Senior Economist

Job Description

Job Description

The Investment Company Institute (ICI) is the leading association representing regulated investment funds, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts (UITs) in the United States, and UCITS and similar funds offered to investors in Europe, Asia, and other jurisdictions. ICI also represents its members on issues involving the capital markets, separately managed accounts (SMAs) and collective investment trusts (CITs). ICI’s mission is to strengthen the foundation of the asset management industry for the ultimate benefit of the long-term individual investor. 

Assists the chief and deputy chief economists, senior director, and other ICI staff in (1) analyzing household survey information or the economics of regulatory and legislative issues and proposals. (2) analyzing the economics and public policy implications of retirement and household finance issues. (3) monitoring and analyzing economic and financial developments affecting mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and the US retirement system. (4) drafting comment letters to government and other agencies. (5) publishing research in ICI publications, blogs, and refereed journals. and (6) interacting with regulators, academics, and media as appropriate.

• Plays a key role in RIR’s strategic research process by identifying developing industry issues and formulating research proposals, leading teams, and seeing through to final completion on research priorities of the unit.
• Contributes to ICI research publications, comment letters to regulators, academic research, and blog posts.
• Supports ICI’s other departments (Law, ICI Global, Government Affairs, Operations) by providing economic analysis of proposed regulations relating to the fund industry and/or US retirement system.
• Monitors domestic and international events and, as necessary, provides analysis of the implications to households or investors, the fund industry, and retirement systems.
• Undertakes tasks and assignments as directed by the senior director of Retirement and Investor Research, chief economist, and/or deputy chief economist. 
• Develops and maintains a presence in the regulatory, policy, research, and media communities, as appropriate. 
• Produces academic-style research papers on the US retirement market and individuals’ outcomes in retirement, that are posted on SSRN and submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publications.
• Assists in the ICI Research Academic Outreach Program, including: (1) identifying relevant papers for inclusion in the ICI Research Seminar Series. (2) attending seminars and engaging with visiting academics. (3) supporting the paper selection process for the ICI Research Academic Summer Workshop. and (4) attending and engaging with visiting academics for the workshop. 
• Responds to requests for information and research from ICI staff and members in a timely manner.
• Reviews, analyzes, and prepares critiques of academic or regulatory economic research relevant to the mutual fund market, household finance, households’ financial literacy, or US retirement system.
• Develops and delivers presentations to ICI staff, committees, and members, as well as at public conferences and meetings, as necessary. 
• Attends and participates in conferences dealing with topics of relevance to ICI.
• Reviews and approves (under SOC-2) regular data reports before their release, as needed.
• Helps develop and maintain, and work with, large databases relating to proprietary and public household surveys, recordkept data on the account-based retirement savings, and tax data.
• Leads, develops, and mentors junior staff in RIR, as appropriate.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Substantial knowledge of research on household finance and retirement systems. Specialization in tax policy research a plus. 
• Substantial knowledge of econometrics, forecasting techniques, and economic modeling.
• Knowledge of a programming language, such as R, Python, STATA or Matlab. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to lead teams or work as a member of a team.
• Excellent time management skills to handle multiple projects and work under competing deadlines.
• Superior analytical skills that can be translated into policy research and ability to convey complex issues to a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form.

• PhD in Economics or Finance and a minimum of 7 years substantial professional experience and knowledge in analyzing economic, financial and/or policy issues relevant to the fund industry.

ICI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to include a comprehensive medical plan, generous 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid leave, commuting subsidies, and tuition reimbursement as well as training and development opportunities. Based in Washington, DC, ICI is conveniently located next to McPherson Square Metro station. This is a hybrid position with three days in the office and two working from home.

ICI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace.