribution materials such as final reports, one-pagers, presentations and social media posts
    • Engage in efforts to educate voters through both CSI and third-party group presentations, stakeholder meetings media appearances, public testimony and other events
  • Research Staff Management – Responsible for working with Directors of Policy & Research to organize workflow of research staff and ensure timely and accurate production of research
    • Develop team member assignments, roles and tasks for completing research projects
    • Collaborate and manage CSI Fellows with their research projects
    • Provide feedback and support to CSI research staff to help professional advancement and to improve their ability to contribute to CSI

 

MUST HAVE:

  • 5+ years of experience in a relevant role
  • Excellent technical and analytical skills
  • Experience with economic impact and simulation models including IMPLAN and REMI
  • Demonstrated history of producing high quality economic analysis across a combination of economic modeling, and data analysis
  • Proficiency in excel for the purpose of data analysis and modeling
  • High level of integrity and commitment to free enterprise issues and the mission of CSI
  • Possess an excess amount of determination and optimism in core DNA
  • Strong ability to collaborate and work within small teams
  • Excellent writing and communication skills

 

PREFERRED:

  • Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Economics or related field
  • Background working with free enterprise think tank or research institute
  • Previous work directly related to public policy and economic analysis
  • Experience managing large projects and engaging external stakeholders 

 

Salary Range:

 $120,000-$150,000 annually depending on experience, negotiable upon interview

 

Benefits: 

  • 401k after one year of employment; up to 4% match
  • 50% Health Care Coverage for individual and family
  • 15 paid vacation days
  • 14 paid holidays off; including Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day
  • Paid Sick-Leave
  • Friday Virtual Days (optional)
  • Annual educational and professional development support
  • Option between childcare, elderly care or pet-care assistance
    •  

Application Instructions

Please submit the following application materials as one PDF at the link below:

  • Resume (highlighting any policy, research, and/or data experience)
  • Cover letter explaining your interest in CSI, your approach to objective research, and what distinguishes you
  • 2-3 professional references
  • A writing sample or prior analysis on a research question of relevant interest.

Applications should be submitted to: alyssa@csinstituteus.org.

Questions can be directed to Alyssa Zambrano at alyssa@csinstituteus.org.

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered.