Chief Economist

Summary: 

The Chief Economist (CE) will provide economic research, analyses, and other support as needed to NPPC staff across all advocacy issue areas including antitrust, competition, environment, international trade, labor, production, science and technology, and transportation. In particular, the CE will work closely with the Manager of Competition, labor, and tax on all matters involving competition and the buying and selling of hogs and pork. The CE will provide support to the NPPC Farm Bill Task Force and the NPPC Competition Committee. The CE will be responsible for preparing frequent and regular written economic reports and oral briefings for NPPC staff, the NPPC board and committees, and NPPC investors. This is not a registered lobbyist position.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor, research, analyze, and prioritize domestic hog and pork production, farm, and industry economic issues affecting pork producers and related industries. Provide economic research, analyses, and other support as needed to NPPC staff across all advocacy issue areas including antitrust, competition, environment, international trade, labor, production, science and technology, and transportation
• Consult with the VP and Counsel and other NPPC staff and, as directed by the VP and Counsel, determine the impact of domestic production and farm issues on industry business practices, operational costs and efficiencies, and profitability.
• Work closely with the Manager of Competition, labor, and tax on all matters involving competition and the buying and selling of hogs and pork.
• Prepare frequent and regular written economic reports and oral briefings for NPPC staff, the NPPC board and committees, and NPPC investors as directed by the VP and Counsel.
• Assist with the preparation of background papers, statements for congressional and regulatory hearings, and with the preparation of other materials as needed.
• Project pork industry trends and establish a baseline model of the US pork industry against which various policy impact scenarios can be compared.
• Interface with USDA AMS and familiarity with all U.S. government feeding programs and understanding of the types and specifications of solicited pork products.
• Interface with U.S. government and private sector economists and industry experts.
• Coordinate with other DC office staff on all issues to ensure consistency in objectives, positions and strategies.
• Participate in NPPC’s Farm Bill Task Force, Competition Policy Committee, and other NPPC committees as needed.

Other Responsibilities: 

Take on other assignments and projects which may be outside of primary issue area as needed. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Must possess experience in forecasting trends and markets and modeling.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft office suite, especially excel
• Must be highly self-motivated, work independently, highly detailed, and exercise sound judgement.
• Must have an ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, team-oriented, work environment with NPPC members/staff.
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical analysis into executive presentations.
• Must be highly organized and able to function effectively under high pressure.

Travel:

Requires approximately 25% travel.  Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Education and/or Experience:

Master’s degree in agricultural economics required with four to seven years of experience in economics or related field.

Location:

National Pork Producers Council Washington, DC Office.

This position will remain open until filled.