Budget Analyst (Policy Focused)

CBO’s Budget Analysis Division seeks an analyst for its Income Security Cost Estimates Unit, which provides multiyear projections and cost estimates for legislative proposals related to social insurance, nutrition, income security, and family service programs. The analyst’s initial areas of focus will be unemployment insurance and labor programs but might vary over time depending on the unit’s needs.

The Congress relies on CBO’s work to prepare its annual budget plans, review the President’s budget proposals, and evaluate the budgetary effects of legislation. CBO’s analysts work closely with Congressional staff and federal agency officials; they have wide-ranging responsibilities and often contribute significantly to the legislative and budget process.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a graduate degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or a closely related field; or a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant experience in budgeting or policy analysis. Experience analyzing or working on social insurance, labor or low-income programs is strongly preferred.

Candidates exceeding those minimum requirements also are encouraged to apply; experience will be considered in determining salary and job responsibilities.

The position requires the following:

• The ability to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals;
• Strong quantitative skills—proficiency in Excel and statistical software or a programming language is required (preferably R or Python, though similar software is acceptable);
• Strong oral and written communication skills, especially the ability to explain complex material clearly and concisely to colleagues, Congressional staff, Members of Congress, and the public;
• The ability to work on several analytical problems simultaneously and to complete projects under tight deadlines;
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively; and
• A desire to contribute to policy analysis in a nonpartisan setting.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Tier 2 investigation.

Salary and Benefits

Salaries at CBO are competitive and commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and a collegial, respectful work environment.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, a one- to two-page résumé, a brief writing sample, and contact information for three references at www.cbo.gov/careers. Recent graduates must submit unofficial transcripts. To ensure consideration, apply by September 18, 2026; incomplete applications will not be considered. This position is governed by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.

Contact

Kate Green or Annita Gulati, Washington, D.C., [email protected].