The Policy Economist will play a central role in developing the Council’s positions on a wide variety of policy issues relating to the FHLBanks, including but not limited to analyzing legislative and regulatory proposals that might affect the FHLBanks. The Policy Economist will track and analyze trends in the housing finance market and advise the Council’s leadership and members on the impacts of those trends on FHLBanks. The Policy Economist will engage with economists, policy experts, academics and scholars specializing in housing finance research. The position will report directly to the Council’s CEO and will work closely with the Council’s senior team along with executives at the eleven Federal Home Loan Banks. This is a new position at the Council, and the successful candidate will have a role in determining the scope of the position. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the applicant.
Primary Duties:
Economic Research and Analysis: Conduct research on the demand and supply sides of the US housing finance market, using both primary and secondary sources of data and analysis. Use statistical techniques and economic theory to analyze data and identify patterns, trends, and potential impacts on FHLBanks.
Policy Analysis: Assess the economic impact of proposed legislation and regulation on the FHLBanks. Evaluate the potential costs, benefits, and unintended consequences of government policy changes and provide evidence-based recommendations to the Council and its members.
Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with the Council's policy team and members to develop and advocate for policies that support the growth, strength and competitiveness of the FHLBanks. Provide economic analysis and evidence to support policy positions and recommendations.
Member Support: Respond to economic and policy inquiries from Council members, providing expert advice and guidance on economic issues affecting their businesses.
Industry Insight and Reporting: Provide reports, economic briefings, and presentations to the Council's management and members, and respond to media requests. Present complex economic concepts and findings in a clear and understandable manner.
Collaboration and Networking: Engage with economists, industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in related fields to exchange knowledge, gather insights, and stay updated on economic developments relevant to the industry. Represent the Council in conferences, meetings, and events.
Thought Leadership: Contribute to economic publications, white papers, and articles to enhance the Council's reputation as a trusted source of policy and economic expertise. Encourage research by academics and other scholars on the role of FHLBanks in the US financial system.
Requirements:
An advanced degree in economics or finance preferably with a specialization in financial institutions and markets, or an advanced degree in economics or finance with substantial work experience in financial institutions and markets.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data organization and analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex economic concepts to diverse audiences.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, Council members, policymakers, and external stakeholders.
Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking and the ability to work independently.
Experience in economic research, policy analysis, or consulting roles is preferred.
The Council of Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) is the public voice of the FHLBank System. Incorporated in 1998, the non-profit trade association is based in Washington, D.C. The Council’s primary function is to represent the positions and views of the Council’s members to Washington policymakers.
The Council consists of director and officer representatives of all 11 FHLBanks. Each member bank may name up to three individuals to sit on the Council’s Board of Representatives.
The council’s mission is spelled out in its articles of association. The objectives of the council are as follows:
To encourage and promote cooperation and consensus building among the FHLBanks so that their common legislative and regulatory interests may best be served.
To promote enactment of laws or regulations beneficial to, oppose laws or regulations detrimental to the FHLBanks, and obtain such research as is necessary for such promotion or opposition.
To enhance Washington opinion leaders’ – including members of Congress and their staffs, executive departments, regulators and trade associations – and the financial media’s awareness and understanding of the FHLBanks.
