Director of Economic Research
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Set the research agenda based on business or policy priorities
- Lead economic forecasting and scenario planning
- Oversee data collection, validation, and quality standards
- Design and review research methods and analytical approaches
- Turn findings into clear narratives for executives and stakeholders
- Brief senior leaders on economic trends and key risks
- Partner with finance, strategy, product, and policy teams
- Manage and mentor economists and analysts
- Review publications, presentations, and public statements for accuracy
- Monitor external indicators such as inflation, employment, and rates
Top Skills for Success
Economic Forecasting
Quantitative Analysis
Statistical Modeling
Data Visualization
Research Design
Clear Writing
Executive Communication
Stakeholder Management
Team Leadership
Policy Analysis
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Senior Economist
Lead Economist
Economic Research Manager
Head of Research
Transition Opportunities
Chief Economist
Vice President of Research
Director of Strategy
Director of Insights
Risk Analytics Director
Portfolio Strategy Director
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
People ManagementExecutive CommunicationResearch PrioritizationProduct ThinkingData Engineering BasicsChange Management
Development SuggestionsBuild a portfolio of executive-ready briefings, lead cross functional projects, practice forecasting with clear assumptions, and create repeatable research templates that improve speed and consistency.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelNot typical for this role
Mid LevelUSD 170,000 to 230,000
Senior LevelUSD 230,000 to 320,000
Growth Trend
Stable to growing demand, especially in financial services, consulting, technology platforms, and public policy organizations. Hiring tends to rise during periods of economic uncertainty and major regulatory change.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Federal Reserve BanksInternational Monetary FundWorld BankOECDMoody's AnalyticsS&P GlobalFitch RatingsGoldman SachsJPMorgan ChaseBlackRockMcKinseyBoston Consulting Group
Industry Sectors
BankingAsset ManagementInsuranceConsultingGovernmentCentral BankingThink TanksEconomic Data ProvidersTechnologyReal Estate
Recommended Next Steps
1
Publish a short monthly economic outlook with clear calls to action2
Create a forecasting model with documented assumptions and back testing3
Build a dashboard that tracks a small set of key indicators4
Lead a cross functional project tied to pricing, risk, or growth5
Prepare a board level presentation focused on scenarios and decisions6
Strengthen leadership skills through mentoring and structured feedback