Job Opportunities

CBO’s Budget Analysis Division seeks an assistant analyst to work in the Income Security & Education Cost Estimates Unit, which provides analysis on Social Security, unemployment insurance, education, and other issues. The assistant analyst provides support to other analysts in the unit through data collection and analysis (including statistical programming) and research assistance, as well as providing independent cost analysis of some federal programs.

The Budget Analysis Division is responsible for projecting federal spending and the costs of legislation. This includes developing CBO’s 10-year budget projections, analyzing the President’s budget proposals, estimating the costs of pending legislation, and responding to Congressional inquiries. CBO analysts work closely with other Congressional staff and play a significant role in the legislative and budget process. They also may be called upon to help prepare testimony by the Director for Congressional committees and to develop analyses of broad budget issues for publications.

Qualifications: The position requires a person who can work well as part of a team, take the initiative to gather suitable data to address policy questions, and complete projects in a timely manner. Candidates should have strong quantitative and writing skills, be adept at using spreadsheets, and have some familiarity with statistical software. In addition, candidates should be able to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals, often handling multiple assignments at the same time, and have a desire to work on income security and education issues of current interest to the Congress. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, or a related field of study.

Salary & Benefits: Salary range is $37,000 to $43,000 and is commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Financial Markets Unit of the Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking to hire a banking analyst to assist in monitoring and analyzing developments in the banking industry, and assessing the impact of planned or proposed government actions to address the problems currently facing that industry. CBO’s analysis plays an important role in Congressional deliberations on policy alternatives, and the banking analyst will work closely with other CBO staff in the preparation of studies, reports, and testimony for the Congress on current banking issues. CBO staff often have the opportunity to publish research results in professional journals.

The Financial Markets Unit, which has nine Ph.D.-level economists and financial analysts, has responsibility to support CBO’s analysis and reporting on Treasury use of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the recently enacted $700 billion program aimed at ameliorating the current financial crisis. In addition, it is broadly responsible for analyzing the implications for taxpayers of federal (or federally sponsored) financial programs and institutions, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and student loan programs, and for analyzing developments in financial markets to support CBO’s economic forecast.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a solid understanding of finance theory, including option pricing models, and experience in analyzing bank performance and bank regulation. Experience with manipulating data for the banking industry is essential. Educational background should include a Ph.D. or MBA in finance or economics, or equivalent experience. CBO will be looking for the ability to write clearly for both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive with public service positions and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Health and Human Resources Division seeks candidates who have a background and interest in health analysis and will be available for a Health Policy Internship in the fall.

The Health and Human Resources Division provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of health, income security, education, and employment. Recently, the division has analyzed options for increasing the number of people with health insurance, altering Social Security with the aging of the baby-boom generation, and making use of private health plans in Medicare. Other studies have examined consumer-directed health plans, prescription drug pricing, the effects of medical malpractice reform, as well as changes in low-wage labor markets and the role of immigrants in the U.S. labor market.

Qualifications: The position requires a person who can work well with a number of senior staff members, take initiative to gather suitable data to address policy questions, and complete assignments in a timely manner. Candidates should have strong quantitative and writing skills, be adept at using spreadsheets and basic graphics software, and desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. Ideal candidates are those pursuing a graduate degree in economics, public health, health policy or related disciplines with the desire to work in the analysis of the economic and budgetary impact of health related issues.

Salary & Benefits: Salary range is based on academic level and related experience. Compensation includes a transportation subsidy. The selected candidate would be expected to work a 40 hour week, but an alternate schedule may be considered. Housing and relocation expenses are not provided.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Budget Analysis Division seeks health analysts to focus on components of Medicare, especially prescription drugs, Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Public Health Service.

CBO’s health analysts work closely with key Congressional staff on the development of federal health care policy. Analysts will prepare multiyear spending projections for federal civilian health programs, analyze the Administration’s budget proposals, and prepare cost estimates for legislation being considered by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Legislation may encompass a wide range of initiatives affecting the financing or delivery of health care services, including proposals to modify existing benefits in the Medicaid or Medicare prescription drug programs, finance long-term care initiatives, expand health insurance coverage, and extend patents for drugs.

The Congress relies on such analyses to prepare its annual budget plan, evaluate the President's budgetary proposals, and measure the potential budgetary impact of policy proposals. Individual CBO analysts have wide-ranging responsibilities and often play a significant role in the legislative and budget process.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a graduate degree in public policy, public administration, public health, economics, or a related field. The position requires a person with strong skills in quantitative methods, a strong interest in health policy, and:

• The aptitude to develop and maintain simulation models for analysis of health policies;

• The ability to clearly explain and defend analytic results orally and in writing to colleagues, Congressional staff, Members of Congress, and the public;

• The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, frequently under tight deadlines; and

• The desire to make a visible and direct contribution to the development of health policy in a nonpartisan setting. Experience in policy analysis, knowledge of health care financing issues, familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal health programs, and understanding of prescription drug markets is desired.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Letters of Recommendation
• Short Writing Sample

The Health and Human Resources Division is seeking health economists and health policy analysts.

The Health and Human Resources Division provides the Congress with analyses in the areas of health, income security, education, and employment. In the health area, topics span a range of areas from the large, federally sponsored health programs to the operation and regulation of the private health insurance market. Projects addressing the high level and growth rate of healthcare costs are especially relevant. Current and recently completed studies include an examination of critical issues in modifying the current health insurance system, the potential impact of health information technology on system performance and cost, the impact of preventive services on health status and spending, the effect of current and past obesity on health care costs, and an international comparison of health care systems. Other health policy studies are examining the circumstances of individuals without health insurance and analyzing drug patent challenges and the timing of generic entry.

