Economist

The Independent Budget Office (IBO) is recruiting for an Economist with a developed interest in economic policy and taxation to join our economics team. IBO’s responsibility under the New York City Charter is to provide impartial, nonpartisan information and analysis on the city budget, tax revenues, and the local economy, and to issue public reports on city budgetary and policy matters in order to enhance the understanding and decision making of elected officials, government and nonprofit stakeholders, and the public.

The economics team conducts fiscal policy research focused on the city and its tax base, generates economic and revenue forecasts as part of IBO’s mandate in the City Charter, and responds to requests for information and analysis from IBO’s various constituents. Duties include preparing written reports, presentations, infographics, and testimony for City Council hearings. An IBO Economist position offers a unique opportunity to work with city financial and administrative data to study and inform public policy.

Qualifications and Skills:

Candidates with a strong interest in New York City’s tax landscape along with research experience in specific aspects of state and local public finance are ideal. Expertise in the City’s economy, generally, or in an area of particular importance to New York City’s economic environment—including the financial, tourism, and information sectors—is a plus. A Ph.D. in economics, public policy, or a related field is preferred; equivalent work experience with graduate-level education may substitute. Experience in an applied research organization and writing for both policy-oriented and general audiences will be strongly considered.

Candidates should be detail-oriented, analytic and able to demonstrate skills in quantitative research and rigorous policy analysis, and should also have excellent writing and public presentation skills with the ability to present complicated research and policy issues using plain language for a wide range of audiences. Commitment to impartial and independent research is essential. Experience using R, SAS, or similar coding packages to process and prepare large complex datasets is preferred.

A successful candidate should be comfortable interacting with elected officials, government agency staff, policy advocates, among other stakeholders. An ability to work independently, juggle multiple assignments, collaborate on projects within and across teams, take initiative and meet deadlines is critical.

Salary range: $78,280 to $115,000, depending on experience

Other Information:

New York City residency must be established within 90 days of appointment and is required for the first two years of city service, after which employees may reside in Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester Counties. Foreign nationals must have a valid permanent resident card (“green card”) or renewable work permit. 

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. 

As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at nyc.gov/studentloans. 

IBO maintains hybrid work schedules.

How to Apply:

Send a resume and cover letter to resumes@ibo.nyc.gov by January 31, 2025

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Only candidates that are invited to interview will be contacted.