Advo A with wings

Research Economist

Help Shape Regulatory Reform for America’s Small Businesses.

The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy), an independent voice within the executive branch, is seeking an Research Economist to join our team in Washington, D.C. Advocacy examines the role and contributions of small businesses in the U.S. economy and advocates for reducing government burdens on small businesses to federal agencies, Congress, and the White House. 

The Research Economist works in the Office of Economic Research, a team of economists dedicated to analyzing the economic impacts of federal policies on small businesses and researching topics relevant to small businesses and regulatory reform.  The Research Economist will develop novel research products on important small business economic issues for public dissemination to stakeholders and policymakers. 

Advocacy is leading the federal effort to reduce regulatory burdens for America’s 36.2 million small businesses and tackle the most pressing regulatory issues across the federal government.  If you are the right person for the job, come join us.

Advocacy is leading the federal effort to reduce regulatory burdens for America’s 36.2 million small businesses and tackle the most pressing regulatory issues across the federal government. If you are the right person for the job, come join us. 


Snapshot

Employment Type: Full-time, Excepted Service (GS Scale)
Education: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Economics or a related quantitative field. 
Salary: Commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience
Reports to: Director, Office of Economic Research


Your Impact

In this role, you will:

  • Produce research on small business issues to be used by Advocacy leadership and staff, stakeholders, and policymakers to increase understanding of small business contributions and challenges. 
  • Develop innovative and novel research to advance deregulatory initiatives in providing regulatory relief to small businesses. 
  • Create economic research products such as research reports, research, fact sheets, research spotlights, issue briefs, talking points, and briefing papers. 
  • Communicate economic analyses of federal policies and regulations relevant to leadership at Advocacy, SBA, and federal agencies. 
  • Analyze economic datasets from government and non-government sources to provide insight into small business trends and policy implications. 
  • Present and promote Advocacy research and statistics to small business stakeholders and policymakers at conferences, roundtables, meetings, and other forums. 
  • Prepare and present small business data to the press and media outlets. 

Qualifications

  • Relevant professional experience in conducting policy analysis and research methods. 
  • Interest in public policy and small business issues. 

Preferred Skills

  • Strong understanding of economics, statistics, and policy analysis. 
  • Expertise using statistical software such as R, Python, or Stata.  
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex information from government and non-government data sources. 
  • Ability to complete quick-turnaround assignments in a dynamic work environment. 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Education

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Economics or a related quantitative field. 

How to Apply

Submit the following to Patrick Delehanty at patrick.delehanty@sba.gov:

  • Cover letter
  • Résumé

For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit https://advocacy.sba.gov/. For more on Advocacy’s research, visit https://advocacy.sba.gov/research-publications/.  


Salary

Advocacy offers a competitive salary commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience.

This is a federal civilian job in the excepted service (Public Law employment). Office of Advocacy employees are paid on the GS scale and receive federal leave, health benefits, and retirement contributions. Advocacy employees work on contracts, subject to renewal by the office head. The employee reports to the Director of Economic Research.


Eligibility Requirements

  • United States citizenship. 
  • Must pass a background check. 
  • Must work in-person at the U.S. Small Business Administration headquarters in Washington, D.C. 

Need assistance?

If you need assistance navigating the application or interview process due to a qualifying disability or medical condition, please email the Office of Advocacy, and someone from our team will contact you directly.


About Us

At Advocacy, we are dedicated to advocating for small businesses in the U.S. and fostering a favorable regulatory environment. As an independent office, we play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions affecting small entities, working closely with federal agencies, Congress, and the public.

Our team supports small businesses by providing expertise, conducting research, and representing their interests during regulatory processes. Advocacy is a great place to build a meaningful career, offering opportunities for professionals to contribute to the growth and success of small businesses across the nation. Explore current openings and join the mission to make a significant impact on the U.S. economy.


Work Culture & Benefits

  • Federal health, dental, and vision insurance
  • FERS + TSP retirement plans
  • Paid leave plus 11+ holidays
  • SmarTrip commuter subsidy

We offer competitive compensation and outstanding federal benefits to its employees. Positions are classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with salaries commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience. Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave. Advocacy is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits, including medical and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and student loan repayment and forgiveness. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have—whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary, or intermittent employee.


Location

You’ll work full-time from our D.C. office at the U.S. Small Business Administration headquarters located at 409 3rd Street SW, Washington, D.C., just steps away from the Federal Center SW Metro stop.

The Office of Advocacy offers SmartTrip commuter subsidy benefits.


EEO Statement

We’re committed to inclusive, accessible hiring. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, let us know.