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Senior Economist

Finance and Information Technology - Close Date: Open Until Filled

Scope of Position
The following reflects a representation of position’s essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned as needed.

1. Maintain, update, and improve the Agency’s 25-year financial model; utilize financial model to present Agency financial condition, develop feasibility studies, and estimate financial capacity.
2. Forecast and monitor agency revenue sources including tax revenues, grants, farebox, local contributions and private revenue sources.  Develop annual as well as long-term subarea revenue forecasts; coordinate with state and other government entities to develop forecasting methodology and revenue tracking system.  Develop monthly cash flow forecasts for all major revenue sources.  Produce reports for forecast vs. actual variance.
3. Develop annual as well as long-term inflation forecasts using the indices employed by the Agency including the consumer price index, building cost index, and right-of-way index.  Monitor inflation performance against forecast.
4. Develop and conduct studies in the areas of economic impact, cost-benefit analysis, economic and financial feasibility, land use, and joint development; provide financial analysis on departmental or agency-wide issues as required.
5.  Serve as senior technical consultant to Agency management, staff, and vendors on various financial and economic issues; present information to and respond to requests for information from the Agency Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Agency staff, and the public on financial and economic issues.
6. Provide assistance on finance and revenue facets of the sale and issuance of debt obligations by the Agency.
7. Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications
The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of an economic and financial analysis and forecasting program.
• Senior professional and/or technical expert knowledge of industry principles and practices for the area of responsibility.
• Methods and techniques used in the performance of duties and responsibilities specific to the area of assignment.
• Theory and practice of economics as well as finance.
• Principles and practices used in economic modeling, revenue forecasting, and developing financial projections.
• Principles and practices of financial analysis, cash flow modeling, present/future value analysis, statistics, and economics.
• Capital markets, principles of municipal finance, debt issuance process, and financial strategies and mechanisms.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, and statistical software.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Perform the full range of advanced level economic and financial analysis and forecasting.
• Plan and execute multi-year, multi-project financial analyses.
• Manage multiple tasks, set objectives/goals, and re-prioritize as needed.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Use a variety of professional management and/or technical concepts in accordance with Agency and departmental objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
• Develop and monitor assigned budgets.
• Analyze and synthesize information in a concise manner and make recommendations on strategies to resolve issues.
• Understand the organization and operation of the Agency and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Effectively represent the Agency to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the program area.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, Agency staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
• Work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Skill in:

• Applying advanced principles and practices of technical area of expertise.
• Applying strong interpersonal techniques and demonstrating a consistent commitment and ability to work with diverse work groups and individuals.
• Demonstrating a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external clients.
• Applying appropriate oral and written communication techniques to various individuals ranging from Agency employees, the general public, elected officials, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Education and Experience
Related experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis.

Education/Training:
A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, finance, or a closely related field is required.

Experience:
Seven years of increasingly responsible economic forecasting and financial planning and modeling related experience including significant experience in economic modeling, revenue forecasting, and developing financial projections.

How to Apply
Expressions of interest should include a cover letter, resume and Sound Transit application.  Please submit application, resume and cover letter in person, by mail or email:

The Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority - Sound Transit
ATTN: Human Resources Division
401 S. Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98104

recruit@soundtransit.org

Sound Transit is an equal opportunity employer. We place a high value on, and are committed to, diversity within our organization and leadership. How to Apply?