Senior Research Analyst - Economic and Consumer Insights

About VantageScore

At VantageScore we drive impact for good on a massive scale impacting tens of millions of people across the United States. Our mission is to be the leading credit modeling company delivering the most predictive, most innovative, and most inclusive tri-bureau models and attributes in the US market. Our innovation is increasing access for millions more Americans to financial products and homeownership. Our models are among, if not the most, inclusive in the United States and power billions of credits scores a year.

We are fueled by a growing, exceptionally talented team and are actively seeking individuals who can join us in driving us toward our ambitious goals. At VantageScore, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work within a fast-paced, independent start-up culture while enjoying the financial stability that comes from being backed by the three leading US credit bureaus.

VantageScore® consumer credit scoring models combine the need for both financial inclusion and dependable predictiveness across all scoring ranges. An industry thought leader and technology innovation leader, the company’s most recent models score approximately 94 percent of all adults 18 and older – including 33 million more people than conventional models – without sacrificing safety and soundness. As a result, lenders using VantageScore can extend credit to those who have been historically marginalized, including minority and lower-to-middle-income Americans. VantageScore credit scores are used by over 3,700 banks, fintechs and other companies use VantageScore credit scores every day to assess consumer creditworthiness.

Last year, over 42 billion VantageScore credit scores were used representing a 55% yearly increase. All 10 US banks use VantageScore credit scores or digital tools in one or more line of business. Starting in 2025 the FHFA has required VantageScore credit scores to be used for all mortgages sold to, or guaranteed by, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Get started using VantageScore credit scores today - we are the leader in predictive power and financial inclusion.

About The Role

We are seeking a Senior Research Analyst to develop high-impact research that explains economic, credit, and consumer trends to stakeholders across the financial ecosystem. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with complex datasets, crafting clear narratives, and publishing insights that resonate with business leaders, policymakers, and the media.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with exceptional communication ability — translating data into practical, business-oriented takeaways and compelling stories.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis

• Lead analysis of VantageScore credit data, U.S. economic, labor market, consumer, and credit datasets from government and private-sector sources (e.g., BLS, BEA, Census, FRED, CFPB, MBA, S&P, credit bureau datasets).
• Produce research reports, economic commentaries, and data-driven insights for internal and external audiences.
• Identify emerging trends in consumer credit behavior and connect them to macroeconomic and industry dynamics.
• Support index creation, forecasting, and development of analytical frameworks to evaluate consumer credit conditions.

Publications & Communications

• Write clear, concise, and actionable research publications, reports, blog posts, and data briefs.
• Translate complex findings into narratives relevant for business leaders, media, and industry partners.
• Develop charts, graphs, and visualizations to effectively communicate insights.
• Support press engagements with well-framed talking points and data interpretations.

Industry & Media Engagement

• Contribute to high-profile research products used by lenders, regulators, policymakers, and economic commentators.
• Help respond to media inquiries with timely, accurate data-driven explanations.
• Present findings to clients, industry stakeholders, and at conferences or webinars.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Chief Economist, data science, communications and marketing teams to ensure research supports strategic objectives.
• Partner with Chief Economist to identify research opportunities that advance the organization’s thought leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 3–7+ years of experience in economic research, financial analysis, public policy analytics, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. economic and demographic datasets, including BLS, BEA, Census, Federal Reserve/FRED, and household or credit-related data sources.
• Demonstrated experience writing for industry audiences, senior executives, or public communication channels.
• Proficiency in analytical research with Python or R and comfort working with large or complex datasets.
• Strong quantitative reasoning skills, with familiarity in statistical and/or econometric methods (e.g., regression, time-series analysis, index development).
• Excellent written and verbal communication: Ability to distill complex analysis into clear insights and headlines.
• Experience producing charts and data visualizations that communicate effectively to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within the financial services, credit, fintech, or consumer lending sectors.
• Prior work in a research organization such as a central bank, think tank, credit bureau, analytics firm, rating agency, or economic consulting group.
• Existing portfolio of public-facing analyses, media quotes, or published articles.
• Master’s degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Public Policy, Finance, Data Analytics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Comfort engaging with media or speaking externally.

Key Attributes for Success

• Curious, analytical thinker who enjoys exploring data to uncover meaningful insights.
• Exceptional ability to tell stories with data and write with clarity, precision, and speed.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and evolving priorities.
• Able to balance academic rigor with industry practicality.
• Collaborative and able to work cross-functionally.

Additional

• Compensation: Base + Bonus
• Generous Benefits: 401(K) matched up to 7%, Flexible Time Off, 12 Paid Holidays, Medical/Dental/Vision/Wellness benefits, Monthly Team Events, Modern Work/Collaboration Spaces

Join Us and Be the Catalyst of Change in Fintech! This is an excellent opportunity to shape national conversations about consumer credit, financial inclusion, and economic conditions. This is also a high visibility role with frequent engagement across the financial ecosystem and media, If you are looking to be a part of a mission-driven environment committed to expanding consumer access to credit and are seeking workplace that values intellectual curiosity, high-quality work, and impactful insights, we strongly encourage you to apply!