RESEARCH ECONOMIST
Chicago, IL, US, 60661
Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option: Economist
Bilingual Option: None
Closing Date/Time: 02/14/2025
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $7,966 a month: Full Range $7,966 - $11,759 a month.
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Plan/BU: RC062
This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.
All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.
Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.
Posting Identification Number 44433
Why Work for Illinois?
Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.
Position Overview
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is seeking a Research Economist to join our Policy Development, Planning, and Research (PDPR) team. DCEO is Illinois’ economic and workforce development agency, with a mission to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. The Research Economist at DCEO will be the primary driver and manager of research efforts that inform economic and workforce development planning and programming for the State of Illinois. This will include projects to better understand features of the Illinois economy, workforce, and population; identify best practices and effective economic development approaches; and evaluate DCEO programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in economic and policy research, project management, and research design. We welcome interested applicants who can develop and lead DCEO’s research program to apply.
Essential Functions
- Plans, designs, conducts, and coordinates comprehensive research projects, pertaining to the population, labor force, manufacturing, housing, transportation, strategic planning, international trade and other economic and community needs of the State.
- Analyzes various studies, legislation, or proposed legislation to provide a basis for administrative and policy decisions. Serves as an authorization source of information and data on the state’s economy and its sub-regions.
- Reviews, analyzes, and interprets research data, consults current economic literature, reports and other pertinent sources to prepare written reports and presentations.
- Plans, designs, conducts, and coordinates research projects pertaining to the projected or prior impacts of department programs.
- Consults and maintains contact with technical and professional persons who conduct research and evaluation programs of interest or benefit to the departments.
- Provides technical guidance and advice regarding data sources collection interpretation reporting format and presentation of research projects and reports. Supplies reliable data and information to individuals and private and public organizations.
- Reviews and evaluates economic literature applicable to current and future research activities.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
- Requires a master’s degree with a major in the related fields of Biostatistics, Data Analytics/Data Science, Economics, Econometrics, Math, Public Administration, Public Policy, Sociology, or Statistics.
- Requires three (3) years of directly related professional experience in the fields of forecasting economic trends, research on economic issues, to compile/analyze/report data, and/or explain economic impact of policies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prefers one (1) year working experience with project management, with a particular preference for managing research, program evaluation, and/or data analysis projects.
- Prefers one (1) year working experience in research design in economics and/or economic developments.
- Prefers one (1) year working experience using geographic information system (GIS) software to generate maps that display geographic, demographic, and economic information.
- Prefers a master’s degree with a major in the related fields of Economics, Public Administration, or Public Policy.
Conditions of Employment
- Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
About the Agency
The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
Work Location: 555 West Monroe Street, Chicago IL 60661
Agency Contact: CEO.HR@illinois.gov (FOR INQUIRIES ONLY – INTERESTED APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE)
Posting Group: Leadership & Management
This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.
If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.
State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.
Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.
If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:
State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid
Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.
The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:
- donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
- systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
Nearest Major Market: Chicago