The Director’s Financial Analyst (DFA) Program

The DFA Program is a highly selective, two-year full-time rotational fellowship designed to engage new entry professionals in meaningful public service work. We seek a select number of recent college graduates to join the CFPB in this entry-level job that challenges them to use their analytical skills to help make financial markets work better for all. DFAs utilize their analytical capabilities to support Bureau initiatives including, but not limited to, research, benchmarking, comparative analysis, data analysis, problem solving, collaboration, and project management. DFAs complete two, year-long rotations in various divisions of the CFPB, gaining an understanding of the Bureau’s mission and work as well as exposure to multiple policy areas.

During the program, DFAs will help to empower American consumers, develop professional skills, and grow their public service network through exposure to many aspects of a mission-driven agency. DFAs will join a cohort of public service-minded peers they can stay connected to throughout their career journeys. The DFA Program also provides mentorship and both formal and informal training to enhance skills in analytical thinking, writing, communication, and project management.

All DFAs are duty stationed at the CFPB headquarters in Washington, D.C. DFAs are hired at the CN-30 level pay band. Promotion and telework opportunities may be available during the program.

Sample assignments include:

• Supporting CFPB rulemaking efforts through data analysis, research, and outreach with economists, industry experts, and other CFPB stakeholders.
• Conducting market data analysis, creating data visualizations, and providing regulatory guidance to industry through the CFPB’s inquiry functions.
• Conducting data analysis and implementing, managing, and analyzing industry surveys in support of a major rule assessment, enforcement action, or policy priority.
• Providing project management and implementation support to business transformation initiatives, policy development processes, and strategic priority initiatives.
• Conducting data analysis and participating in stakeholder engagement with financial institutions in support of the Bureau’s efforts to advance diversity and inclusion in financial services.

Candidate Evaluation

Applicants will be evaluated for program eligibility based on required submissions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If a candidate meets minimum qualification requirements, they will be invited to complete a written assessment exercise. Applicants may be asked to complete additional screening processes, including interviews. Veterans’ preference will be applied as appropriate.

Program Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the DFA Program (CN-30 pay band), an applicant must:

(1) Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Selectees who accept the job offer will undergo a background investigation.

(2) Be a current undergraduate student who anticipates graduation between December 2023 and June 2024 or an individual who earned an undergraduate degree on or after April 1, 2021. (The degree generally must be from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education).

(3) Have completed, or anticipate completing between December 2023 and June 2024, a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 (or equivalent).

(4) Have successfully completed at least five quantitative courses in any of the following: econometrics, statistics, mathematics, quantitative methods, finance, or similar coursework indicating numeric competency and/or grounded in quantitative analysis.

• Course work must have prepared the candidate to perform basic statistical techniques such as regression analysis, descriptive statistics, probability distributions, statistical t-tests, confidence intervals, ANOVA, and correlation coefficients.
• You may choose to highlight your five relevant courses that meet the quantitative course requirement in your transcript that is submitted with your application.

If you are eligible for Schedule A appointments due to a qualifying disability, please reach out directly to CFPB_DisabilityProgram@cfpb.gov for further information and assistance.