(1) Full-time position

The opportunity
Employment Security Department is recruiting to fill a Chief Economist position within the Labor Market and Economic Analysis (LMEA) branch. This position plays a key role in leading the Economic and Policy Analysis unit’s research efforts using basic labor market information as well as other key economic variables that determine trends which affect the state's economy.

This position acts as the spokesperson for the agency on the current state of the labor market and represents the agency at forecast council meetings, on the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, and on other councils as needed.  Attends local and national meetings related to the provision of labor market information and the state of the economy. The position manages a team of approximately five economic analysts. The team is responsible for analyzing and forecasting regular movements of Washington's labor market for both internal and external customers; undertaking in-depth research projects on the labor market, and overseeing the preparation and execution of four major labor market publications.

This position is a Washington Management Service (WMS) Band 3 employment opportunity.

Major duties
The primary job duties are to identify the agency’s information needs and thereby design and direct research studies that support these needs.

The goals and objectives of this job are:

• Leading the Economic & Policy Analysis unit’s research efforts using basic labor market information as well as other key economic variables that determine trends which affect the state economy.

   

• Communicating the research and analysis in a variety of formats including written and oral presentations for policymakers and business organizations.

   

• Providing statewide labor market information and analysis in support of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program as required by the Employment and Training Administration.

   

• Producing statewide labor market information packages for the state.

   

• Special studies and job impact analyses in support of state and local employment, training, education, and job-creating programs.

   

• Activities that prevent job loss, reduce employment and create jobs as required by RCW 50.38.050.

   

• Developing and delivering statewide labor market information which can support local job and worker development.

   

Required qualifications
Masters in Economics, public finance or closely allied field and four years of experience with increasing responsibility in research and supervision.

Four years management experience, proven ability to manage staff, including performance management, corrective action, and employee recognition. This includes managing staff that are located in off- site offices throughout the state. Ability to be successful in managing and prioritizing a varied and highly demanding workload and working independently with minimal supervision.
 
Two years experience in manipulating and analyzing large databases, producing reports and presenting complex results to a lay audience.

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.

Two years experience writing macroeconomic analytical reports based on state and local employment statistics data.

Desired qualifications

• Highly developed writing and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of macro-economics and applied economic theory.
• Broad, first-hand knowledge of the composition and structure of the state economy.
• Strong statistics and econometric background.
• Familiarity with labor market and economic data sources and economic forecasting.
• Managerial experience including personnel and budgets; supervisory experience.
• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously.
• Regional economics research capability.
• Background in the design and direction of major research studies.
• Ability to work in a high-performance team environment.

Why we work here
Employment Security employees:

• Make a difference in the lives of people looking for work.
• Receive affordable, quality healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision options.
• Get a generous, paid time-off package.
• Enjoy an employer-funded retirement plan.
• Can sign up for a deferred-compensation program, flexible-spending accounts and tuition reimbursement.
• Work in a challenging and fun environment with creative, talented, and diverse individuals.

How to apply

Complete and submit:

1) Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this opportunity

2) Résumé

3) Three professional references

Send your complete applicant package via e-mail to HRrecruiting@esd.wa.gov. Please reference the recruitment number in your email subject line.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete applicant package and follow the application instructions. Incomplete applicant packages will not be considered.

• Application materials must be in Word format (no PDF or scanned files).
• A signature is not required on the application form.
• Please do not password-protect the application form.
• Only electronically submitted materials are accepted.

The application package will be evaluated on quality and completeness as part of the screening/evaluation process. Should you have any questions regarding the application process please check the Frequently Asked Questions - Jobs at Employment Security page.

Agency profile
Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the largest executive agencies in Washington State government. The mission of Employment Security Department is to help Washington's workers and employers succeed in the global economy by delivering superior employment services, timely unemployment benefits, and a fair and stable unemployment insurance system.

Budget, Policy & Communications Division profile
Services include:

1. Labor Market and Economic Analysis information for employers and others.
2. Financial Management, meeting regulatory requirements and optimizing the use of agency financial resources.
3. Office Services, managing the agency's facilities, procurements, mail, records, printing, fleet, and exposure to risk.
4. Communications, responsible for internal and external communications throughout the agency.
5. Policy and Legislation, providing policy, analytic, research, and management assistance, and leading legislative efforts.
6. Budget and Performance, monitoring and managing the agency's budgets and performance.

Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternate format should provide contact information via e-mail, or via telecommunications device for the deaf at 800-676-3777.