The successful candidate will contribute to the full range of the division's responsibilities. Those include preparing longer term CBO studies and shorter term memoranda and testimonies, performing detailed analyses of proposed legislation, and assessing the impact on the private sector of a variety of legislative initiatives.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a strong quantitative background, excellent writing skills, and a desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. Applicants should also have a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline; applicants with master’s degrees and substantial experience may be considered. Several years of experience in health policy are preferred but not required.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Management, Business, and Information Services division—which provides support services, including editorial and publishing services—seeks a production editor. The job involves laying out publications adhering to set specifications, incorporating revisions to page proofs, creating and formatting graphics and tables, and editing—usually copyediting and proofreading but sometimes substantive editing. The goal is to produce professional looking technical and analytical reports that are clear and accessible to a broad audience, including Members of Congress, Congressional staff, researchers, and other members of the public.

Qualifications: Candidates must have experience laying out professional publications in a desktop publishing program and must have experience editing (or demonstrated editorial ability). A bachelor’s degree is required. Proficiency with FrameMaker, Word, Excel, Acrobat Pro, and DeltaGraph is ideal; familiarity with PowerPoint, Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop is desirable. Candidates must have an eye for detail, a thorough understanding of English grammar and syntax, and sensitivity to style in writing. Experience with technical subjects and quantitative information presented in tables and graphs is desirable. Strong interpersonal skills; the ability to handle multiple tasks under difficult deadlines; and the flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, as necessary, are important.

Please note - the writing samples we request as part of your application should be brief samples of production work and editing or writing.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Financial Markets Unit of the Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking to hire a securities market analyst to assist in analyzing federal interventions in financial markets. The work will include monitoring and analyzing developments in the securities market, and assessing the impact of planned or proposed government actions to address the problems currently facing the financial markets. CBO’s analysis plays an important role in Congressional deliberations on policy alternatives, and the securities market analyst will work closely with other CBO staff in the preparation of studies, reports, and testimony for the Congress. CBO staff often have the opportunity to publish research results in professional journals.

The Financial Markets Unit, which has nine Ph.D.-level economists and financial analysts, has responsibility to support CBO’s analysis and reporting on Treasury use of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the recently enacted $700 billion program aimed at ameliorating the current financial crisis. In addition, it is broadly responsible for analyzing the implications for taxpayers of federal (or federally sponsored) financial programs and institutions, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and student loan programs, and for analyzing developments in financial markets to support CBO’s economic forecast.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a solid understanding of finance theory and experience in analyzing markets for fixed-income securities and derivative products. Educational background should include a Ph.D. or MBA in finance or economics, or equivalent experience. CBO will be looking for the ability to write clearly for both technical and nontechnical audiences.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive with public service positions and will be commensurate with related experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division is seeking a senior economist with a background in macroeconomic forecasting.

The Macroeconomic Analysis Division advises the Congress about the current state of the economy and financial markets and about likely economic developments, and produces the economic forecast on which the budget calculations are based. It also advises Congress about the likely macroeconomic effects of federal fiscal policy. The position requires writing CBO studies for Members of Congress and their staffs, as well as carrying out original research. CBO staff regularly publish research in professional journals.

Qualifications: Candidates must have at least ten years of experience in forecasting macroeconomic developments and familiarity with both model-based and judgment-based economic forecasting. A Ph.D. in economics or equivalent experience, a deep interest in contributing to the policy debate, and the ability to work well in a fluid policy environment are also necessary. The position will involve considerable writing for lay audiences, so the ability to communicate technical material in a clear manner is essential. Successful candidates will be able to work both independently and as the senior member of a team.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample

CBO seeks a Special Assistant to the Director who would work closely with the Director, the Deputy Director, and other staff to fulfill CBO’s mission of providing timely and nonpartisan analysis.

The Special Assistant will be responsible for coordinating tasks for the Director on fast-moving economic and budget policy topics; preparing materials for meetings and external events; attending and keeping records of meetings (including external speaking events and testimonies); working with the executive assistants of the Director and Deputy Director on scheduling and to ensure proper responses to public communications; researching and collecting background materials for the Director and Deputy Director when they present Congressional testimony or speeches; and undertaking special projects across CBO.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a graduate degree in public policy/administration, economics, law, or other related field or at least 5 years of related experience or training in management, legislation or similar background. Applicants should have superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress under tight time constraints. Superior oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with all levels of staff, members of Congress, and the public are also required.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts (if new or recent graduate)
• Contact Information for Three References

The Health and Human Resources Division is seeking to fill the position of Chief of the Income Security and Employment Unit.

That unit provides the Congress with analyses related to federal programs and policies in the areas of cash and in-kind assistance for low-income people, Social Security and private pensions, income sources and trends, employment and unemployment, and education and training. Products include longer-term CBO studies, shorter-term memoranda and testimonies, and detailed analyses of proposed legislation.

The successful candidate will work with Ph.D.-level analysts in the Unit to plan and implement policy analyses and research projects, and work to improve the quality and accessibility of those products. They will also work on CBO products of their own.

Qualifications: The position requires a person with outstanding leadership, research, and management skills. The successful candidate must have the ability to motivate and direct a strong professional staff. Solid communication skills are essential, especially the ability to communicate technical material in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing. The successful candidate must also have an extensive research portfolio on topics within the unit’s policy areas, and a desire to work on issues of current legislative interest to the Congress. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers an excellent benefits package and an attractive work environment.

How to Apply: Please submit the following items using CBO's job application system:

• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Salary History
• Contact Information for Three References
• Short Writing Sample