Deputy Director, Economic Research

The ideal candidate for the Deputy Director position at DER will be an innovative and collaborative leader with a passion for using data to drive positive change. They will possess exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams to consistently meet deadlines while following procedure. A proven track record in financial oversight, personnel management, and a deep understanding of Labor Market Information concepts are essential. This candidate will have a commitment to equity and inclusion with an emphasis on internal staff development.

If you are an organized leader with a passion for government service, operational strategy, and data management, we invite you to apply and join the DER team in driving meaningful change in the Massachusetts economy.

Responsibilities Include:

• Oversee Federal Unemployment Insurance Reporting: Direct and administer the Research/Actuarial functions for the federally required Revenue and Benefits programs. Oversee the management of the production of required UI program data and reports, statistical reports for management to monitor and analyze programs, and cost estimates for changes to the federal and state laws and policies. Adhere to the state statutory requirements for reporting on the UI Trust Fund, including annual recommendations for changes to revenue, adequate financing, and comparisons to other states.
• Collaboration and Coordination: In collaboration with the Chief Economist and the Director of Strategy and Engagement, develop additional labor market research tools and outreach products for state, local, and community stakeholders, including, but not limited to, published industry profiles, visualizations, webinars, and events. Develop and manage additional partnerships and collaborations that support these efforts, which may include external outreach and grant writing.
• Supervise Operations Manager: In successful management of LMI personnel and budgeting surrounding the Bureau of Labor Statistic Cooperative Agreement. This includes assisting with personnel actions, promotions, new hires, transfers, and terminations relative to LMI staff. Develop effective job coaching and employment plans for all LMI staff. This should include but not be limited to training opportunities, work plan development, career pathway development. Support the Operations Manager in managing personnel issues, which includes managing in a bargaining unit.
• Direct the management and oversight of MA Labor Market Industry (LMI) programs: For producing and providing LMI data, information, and delivery systems for public access and state and national decision-making. Direct the departmental units that administer the programs required by state authority for LMI, contracts, and agreements with federal agencies for LMI and develop and oversee the implementation of state and federal policies, procedures, and priorities. Seek and develop strategic partnerships for joint research and learning projects, ensuring alignment with DER's mission and objectives.
• Financial Oversight and Budgeting: Assist the Director of Department of Economic Research in determining and providing a budget plan and requests to supervisors/managers for securing adequate resources for meeting all program, contract, and agreed upon customer requests. Identify and secure fiscal and other agency administrative support functions for human resources, facilities, tools, and information systems to meet program and department goals and objectives.
• Policy and Research Plan Alignment: Provide technical assistance to policymakers, economic analysts, and data users through economic analysis reports and briefing papers. Directs state and local industry and occupational employment forecasts by maintaining knowledge of the latest national projections, procedures, and statistical techniques, evaluating forecast results, and managing the production of economic projection reports.
• Resource Acquisition: Assist in acquiring resources through state or federal funding and develop cross-departmental chargeback mechanisms to ensure funding for DER services.
• Professional Development and Inclusion for LMI/UI Team: Develop internal talent pipelines, mentorship, and training opportunities, emphasizing equal opportunity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent Communication Skills: Adept at articulating complex economic and strategic insights in a manner that is accessible and engaging to varied audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, and the public.

• Strategic Advisory Capacity: Proven ability in advising senior management and executive leaders on strategic direction, policy formulation, and enhancing organizational performance.

• State Government Engagement: Extensive experience in navigating the complexities of state government operations, with a particular emphasis on partnerships related to employment and labor market developments.

• Modern Management Techniques: A deep understanding of modern management theories and practices, including strategic planning, organizational behavior, leadership techniques, and effective decision-making processes.

• Familiarity with Massachusetts Workforce Programs: In-depth knowledge of Massachusetts workforce development initiatives, including, but not limited, to career services, unemployment insurance, and paid family leave programs.

• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: A commitment to continuous process improvement, leveraging data, feedback, and technological advancements to foster innovation and adaptability in departmental operations.

• Mentorship and Employee Development: A strong passion for mentoring and developing staff, promoting a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and advancement opportunities within the department.

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Superior analytical abilities and problem-solving skills, with a knack for identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities in the labor market to inform strategic planning and policy development.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Champion: Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace, ensuring policies and practices reflect the department's values and community needs.

• Project Management: Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple and sometimes competing priorities to deliver high-quality work on tight timelines.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience in collaborating using tools like Teams, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint.

• Public Service Orientation: Passion for public service and improving labor market outcomes through data-driven insights.

Note on Preferred Qualifications: The Department of Economic Research is committed to hiring individuals that are public service driven and help provide a diversity of perspectives and insights into the state of the economy in Massachusetts. We encourage capable, mission motivated applicants to apply even if they don't meet 100% of the above qualifications. Many of the knowledge, skills, and abilities above can be substituted with experience and/or taught through on-the-job training with DER experts.

About the Department of Economic Research

The Department of Economic Research has a public sector mandate to collect, refine, and dispense labor market information that provides timely and accurate insights into the current, past, and future states of the Massachusetts economy. In addition to DER's foundational workforce data collection efforts, the department also seeks to support the program and policy needs of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development through agile and actionable economic briefing materials, stellar analysis, and timely research. Throughout DER's economic data collection, analysis, and dissemination processes, the department remains committed to increasing accessibility and inclusivity - bringing to light equity disparities in the workforce based on gender, race, ethnicity, and ability, among other aspects, while also highlighting the importance of the contributions many traditionally marginalized groups make to the success of the Massachusetts economy.

The DER team also promotes the use of Massachusetts labor market information on such topics as the role and impact of emerging technologies, changes in the structure of the workplace, and the cost of living relative to the availability of employment opportunities in geographic areas. The economic information produced by DER is utilized by government figures and organizations to inform policymaking, but also within academia, large and small businesses, advocacy groups, as well as individuals seeking career advancement. DER is currently expanding its research and analytics capabilities to meet the increased demands for timely, high-quality insights into the state of the Massachusetts economy.

About the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

The mission of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) is to create, operate and oversee effective and innovative statewide services to: protect worker rights, health, safety, wages and working conditions; insure against job-related injury; provide individuals and families with economic stability following job loss or injury and illness; level the playing field for responsible employers; develop a pipeline of skilled workers for current, emerging and future employers; and, maintain labor harmony between employees, employers, and labor unions. EOLWD oversees the Departments of Economic Research, Unemployment Assistance, Career Services, Labor Standards, Industrial Accidents, Labor Relations, Family and Medical Leave, as well as the Division of Apprentice Standards, Council on the Underground Economy, and the quasi-public agency, the Commonwealth Corporation.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.