Economist/Economist Sr.

Title: Economist/Economist Sr.

State Role Title: Policy Planning Spec III

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Department of Taxation

Location: Main Street Center

Agency Website: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/work-with-us

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Tax Office of Tax Legislation and Economic Analysis is seeking an expert-level Economist in the Economic Analysis unit. This position will provide staff support to the Office of the Secretary of Finance, Tax Commissioner, and the Economic Analysis Director in the areas of revenue estimating and analysis, public finance, and tax reform analysis. The Economist Sr. will conduct the research and analysis of tax policies changes and issues relevant to Virginia Economy and Virginia revenue collections and provide data-driven insights to support decision-making.

The Economic Analysis unit analyzes all state tax legislation and develops revenue estimates to determine the impact of such legislation. This unit is also responsible for analyzing the state revenue implications of federal tax legislation, reviewing potential executive and legislation initiatives, and serving as a resource on highly technical and complex tax issues.

The candidate must be able to work independently and present data and conclusions in such a way that the results can be understood by those without a technical background. Because of the nature of the work, this position is well-suited for professionals with experience in economics and/or considerable related work experience.
 

This position will be required to report to the central office in Richmond, VA. This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule which would allow for telework on Monday and Friday and in office work is required for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


The anticipated hiring salary is commensurate with experience. This position may be filled as an entry-level Economist (pay band 5) if the applicant pool does not meet the minimum requirements of an expert-level Economist.


As a member of the Virginia Tax team, you can expect additional benefits such as: 

• Job stability and quality of life! Enjoy your work/life balance with flexible schedule options and up to two days of telework per week. 
• 12 Paid State holidays on top of vacation, sick, volunteer, and personal leave! 
• Comprehensive and affordable health benefits. 
• Got student loans? You may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. 
• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System, VA 457 Deferred Comp, and more. 


At Virginia Tax… 

We are dedicated, resourceful individuals who strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. Not only do we serve the public, but we are also the public. We are a part of a community that cares about and celebrates each other, who promote opportunities for growth within a stable environment, and support a healthy work-life balance.  

What we do matters. So do you. 

Minimum Qualifications

- Demonstrated experience and skills with statistical techniques and statistics packages, including advanced Excel skills

- Experience or the ability to conduct economic research, interpret data, and present analytical and statistical results to a non-technical audience

- Experience drafting highly technical documents in a clear and concise manner

- Experience communicating complex issues in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing

- Considerable knowledge of economic theory

- Considerable understanding of quantitative and qualitative research techniques

- Ability to work independently and in a team environment

- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and adjust work due to changing priorities

- Ability to work overtime during the legislative session and as needed

Additional Considerations

- Work experience in economics, public policy, statistics, or related field

- Experience with SAS and SQL/Oracle

- Understanding of tax legislation and/or analysis and experience developing revenue estimates

- Knowledge of public finance principles 

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

All Virginia Tax employees must be current with filing their Virginia state tax returns ensuring they were filed in compliance with established laws, rules and regulations. 
 
Selected candidate(s) will be required to consent to and successfully pass a background investigation which includes fingerprint-based criminal history, tax compliance, and DMV driving record (if applicable) checks. 
 
The selected candidate will be prohibited from performing tax or accounting services for compensation during or outside business hours. 
 
Virginia Tax is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard to race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, genetics, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities, if requested, during the application and/or interview process. If accommodations are needed, please contact Human Resources at (804) 786-3608. 
 
Virginia Tax is committed to providing equal opportunity to disabled individuals and willing to provide reasonable accommodations to enhance opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 
 
Virginia Tax participates in E-Verify. 
 
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application. 
 

Contact Information

Name: Virginia Tax Talent Acquisition Team

Phone: 804-786-3608 

Email: hroffice@tax.virginia.gov 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.