Director of Economic Forecasting and Tax Policy Analysis (#MFDZ06)
$98,456.00 Yearly Min / $123,070.00 Yearly Mid / $147,684.00 Yearly Max

The Director of Economic Forecasting and Tax Policy Analysis provides enterprise-level, non-partisan leadership and direction on economic forecasting, tax policy analysis, and risk management. Primary work involves directing the operations of the Office of Research and Analysis and overseeing the design and execution of the State of Delaware’s revenue forecasting infrastructure, tax modeling initiatives, and fiscal policy analysis. The employee serves as the State’s top expert in tax policy and economic analysis and is accountable for providing guidance and recommendations impacting the long-term fiscal health of the State.

Reporting to the Cabinet Secretary and/or Deputy Cabinet Secretary, the Director is accountable for all multifaceted and analytical operations of the Office, requiring proven leadership of high-performing technical teams. In this capacity, the Director provides independent analysis and guidance that may be used by the Governor, Secretary of Finance, Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC), the General Assembly, and members of other financial and economic committees. This position leads cross-agency forecasting coordination, modernization of analytic platforms, and development of tax and revenue policy proposals. Work requires mastery of public finance and economic modeling and thorough understanding of economic data, the U.S. and State economies, and legislative processes, to assess potential impacts on the State's fiscal health. The Director is accountable for the integrity of the State’s official revenue forecast and decisions made by this position directly influence budget appropriations, tax policy, and bond ratings.

The employee receives general direction and guidance from the Cabinet Secretary and/or Deputy Cabinet Secretary in terms of broad goals and objectives, establishes the methods for achieving goals and objectives, and directs the administration of the Office.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series. These functions are not an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Oversees short- and long-term projections for General Fund revenue sources, including personal income tax, corporate tax, gross receipts, and other revenue streams.


• Serves as the State's top expert in tax policy and economic analysis which includes providing direct policy advice to the Governor, Secretary of Finance, DEFAC, and legislative committees on revenue, taxation, and long-term financial strategies to inform decisions that impact the State's fiscal health.


• Supervises a team of Economic/Fiscal Analyst and other support staff directly and through a Deputy Director position, which may include contractual staff. The elements of supervision include performing the following on a regular and continuing basis: planning, assigning, reviewing, evaluating, coaching, training, disciplining, and recommending hire, termination, and promotion.


• Establishes the vision, goals, objectives, and quality standards of the Office of Research and Analysis, ensuring adherence to state and national forecasting standards.


• Spearheads the development of enterprise-wide revenue forecasting models that integrate macroeconomic indicators, data infrastructure, econometric methodologies, scenario-based planning, and modern data science tools.


• Provides leadership for cross-agency collaboration on policy initiatives spanning multiple departments that may include centralized data infrastructure and enhanced financial modeling.


• Participates in presentations to bond rating agencies, contributes to the development of the preliminary official statement, and participates in due diligence calls with underwriters and legal counsel. 


• Analyzes and interprets proposed state and federal tax policies and associated legislation to determine the impact on present tax laws and current/projected revenues.


• Oversees the analysis of state and federal legislation and the determination of fiscal and organizational impact on existing or proposed state programs.


• Establishes standards for fiscal impact analysis, policy modeling, and financial reporting.


• Performs other related duties as required.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of economic modeling, revenue forecasting, and public finance at an expert, strategic level.
• Knowledge of state and federal tax structures, compliance systems, and legislative procedures at an expert, strategic level.
• Skill in financial analysis, planning, forecasting, and policy administration at the State level.
• Skill in using complex statistical modeling or other specialized computer software (e.g., EViews, R, Python, Excel, Stata).
• Skill in staff supervision.
• Skill in the presentation of complex, technical information appropriate to the level of audience comprehension.
• Ability to apply economic expertise to guide financial strategy, policy, and other recommendations that improve the State's economy.
• Ability to direct staff in the complex analysis and manipulation of large datasets, application of econometric methods, and development of reproducible models.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and draft new or revised legislation, policies, or regulations and determine impact on financial operations.
• Ability to develop innovative approaches to research, analyze, and resolve complex economic challenges.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Director of Economic Forecasting and Tax Policy Analysis
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Masters degree or higher in Public Administration, Economics, Business Management, Accounting, Finance or Public Policy or related field.
2. Three years’ experience in tax policy analysis, revenue forecasting, public finance, economic analysis, fiscal analysis, or related quantitative analytical work involving the evaluation of tax, fiscal, or economic issues and their real-world implications for government, businesses, or the public.
3. Three years’ experience in econometrics which includes the application of mathematical and statistical techniques to economics in the study of problems, the analysis of data, and the development and testing of theories and economic models.
4. Three years’ experience in developing and implementing fiscal models, modernization tools, and/or enterprise data systems. 
5. Three years’ experience in presenting economic and financial analyses to committees or groups; or providing testimony before committees.
6. Two years’ experience in staff supervision which includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others.