"Public Service Faculty - Applied Economist"

Position Summary

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia invites applications for a public service faculty position in its Workforce and Economic Development Division. This position will utilize applied economics, data analysis, and research skills to assist state and local government decision makers with studies, models, evaluations, and other types of technical assistance. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government is a Public Service Unit under the leadership of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach. The position will be available February 1, 2026 and carries rank in the public service faculty career ladder of The University of Georgia. Rank on hire will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, according to Public Service and Outreach Appointment and Promotion Guidelines found here: https://outreach.uga.edu/resources/promotions/

The Institute is looking for individuals with a passion for public service who are curious and life-long learners. We are seeking professionals that can conduct rigorous research and deliver practical technical assistance, but also teach and share their expertise with our various audiences. The Institute of Government is uniquely positioned to provide objective support to state and local governments and provide timely and reliable applied research to address many of the challenges being faced by communities across Georgia. This position will have a critical role in guiding and informing the strategic decisions of governments across the state.

The successful candidate will have primary responsibilities in conducting economic analysis, fiscal analysis, economic impact studies, research and providing professional services for state agencies and local governments. The applied economist will also work on collaborative projects with the Institute’s applied demographer, workforce and economic development team, and data analytics teams. The position monitors and interprets economic, labor, demographic, and government administrative data indicators. The position analyzes developments in Georgia’s labor market, state tax and revenue, and other areas effecting Georgia’s economy and considers the impacts on the state’s economic outlook. The position uses and adjusts computer programs, models, and databases for data retrieval, manipulation, presentation, statistical analysis. The position involves consulting with local government officials, the state legislators, state agency leaders and staff, non-profits, and private groups; and preparing reports, and other publications that address practitioner/policymaker needs. This position has responsibility for providing technical assistance, project management, specialized analysis, and training on numerous projects in varying stages. Some travel/overnight travel required.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. Candidates will be considered for the position until it is filled. Application materials should include a cover letter, curriculum vita, a brief writing sample from a technical report, and three references with contact information. The finalists for the position will be required to provide three letters of recommendation. All applicants must apply through UGAJobs to be considered for the position.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2547P
Working Title: Public Service Faculty - Applied Economist
Department: PSO-Carl Vinson Inst of Govt
Anticipated Start Date: 02/01/2026
Job Posting Date: 11/04/2025
Location of Vacancy: Athens Area
Advertised Salary: Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant
Open until filled: Yes

Position Information

Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC
Faculty Rank: Open Rank
Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

A master’s degree in economics or applied economics, statistics, political science or similar quantitative field is required.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Public Service Assistant, Public Service Associate, or Senior Public Service Associate.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

A master’s degree, with one year of experience, in economics or applied economics, statistics, political science or similar quantitative field is required. Ph.D. or equivalent is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have at least one year of work experience performing economic analysis and economic impact analysis in an applied setting.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Must be able to function effectively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Must have extensive knowledge of applied economics, including economic forecasting, conducting economic modeling, conducting policy and program analysis, and data analysis.
• Must have knowledge of labor markets and labor market data. Superb analytical and mathematical skills.
• Background using IMPLAN to conduct economic impact modeling.
• Must be able to effectively work alone, as a team member, or as a project lead.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for client interactions and public speaking skills are needed for presentations.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation and perform applied research as needed.
• Basic statistical analysis, data management, and process knowledge required.
• Knowledge and background doing applied research and addressing workforce and economic development challenges at the state and/or local government level.
• Background working on policy issues with state policy-makers and local government officials.
• Strong interest in public service and state economic trends.
• Background working on client projects with defined timelines and deliverables.
• Superb research, analysis, writing, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of applied economic principles, concepts, and practices.
• Knowledge of economic forecasting methodologies.
• Knowledge of statistics and research methods.
• Knowledge of economic modeling and associated tools (e.g., IMPLAN, REMI, etc.).
• Knowledge and ability to use statistical software (e.g. Stata, R, SAS, or Python).
• Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in data visualization.
• Skill in writing software programs for carrying out responsibilities.
• Ability to learn, adapt, and apply new economic analysis and forecasting techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and presentations simultaneously.
• Ability to explain complex methodologies and solutions in a practical manner.
• Ability to apply creative solutions to complex problems/issues.

Duties/Responsibilities

Lead applied economics applied research projects including coordinating with clients, developing project plans, preparing meeting materials, conducting research for projects, managing final deliverables, facilitating meetings, overseeing the efforts and contributions of other personnel, and other project management duties. Serve as the primary author on written products for projects managed. Typical products include final project reports, executive summaries, strategic plans, meeting notes, and presentations. Percentage Of Time: 60

Serve as the lead methodologist and analyst for studies examining the economic and fiscal impact of tax policy as requested by the Governor’s Office, Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts, or the Georgia General Assembly. Determine appropriate statistical and quantitative procedures to be used in analysis. Interpret results of analysis and effectively communicate the impact in writing. Percentage Of Time: 30

Collaborate with colleagues across the Institute of Government to apply economic theory and economic methods to other applied research and technical assistance projects. Percentage Of Time: 10