Title: Economist

State Role Title: Policy Planning Spec II

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 5

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

The Virginia Department of Taxation is seeking an Economist to serve in the Office of Tax Legislation and Economic Analysis.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner, the Economist will serve an important role in the Commonwealth’s budget process by performing analyses of proposed and enacted federal and state legislation to estimate the effects on state revenues. This position will support the Secretary of Finance through the development of monthly reports on economic trends and revenue collections and will play a pivotal role in apprising executive leadership on revenues and related economic conditions. This position will also prepare forecasts of General Fund and Commonwealth Transportation Fund revenues, as well as produce and edit sections of the Governor’s forecasting publications, and facilitate stakeholder and advisory board meetings. At times, this role may be required to respond to government officials and other stakeholders with inquiries on tax and public finance issues.


This position is located in our Main Street Centre office in downtown Richmond, Virginia.

This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule.

The anticipated hiring salary is commensurate with experience, up to $90,000

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, we are 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

• Knowledge of economic principles and methodologies, as well as economic indicators and data sources used in economic fiscal analysis
• Knowledge of a variety of computer software including statistical and modeling software, spreadsheet, database, and word processing software
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws and tax structures
• Ability to develop and use varied research methodologies and forecasting techniques while applying public policy/economic/public finance theories to develop logical and persuasive conclusions
• Ability to research and analyze a variety of tax, fiscal and economic data, proposed and existing legislation, and draw clear and concise conclusions for policymakers
• Ability to effectively communicate conclusions and recommendations, as well as the ability to write formal research papers, technical memos, and documentation on economic trends, forecasting techniques, and modeling results

Additional Considerations

• Familiarity with Virginia’s legislative process
• Experience, education and/or advanced experience/knowledge in economics, taxes, or public policy research

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 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. Selected candidates require a valid Driver’s License.

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 participates in E-verify.

Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume’.

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.