Principal Business Economist​/Regional Policy Advisor

Responsibilities

• Gathers timely economic intelligence through planning and facilitating economic round tables (the team conducts approximately 32 per year), contributing to survey programs including the quarterly Agricultural Land Values and Credit Conditions Survey and monthly Chicago Fed Survey of Economic Conditions (CFSEC), and conducting strategic calls, emails, and site visits with senior business leaders and key constituents across the district to deepen understanding of economic trends and build senior‑level contacts.
• Participates in the Advisory Council activities, including meeting facilitation, member engagement, and contributing to the application process for new members.
• Contributes to preparation of the Seventh District’s section of the Beige Book by synthesizing anecdotal information from round tables and surveys, coordinating with other Reserve Banks, and providing the Federal Reserve’s report on anecdotal information regarding current economic conditions.
• Prepares contact engagement summaries and sector‑specific analysis (e.g., automotive or agriculture updates) for FOMC preparation materials.
• Delivers economic outlook presentations on national and regional topics at conferences, industry events, and community forums.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on a sector of the regional economy such as manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, or real estate, or a local area such as Detroit or Chicago.
• Contributes to the planning and execution of conferences.
• Conducts research on topics relevant to the district economy with the goal of publishing in specialized outlets and Chicago Fed publications and contributing regional economic content to the Chicago Fed website.
• Supports travel by Bank senior leadership by contributing ideas for engagement opportunities, preparing briefing documents on local economic conditions, and participating in visits as needed.
• Mentors junior team members on economic analysis and engagement.

• Graduate training in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in economic research, analysis, public policy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in regional economic analysis, with specialization in one or more key sectors (manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, regional development) or geographies.
• Proven track record of sharing written analysis in professional outlets.
• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, economic survey design and analysis, and proficiency with statistical software.
• Strong understanding of the US economy, monetary policy, and the Federal Reserve System.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex economic information to diverse audiences.