Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Community Development and Policy Studies is part of the Research, Policy, and Public Engagement department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. CDPS includes community development experts with backgrounds in economics, finance, urban planning, law, bank regulation and other fields who work together to increase opportunity and economic inclusion through rigorous original research and collaboration with a range of public and private organizations. They do this by influencing public policy, publishing original research on policy and practice, convening diverse stakeholders to address current and emerging challenges, and helping to bring development and investment opportunities to underserved communities. Through analysis and stakeholder outreach, CDPS also provides insights about low and moderate income individuals and communities to Federal Reserve monetary policy and regulatory policy deliberations. The Policy Studies team researches and analyzes topics related to community and economic development, such as (but not limited to): racial/ethnic, gender, or other disparities in housing, lending, or labor markets; place-based policies; economic mobility; income inequality; mortgage markets; consumer financial products and regulation; household balance sheet decisions; federal, state, and local tax and spending policies and their effect on low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods.

Job Summary
You will report to the Assistant Vice President for Policy Studies and will conduct independent analysis of and research on financial and economic policy issues, particularly as they relate to community economic development. You will convey research and analysis results to relevant internal stakeholders at the Bank as well as to the general public and policy community through policy-oriented publications and presentations.

Your Responsibilities
Conduct independent analysis of and research on complex issues related to financial and economic policy, particularly they relate to community economic development and how macroeconomic and financial developments are affecting low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods.
Identify relevant economic topics and apply the appropriate or state-of-the-art analytical methods to deliver high quality, defensible policy insights on issues related to community and economic development, such as (but not limited to):
Racial/ethnic, gender, or other persistent disparities in housing, lending, or labor markets
Place-based policies
Economic mobility and income inequality
Mortgage markets
Fintech, mobile banking/payments, innovations in consumer financial products, financial inclusion, the Community Reinvestment Act
Debt-side of consumer finance, such as payday loans or student loans
Effects of internet access on financial well-being, digital divide
Financial literacy, financial education, including disparities and interventions
Federal, state, and local tax and spending policies and how they affect economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods
Apply highly specialized and technical research skills to assess current economic and financial conditions and how they affect low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods
Publish findings internally and externally, including in Bank publications
Brief senior Bank and Federal Reserve officials on community development topics
Attend conferences/workshops/symposiums to participate in panels, give presentations, and offer thought leadership
Contribute to a highly collegial research environment
Direct the efforts of research assistants and analysts

Your Background
You have published original research in an area related to community development
You have applied the research literature to develop evidence-based frameworks for policy and/or for practical solutions to community development challenges
You have made significant contributions in the area of policy analysis and research as evidenced by impact on the policy process
You are skilled at collaborating with diverse colleagues to create and deliver community development strategies
You are a strong communicator who is able to reach diverse audiences
You have an advanced degree in economics, finance, public policy, or a related social science.

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