Chief Economist

Chief Economist for the Institute of Directors

Client Details

The Institute of Directors (IoD) is the UK's leading organisation for individual business and organisational leaders. A thriving membership community for company directors, entrepreneurs and senior business leaders in the UK and beyond, the IoD offers professional development, valuable connections, influence and many other benefits to its members and the wider business community.

Key activities of the IoD include providing leading edge representation, support and development for directors and leaders, helping them to achieve greater success for their organisation and their own careers. Its four main imperatives are to grow the membership reflecting the communities it represents, add value to members in all interactions, build on the strengths in governance, policy and professional development and to continue developing IoD finances to give the organisation a firm foundation for the future.

Description

The Chief Economist is responsible for shaping and communicating the IoD's economic policy agenda. The role holder will be one of the IoD's key spokespersons on policy matters. He/she will adopt a highly visible profile in the media and with the UK government. The role involves regular engagement with government ministers and officials to advocate IoD positions and enhance the influence of the IoD. The role also involves interaction with IoD members and other business decision-makers to form IoD positions and share insight on current economic trends and the policy landscape. There are regular public-speaking and thought leadership opportunities, including at conferences and in the media. You will:

• Undertake credible and thought-provoking economic analysis to help formulate IoD positions and build evidence to support them.
• Build a high profile in the media.
• Develop strong relationships with senior government officials, ministers and politicians.
• Present the economic outlook and IoD policy positions at conferences, events and to the media.
• Provide briefings to the IoD membership on economic developments.
• Deliver effective consultation submissions which reflect the broad views of IoD members and take account of the economic, fiscal and political context.

Profile

• Postgraduate economics or related degree from leading university
• At least 5 years' relevant experience combined with the desire and drive to work in a dynamic and high-profile environment.
• Proven experience and aptitude in the following areas:
• Experience in government policy making and an understanding of the policy making process.
• Deep understanding of the UK economy
• Quantitative research analysis capabilities, including an understanding of data and basic econometrics
• Experience of dealing directly with the Media
• Proven background in economics especially experience working on economic policy
• Ability to explain economic concepts to non-expert audiences
• Lateral thinker, able to envisage impact of economic developments across businesses and policy areas.

Job Offer

Circa £90,000 + excellent benefits