[Hiring] Head of Economic Research & Data Insights @NerdWallet

Role Description

We are looking for a Senior Economist to be both the analytical engine behind NerdWallet’s original research and the person who takes it to the world.

• Own the research, analysis, insights, and partner with our Communications team to find the story angles inside the numbers.
• Lead a small team of data journalists who turn analysis into coverage.
• Report to the Director, Public Relations & Communications.

Where you can make an impact:

• Original research and analysis:
  • Set and own NerdWallet’s economic research and reports, including flagship annual studies and recurring indices.
  • Conduct original quantitative analysis using various data sources.
  • Design and interpret survey research, writing reports on new and relevant topics.
  • Develop and publish commentary on major data releases as soon as they publish.
  • Maintain NerdWallet’s editorial standards for methodology, sourcing, and writing.
• Story angles and partnership with Comms:
  • Work with Communications to translate findings into pitchable angles.
  • Maintain a forward-looking pipeline of data narratives tied to seasonal, cultural, and policy moments.
  • Identify unique insights from NerdWallet’s data and push for investment in those areas.
  • Develop supporting materials for journalists.
• Spokesperson and public presence:
  • Serve as NerdWallet’s primary economic voice across various media.
  • Build and sustain relationships with reporters and producers.
  • Build a personal public presence on social and video platforms.
  • Represent NerdWallet at conferences, media dinners, and briefings.
• Editorial leadership:
  • Lead, mentor, and edit a small team of data journalists.
  • Own the editorial calendar for data studies and ensure quality.
  • Raise economic and data literacy across the editorial organization.
  • Act as an internal advisor connecting macro conditions to audience insights.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a related quantitative field (PhD welcome; strong applied experience can substitute for a Master’s).
• 8+ years of applied economics experience, ideally in consumer finance, household economics, housing, or labor markets.
• A public body of work: published research, commentary, or analysis for a general audience.
• Demonstrated comfort as a quoted expert across various media.
• Willing and eager to be on camera and build a social presence.
• Hands-on quantitative skills: R or Python, SQL.
• Fluency with survey methodology and first-party behavioral data.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Fluency with AI tools for research, coding, and analysis.
• Editing and mentoring experience, or evidence of potential.

Requirements

• An established audience or content franchise is preferred.
• Experience at a data-PR-forward organization.
• Experience building a research or data journalism function from scratch.
• Familiarity with credit bureau, transaction-level, or open banking data.
• A track record with policymakers, regulators, or congressional testimony.

Benefits

• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision health care plans.
• Rejuvenation Policy – Flexible Vacation Time Off + 11 holidays + holiday company shutdown.
• New Parent Leave for employees with a newborn or adopted child.
• Mental health support.
• Paid sabbatical after 5 years.
• Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with contributions.
• Monthly Wellness Stipend, Cell Phone Stipend, and Wifi Stipend (remote only).
• Work from home equipment stipend and co-working space subsidy (remote only).
• Nerd-led group initiatives and company-wide events.
• 401K with 4% company match.
• Financial wellness guidance and access to a Certified Financial Planner.
• Disability and Life Insurance with employer-paid premiums.