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Research Economist

  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior, Mid & Senior Level
  • Government & Politics
    Research & Development
  • Washington

AI generated summary

  • You need a strong grasp of public-private partnerships in housing and energy, excellent communication skills, a Ph.D. or advanced degree with relevant experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • You will conduct economic analyses, lead meetings, publish research, develop financial models, manage key data, and report findings to support housing and community development initiatives.

Requirements

  • Strong understanding of the economic underpinnings of placed-based public-private partnerships and the tax incentives associated with affordable housing, community development, historic preservation and renewable/clean energy
  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to be published in relevant academic or policy-related publications, especially in one or more of the firm’s practice areas of affordable housing, community development, historic preservation and renewable/clean energy
  • Ability to influence policymakers and advocate effectively for firm and industry policy priorities
  • Strong quantitative, analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to research excellence and integrity
  • Ability to deliver persuasive and articulate presentations to diverse audiences
  • Capacity to work independently and meet deadlines and effectively manage a variety of tasks and firm priorities
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and presentation development
  • Ph.D. in economics, public policy, law or related field plus 1-3 years of work experience in one or more of the firm’s practice areas of affordable housing, community development, historic preservation and renewable/clean energy
  • We may consider an exception to a Ph.D. with an advanced degree in economics, public policy, law or related field and 4-6 years of experience in one or more of the firm’s practice areas
  • Experience with any of the following is helpful but not mandatory: Affordable Housing, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Opportunity Zones (OZ), Renewable Energy Tax Credits (RETC), Historical Tax Credits (HTC), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), Real Estate, Developers, Partnerships, Housing Authority (HA), Public Housing Authority, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), Community Development Entity Certification Applications (CDE), Property Compliance, Nonprofit, Single Audit, Uniform Guidance, A-133, Forecasting, Cost Segregation, Year 15 Exit, Tax-exempt bond and HOME programs

Responsibilities

  • Support billable engagements by performing economic analysis and research tasks.
  • Provide support for working groups by responding to requests for assistance from lead working group partners and preparing materials as needed.
  • Lead the monthly ACTION Data and Research Subcommittee meetings as the Novogradac representative, including preparing agendas, analyzing key housing research and other related tasks.
  • Analyze key data from relevant federal agencies that affect the tax incentives for the firm’s practice areas and publish research articles and papers in relevant publications supporting those areas.
  • Review and publish responses to economic reports, papers, think tank policy briefs and other similar academic analyses criticizing or commenting on affordable housing, community development, and renewable/clean energy tax initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain models to estimate unit financing of housing tax legislation, how much private investment would be incentivized by community development tax legislation, and other related economic analyses of tax legislation involving the firm’s practice areas.
  • Develop and maintain housing, community development, historic preservation and clean energy data, including exploring the possibility of setting up a paywalled data access portal for clients.
  • Attend, both in person and online, hearings, policy and research events, listen to webinars, keep abreast of various relevant data releases, and report findings back to the department, working groups, lead partners and other interested parties in the firm.

FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of the Research Economist position?

The primary responsibilities include conducting economic analysis, developing models, supporting policy research in areas such as affordable housing and clean energy, performing tasks for billable engagements, analyzing federal and state data, publishing research findings, and managing working group activities.

What qualifications are required for this position?

The minimum qualifications include a Ph.D. in economics, public policy, law, or a related field with 1-3 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with 4-6 years of experience in one of the firm’s practice areas.

Is experience in affordable housing or community development necessary?

Experience in affordable housing, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), or related fields is helpful but not mandatory.

What skills are essential for the Research Economist role?

Essential skills include strong quantitative and analytical abilities, excellent writing and verbal communication skills, the capacity to influence policymakers, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

How does Novogradac support work-life integration?

Novogradac supports work-life integration through flexible working hours, increased paid holidays, remote and hybrid opportunities, and a strong emphasis on creating a healthy and inclusive workplace.

What is the salary range for the Research Economist position?

The salary range is between $88,000 and $116,000, depending on experience, with potential for more based on qualifications.

What benefits does the company offer?

The company offers a competitive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, discretionary annual bonuses, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, and a dress-for-your-day policy.

How can interested candidates apply for this position?

Interested candidates must apply via the Novogradac & Company LLP website to be considered for this position.

What is the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion?

Novogradac is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace, valuing diversity and respecting the different perspectives of all employees, regardless of age, race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Will the Research Economist need to attend meetings and events?

Yes, the Research Economist is expected to attend policy and research events, hearings, and webinars to stay informed about relevant data releases and report findings back to the department and working groups.

Accounting
Industry
501-1000
Employees
1989
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Novogradac is among the nation’s top 40 certified public accounting and consulting firms with more than 25 offices nationwide. The firm is a nationally recognized leader in real estate and community development, and is one of the fastest growing accounting firms in the nation. Our clients represent a range of industries with a major emphasis in the real estate sector. We provide publicly and privately held national enterprises with a full spectrum of audit, tax, valuation, expert witness and litigation support, property compliance and general consulting services, and we work extensively in the affordable housing, community development, historic preservation, opportunity zones and renewable energy fields. Novogradac has earned the Great Place to Work certification and is recognized on two MOVE Project lists: Best Firms for Equity Leadership and Best CPA Firms for Women. Novogradac is also a two-time recipient of the Handshake Early Talent Award. Novogradac offers opportunities to explore a variety of areas within the accounting, valuation and consulting fields while developing expertise in the fast-growing real estate industry. To see current job openings, visit our career page here: https://www.novoco.com/careers. We provide first-class service to our clients while supporting the work-life balance needs of our staff. Many Novogradac professionals thrive with flexible schedules and hybrid or remote work arrangements. Novogradac sponsors national affordable housing, renewable energy and community development conferences with hundreds of the industry's leading experts and participants. Because of their industry expertise, our partners are frequently invited to speak at seminars and conferences throughout the country.